Investment
in the water sector is a subject of intense discussion at the moment. One successful high profile investment
nearing completion is the Thames Tideway.
After substantial debate and years of construction it is nearing
completion with the caps being put in place on the various combined sewer
overflow (CSO) drop shafts which connect the existing sewage system to the new
“super sewer”. The Thames Tideway
construction company “Tideway” occasionally invites organisations to learn
about the Tideway and progress in its construction and commissioning. Water
Conservators were invited to join a boat for a tour of the sites.
We started
at the London Bridge City Pier and travelled downriver to the King Edward Park
foreshore where they have built an extension to the park to cover the drop
shaft, air treatment chamber, valve chamber and interceptor chamber. Here is where the main tunnel diverts away
from the river via the Limehouse Cut to Abbey Mills pumping station and onwards
towards Beckton Sewage Works via the Lee Tunnel.
We then made
our way slowly upriver, visiting the various engineering sites. In most cases the associated air treatment,
CSO, monitoring and pumping equipment is hidden below the ground, generally
topped by a small park with gardens, trees and sculptures. The sculptures disguise the air treatment
vents. The designs reflect the history
and value of the Thames and each particular area. Much of the work in creating these green areas
has been accomplished in consultation with the local population.
On the
Bazalgette Embankment is the intercept for the Fleet Sewer which spills more
than half a million tonnes of sewage into the river each year. The new drop shaft and CSO outfall are slowly
disappearing below a new piece of public land.
The
development of the Thames Tideway has been a success for Thames Water customers
(albeit they will be paying towards the costs for many years). It is a success for the construction company
Tideway, Thames Water and successive governments. Without it the UK would have been infracted
for breaching water quality standards by the EU. It is a major success for the Thames and its
ecosystem which will improve significantly without the regular sewage
discharges into the river.
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