HELSTON FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME - SUSTAINABLE OUTCOME
In February 2020 our bespoke contracting team commenced a complex flood alleviation scheme for Kier Integrated Services / Environment Agency on the river Cober in Helston, which would draw upon the specialist skills of our bespoke contracting division. Since completion, we are thrilled to learn that the scheme has won a hat-trick of awards throughout 2021.
Constructing a retaining wall across 20 private gardens and forming a large earth bund through a further 10 gardens, the location made the project sensitive. The project required a specialist contractor that could complete all elements of the project, including, demolishing existing structures, erecting scaffolding in the river Cober to access the river edge, excavating and casting the RC foundations and building the Stepoc walls, as well as casting the bespoke coping stones as the size was irregular.
The northern section of the scheme called for the construction of 330 linear metres of flood banks, requiring the importing of five thousand tonnes of primary (virgin) aggregates to use as a fill material. Using a CEEQUAL calculation, an evidence-based sustainability assessment tool, the distance to suitable material sources meant significant HGV movements would impact air quality and carbon levels. Following extensive research, an alternative solution was found at a local development site, where 5,000t of excavated material was waiting for disposal. Following rigorous testing, the soils from this single site were deemed suitable for the works required.
Fences and gates were erected to cordon off the bank and then the scheme was totally re-reinstated to return the landscaping of the area to its former condition. Working closely with the Environment Agency enormous care was taken to ensure no spoil material entered the watercourse throughout the entire 9-month project for fear of polluting the river.
The project was completed successfully and is a lasting testimony to the ability of WH Bond to take on complex and sensitive schemes, whilst working sustainably.
Since the project was completed last year, the project has won the 2021 Sustainability Award at Ground Engineering Awards 2021, The 2021 Green Apple Environment Award for helping the environment and the ICE South West Civil Engineering 2021 Award for Project under £8m Re-Engineered Award. We are absolutely thrilled to see everyone’s hard work rewarded with a hat trick of awards!
