January update on the dredging of the Steeping
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This newsletter provides an update on the work of the Steeping River Catchment Steering Group and other actions that take place to reduce flood risk. Dredging Phase 2 of the targeted dredging on the Wainfleet Relief Channel (WRC) between the western railway bridge and the layby on the B1195 will start again mid January following the successful application for the required permit. This is scheduled to be completed by mid January 2022 Phase 1 saw a total of 55,000 cubic metres of silt removed. Lagoon C has been constructed just off the B1195, Phase 2. The silt and water mix dredged in Phase 2 will be pumped there to settle. The clear outfall water will run into nearby drains and the dried silt will eventually be mixed back into the land. Lagoons A and B have been returned to agricultural use. Dredging remains a key priority for partners, who know just how it important it is to the community as one of the ways to reduce flood risk here, alongside other steps like regular grass cutting and weed clearance. Lowering the water levels The EA has a duty team working 24/7 who monitor the river and sea levels and weather forecast. This team issues any Flood Warnings that may be needed if property flooding is expected. The water level is lowered upstream of Havenhouse sluice each winter to reduce flood risk. This happened at the beginning of November and affects the Steeping River and WRC. The water will return to summer levels to allow crop irrigation at the end of April. Maintenance Weed cutting to help the dredging work took place, using a small boat and a larger long reach excavator, between mid November and early December. The last seasonal embankment grass cut took place in October. This helps developing roots to bind and protect the bank from erosion and reduce vermin burrows. It also means the defence condition is easier to inspect. Removing burrowing animals to reduce flood risk Mesh barriers have been installed in three places to stop burrowing animals digging into the river bank where they could weaken the defences. The work took place in November at the bottom end of Lady Wath’s Beck and at Steeping Haven near Clough Farm and slightly downstream. Badger setts have been closed under Natural England licence, and the banks protected with a mesh to prevent their return, while still allowing water voles access. Following a successful funding bid, investigations continue into whether something additional would help to reduce flood risk at Lady Wath’s Beck at Great Steeping, north of the B1195. New pointing doors at Burgh Sluice A new set of pointing doors is now in place to replace the old ones. This work was completed before Christmas. Successful bid to replenish fish stock - Native fish numbers have been bolstered, thanks to a successful bid for more stock from the EA’s Calverton Fish Farm. The fish – 1,500 Roach, 1,200 Bream and 200 Tench – went into the Steeping River near the fishing platforms at the end of November, providing more opportunities for local anglers. The bid became possible following the dredging and this newsletter provides an update on the work of the Steeping River Catchment Steering Group and other actions that take place to reduce flood risk. |