Update from Canal and Rivers Regarding the Proposed works at Carr Mill Dam

Dear Members

Please read the e mail below reference the proposed works at Carr Mill Dam. This is the first official communication we have received from Canal and Rivers Trust regarding the works, and as you will all see the position/dates are as yet unknown. Any further correspondence or updates will be posted on the Website to keep all our members informed as much as possible.

Regards

The Commitee

 

Firstly, I’d like to apologies for the time it’s taken to get a response to yourself about the works planned at Carr Mill Dam. As we have previously discussed this maintenance project is in the very early days of being planned, and we are yet to appoint a Project Manager, who would do normally this type of stakeholder liaison. In the meantime, I have put together some points for you to share with your membership.

The Canal & River Trust owns Carr Mill Dam and is ultimately responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of the structures associated with the reservoir. Large reservoirs are subject to stringent statutory control under the Reservoirs Act 1975 (as amended by the Flood and Water Management Act, 2010), this is there to assure the safety of the public below dams. The Environment Agency is the enforcement authority for reservoirs in England.

Unfortunately one of the twin draw-off valves has failed and is inoperable.  Emergency drawdown would be by means of the single remaining valve (rather than two) which has a lesser capacity, but it be can be aided by auxiliary pumps.  However the Supervising Engineer is content with the management of the risk in the short term, but it needs to be fully operable before the next inspection. The intention is to replace both valves at the same time, as it is only a matter of time before the second one also becomes unusable.

The current plan is to drain down the reservoir to provide safe access to replace the valves. The use of divers has been discounted on safety grounds. A fish rescue will be needed along with a plan on where to hold the fish and subsequent restocking. The Project Manager normally considers other opportunities to carry out other work which may benefit the reservoir. I would advise you to write down any suggestions, and when the Project Manager is appointed then you can discuss it with them.

I hope that this helps.

Kind regards,

Paul.

Paul Breslin

Fisheries and Angling Officer

  • North Wales & Border
  • Manchester & Pennine
  • North West
  • North East
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3 Comments

  1. There are other methods to access the draw-off valves rather than draining the lake. Any other method should be adopted first.

  2. Would be a great opportunity to dredge the Dam. Especially around the Arches area, So much silt has built up over time resulting in islands forming. Sure the silt could be re-used to repair the banks around the water as well. Behind the arches used to be a prime breading ground for fish. Great opportunity to spruce the place up and to improve the water.

  3. i agree this would be a fantastic chance to improve the dam for the future. clear away the silt from above the arches and some of the top end of the lake below the arches. maybe instal a couple of silt traps to ease future maintenance and silting. clear some of the bank space above the arches and install some new pegs.
    it may even be possible to get the canal and rivers trust to fund or assist with this work. if its planned out well in advance then its easier to coordinate the programme.

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