The Environment Agency plan to undertake a project at the beginning of May this year.
The project may take 6 weeks or more and involves the clearance and maintenance of the Siston Culvert (illustrated below) which is one of the Environment Agencies Flood Defence Assets.
As you can see from the above illustration it is currently proposed to access the Culvert from both ends ( the inlet and outlet) – clearing and maintaining the Northern (Inlet) section first travelling south and then the Southern end (outlet) clearing North.
To date discussions have taken place with South Gloucestershire Council and it is confirmed that the Environment Agency will be gaining access to the outlet via Siston Common. In order to do so measures will be taken to mitigate any damage so far as possible during the works but in any event the Environment Agency will take all necessary steps to reinstate the land/common which will be subject to a full Photographic Schedule of Condition – depending on communication with the Northern (Inlet) Landowner it is possible that alternative access via the Common will be considered.
A brief description of the works involves the removal of all waste/materials that has found its way into the culvert channel, it is estimated that there is possibly 40t of rubbish along with silts and debris deposits that have built up over time, as you may appreciate removal if this material is essential in order to assess any repairs that are needed along with maintaining an important flood defence for the protection of the local area. In order to achieve this a “vacuum” type piece of equipment will be used to remove debris which will then be transported off site immediately in lorry loads.
The shortest route possible will be used to access the Outlet via the Common, bog mats will be used to minimise ground disturbance, a section of bund will need to be removed next to the highway to allow access but all soil will be stored/replaced and reseeded, the kerb edges will be protecting from impact by the placement of sleepers, and banksman will be used to direct members of the public around the working area, again to date this has been approved and accepted by both S. Gloucestershire Council Streetworks Dept. and we continue to work closely with the Councils Biodiversity Officer as it relates to the Common and measures under the Commons Act.
During the “works” /project – the Environment Agency will also look at amongst other things, the water quality of the Brook and it is hoped that any findings and data can be shared with South Gloucestershire Council to inform part of their Thriving Waters Project.