Drainage engineers from Lanes Group have used advanced high suction technology to remove 100 tonnes of silt, rubble and other debris from two culverts to help protect homes from flooding.
They carried out the work on behalf of the Norfolk Strategic Flooding Alliance (NSFA), a multi-agency organisation that plans measures to prevent and respond to flooding in Norfolk.
Lanes Drainage Services UK deployed one of its powerful Muller jet vac tankers, which have high volume vacuumation capabilities, to carry out the work in North Attleborough, between Thetford and Norwich.
Restored to full capacity
Scott Stewart, Operational Supervisor at Lanes, said: “We were very pleased to be asked to support such an importance programme of flood prevention work.
“Using the Muller jet vac tanker allowed us to remove most of the silt and other material in the culverts remotely through a suction hose, which is safer, quicker and more cost-effective for the NSFA.
“Removing the material has restored the culverted sections of the water courses to their full capacities. This allows water to flow more freely, greatly reducing the risk of water backing up, causing localised flooding.”
Breckland District, Norfolk County and Attleborough Town Councils, alongside Anglian Water, funded the flood prevention work before the start of winter when flood risks are at their highest.
Strict safety protocols
Working over a four month period, the Lanes teams removed silt and other debris, including rubble and vegetation, from around 400 metres of circular 750mm-diameter concrete pipe, plus a concrete box culvert under the B1077 Norwich Road.
They used powerful water jets to dislodge material that, in some places, had half-filled the culverts. Most of the material could then be vacuumed up into the jet vac tanker and taken to an authorised waste site of safe disposal.
In the box culvert section, a team of Lanes drainage engineers were also sent into the culvert, following strict health and safety protocols, to shovel the silt into the suction pipe.
The cleaning work was a priority for the NSFA because water from the two culverts, part of the Besthorpe Stream system, had contributed to flooding of properties along Mill Lane, Ferguson Way and Norwich Rd during Storm Babet last October.
‘Best way’ to protect from floods
The significance of the programme flood risk reduction work was made clear in a media release issued by Norfolk County Council about the work on behalf of the NSHA.
NSFA Chair Henry Cator said: "I'm proud of all of our partners who have stepped up this summer to make sure the area is better prepared for any further flooding this year.
“We all have a role to play in making sure our existing infrastructure is ready for more heavy rainfall, and I hope the hard work here will inspire others to look at their own homes and think about how they can be better protected."
Cllr James Bensly, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "The work at Attleborough was a big job, moving tons of material.
“But the basic premise is the same across Norfolk: the best way to protect properties from flooding is to ensure floodwater has a way to drain away from your home or business.
“We know we're likely to see more flooding this year and, as winters become warmer and wetter, into the future as well, so every home or landowner should be asking themselves what they need to do to make sure water can drain safely away from their property, whether it's as simple as clearing the gutters or as demanding as excavating culverts on their land."
Largest wastewater specialist
With groundwater levels across Norfolk remaining high following a wet spring and summer, members of the NSFA are carrying out similar schemes at a number of flood risk locations across the county.
The county council has prepared advice for householders and property owners who want to prepare for potential flooding.
Lanes Group is the UK’s largest wastewater and drainage services specialist. Its trained and qualified teams deliver services using the latest drainage technologies for water companies, other businesses, public bodies and domestic customers.