Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Introduction
Currently, untreated sewage regularly overflows into the River Thames from Londons Victorian sewerage system via combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The proposed Thames Tunnel would intercept these overflows through the use of a new storage and transfer tunnel, which would link west London and Abbey Mills Pumping Station. The sewage flow would then be transferred to Beckton Sewage Treatment Works via the Lee Tunnel. The reduction in untreated sewage entering the River Thames would bring long-term benefits for the environment and users of the River Thames. In order to deliver the project we need a number of sites along the route and this document identifies our current preferred site at Barn Elms.
Key facts
Local authority: CSO name: CSO spill volume in an average year: Site type: Duration of main construction works: Richmond upon Thames West Putney Storm Relief 34,000m (equivalent to approximately 14 Olympic swimming pools) CSO site Approximately two and a half years.
Thames Tunnel
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Barn Elms
Section 1: Introduction and site information
We are proposing to use the south eastern corner of the Barn Elms Schools Sports Centre for this construction work and to accommodate permanent structures required to operate the main tunnel. The site would be used to connect the existing local CSO, known as the West Putney Storm Relief, to the main tunnel. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1A. The Thames Path and River Thames are located to the east of the site. To the north are some of the Barn Elms Schools Sports Centre pitches and facilities. Putney Lower Common is located to the southwest. At the most southerly point of the site are Beverley Brook and the Beverley Brook footpath, which separate the London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth in this location. The site is adjacent to the Putney Embankment Conservation Area. The site also includes a maintenance site access road that would link to Queen Elizabeth Walk. This site information paper sets out our proposals at Barn Elms. We have also produced project information papers, which cover overarching topics relating to the project. Where we consider that a project information paper is particularly relevant, we have highlighted this in a related documents box. At the end of this site information paper is a list of other documents, which may be of interest and a glossary of terms.
Introduction
Proposed tunnel route centreline Local authority boundary Existing sewer Existing CSO
k Roc s La ne
Beverley Brook Putney Lower Common West Putney Storm Relief CSO
Horne Way
WANDSWORTH N
Mill H
ill Roa
Barn Elms
CSO
What we proposed at phase one consultation
Through our site selection process, we identified four possible shortlisted sites to intercept the West Putney Storm Relief CSO. At phase one consultation, which was held between September 2010 and January 2011, we presented these sites: Foreshore, adjacent to Barn Elms Boat Repair Yard, off Putney Embankment Leaders Gardens, Putney Embankment Barn Elms. Barn Elms was identified as our preferred site at phase one consultation. The size of the site required at Barn Elms is significantly smaller than presented at phase one consultation, since we only need a site to intercept the CSO in this location. This means that the temporary effects on the playing fields would be reduced. We would no longer need to relocate the Scout Hut or divert the Thames Path. We would not need to construct a new temporary jetty and mooring structures, since the reduction in excavated material would not justify the associated costs and disruption.
Q&A
CRR
Construction
Section 2: Construction
Construction activities
Construction activities are required to intercept the CSO. We would construct an interception chamber to intercept the CSO. A connection culvert would link the interception chamber to a drop shaft (approximately 34m deep), through which flows would pass down to a short connection tunnel. This would join to the main tunnel. Figure 2A illustrates the below ground infrastructure proposed. These activities would take place within the area indicated by the red line in Figure 1A, in five main phases, lasting approximately two and a half years in total. The main construction activities associated with these phases are set out in Table 2.1.
Existing sewer
Valve chamber
Interception chamber
Drop shaft
Main tunnel
Barn Elms
Phase 1 Advance works
Table 2.1: Main activities during construction phases
Site setup
Figure reference
Typical working hours Utilities connected
Varies
Figure 2C
Standard
Utilities diverted or protected Site cleared Site facilities and access set up Drop shaft excavated and built Short connection tunnel excavated and built Above and below ground structures constructed Mechanical and electrical equipment installed Site restored and landscaped Temporary site facilities removed
Our typical working hours are expected to be: Standard: 8am-6pm weekdays, 8am-1pm Saturday* Extended standard: 6pm-10pm weekdays, 1pm-5pm Saturdays Continuous: 24 hours a day, seven days a week** Varies: Working hours for advanced works will depend on the nature of the works and will be agreed with the local authority
* Standard working hours would also include, subject to agreement with the local authority: a short period (up to one hour) before works start and after they have finished to allow our workers to prepare for work and check the site. equipment and machinery maintenance could also take place 1pm-5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday. ** The main activities taking place 24 hours a day are below ground or within an enclosure.
Construction
Phase 3 Tunnelling
Figure 2C
Continuous
Barn Elms
Site layout and construction phases
Figures 2C and 2D show how the site might be laid out during the construction phases, which are set out in Table 2.1 and Figure 2B. These layouts have been informed by the size of the infrastructure proposed, the construction methods required and the location of neighbouring buildings and structures. They have also been developed to minimise effects on the local community and environment. Particular factors at this site that have influenced the layout are as follows: Owing to the change in function of the site since phase one consultation from a main drive to a CSO interception site, the location of the construction site is now in the south of the previous Barn Elms site, adjacent to the Beverley Brook watercourse. This means that the site is smaller and the potential effect on the sports pitches has been confined to a temporary loss during construction. Access to and construction on the foreshore of the River Thames are no longer required, eliminating the potential effect on river navigation and river users; and avoiding the need to relocate the Scout Hut or divert the Thames Path. At phase one consultation, two different options for site access were proposed; a third option was considered following feedback from phase one consultation. Where possible, we have discussed these options with relevant stakeholders and the option to construct a temporary access road from Rocks Lane (A306) along the northern side of the Beverley Brook watercourse is preferred. This option reduces the effect on common land, avoids Queen Elizabeth Walk, is considered safer as there would be no interaction with users or pitches and does not interfere significantly with public access routes. The site layouts are indicative only. The contractor may arrange the site in a different way, depending on the chosen construction methods, provided that any environmental effects are appropriately managed, and that the main construction activities are undertaken within the red line shown in Figure 1A. Year 1 Advance works Year 2
P3 P1 P2
P5 P4
Figure 2B: Construction timeline showing approximate duration of works in phases (P)
Construction
Barn Elms
Inset Cranes Drop shaft HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM
k Roc s La ne
Beverley Brook WANDSWORTH Maximum extent of construction site for phases 1, 2 and 3 Site hoarding Local authority boundary Site support/welfare 10
See inset
Excavated material storage and processing Maintenance workshop and storage Construction support
Construction
Inset
Drop shaft
Crane
k Roc s La ne
Beverley Brook WANDSWORTH Maximum extent of construction site for phase 4 Site hoarding Local authority boundary Site support/welfare Internal site road Site access 11
See inset
Barn Elms
Additional works and activities
The main construction activities at this site are set out in Table 2.1. We would also need to undertake additional works and activities, some of which may be located outside of the area indicated by the red line in Figure 1A. The anticipated additional works and activities are set out in Table 2.2.
When
Type of works
What we would do
Installation of equipment to The locations of monitoring equipment would be agreed with the monitor environmental matters local authority and relevant landowners. such as noise, vibration and dust. We would undertake studies to identify any effects our construction work may have on third party structures. The studies may recommend particular construction methods or, in very limited instances, protection works. If protection works are required to the existing sewer, we would access the sewer network through existing manholes.
Protection works to third party structures (such as buildings, bridges and tunnels).
Temporary connection to utilities (such as water, sewer, phone and We expect to connect to utilities in Rocks Lane (A306). electricity supply). Traffic management works. These may need to extend beyond our site and could include relocating kerb lines, repainting road lines, temporary relocation of a bus stop on Rocks Lane (A306)and modifying traffic signals. The existing southern pavilion changing rooms are on the alignment of the construction site access road. There is an existing planning permission for the demolition and redevelopment of the southern pavilion changing rooms, which has yet to be taken forward. If this planning permission is not implemented, as part of our works at this site we would need to relocate/replace the southern pavilion changing rooms. Replacement/relocated changing rooms would be provided outside of the area indicated by the red line in Figure 1A, in a location agreed with London Borough of Wandsworth and the Barn Elms Sports Trust. We expect to connect to utilities either from Rocks Lane (A306) or from the Thames Path.
Permanent connection to utilities (such as water, phone and electricity supply) for the operational tunnel.
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Construction
Phase 3 Tunnelling
2 lorries
6 lorries
7 lorries
Table 2.3: Average daily lorry visits during the peak months
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Barn Elms
HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM
Rocks Lane
k Roc s La
ne
N
Figure 2E: Proposed access route to the site from the nearest major road
Draft limit of land to be acquired or used Internal site road Site access
Local authority boundary Transport for London (TfL) road network Proposed lorry access to TfL road network
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Construction
15
Barn Elms
Issue
Possible relocation of the Scout Hut, which is located to the east of the site, between the playing fields and the River Thames.
Our response
Since phase one consultation, the decision to use Barn Elms as a CSO-only site means that the scout hut would not be directly affected. If necessary, suitable mitigation measures would be implemented to reduce any possible construction effects on the Scout hut. Since phase one consultation, the decision to use Barn Elms as a CSO-only site means that the potential effect on sports pitches has been confined to a temporary loss during construction. We are currently investigating temporary replacement options in the local area. It is not anticipated that there would be any permanent loss of sports pitches. There is an existing planning permission for the demolition and redevelopment of the southern pavilion changing rooms, which has yet to be taken forward. If this planning permission is not implemented, as part of our works at this site we would need to relocate/replace the southern pavilion changing rooms. We would discuss any necessary alternative arrangements with the local authority and Barn Elms Sports Trust. Only a very small number of trees would need to be removed. The route of the access road has sought to minimise the effect on existing trees, vegetation and the river bank as far as possible, in combination with careful root protection, pollarding and trimming methods. Access to the riverside is not required at this site; the Thames Path would not therefore be affected in this location. Since phase one consultation, the decision to use Barn Elms as a CSO-only site means that construction on the foreshore of the River Thames is no longer required. Consequently, our works would have no effect on the River Thames. The contractor would be required to implement noise and vibration control measures at the worksite, which will be set out in the CoCP. Continuous tunnelling would only be undertaken for a short period of time to construct a small connection tunnel from the drop shaft to the main tunnel.
Loss of southern pavilion changing rooms to form the construction access road from Rocks Lane (A306). Potential loss of and damage to trees to form the construction access road from Rocks Lane (A306). Possible diversion of the Thames Path. Possible effect of foreshore construction activities on river navigation and river users. Possible effect of noise and vibration on neighbouring areas.
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Construction
Issue
Possible effects on local air quality and dust nuisance in neighbouring areas. Possible effects of construction activities on the Beverley Brook Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
Our response
Preliminary findings indicate that while there is the potential for dust nuisance effects, there are unlikely to be any significant local air quality effects at any of the sites. The contractor would put in place air and dust control measures at the worksite, which will be set out in the CoCP. Ecological surveys are being undertaken to identify possible effects arising from construction activities and ensure that they are carefully located and managed to minimise direct effects on local wildlife. The contractor would put in place various control measures at the worksite to minimise these effects, as far as possible. These will be set out in the CoCP.
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Barn Elms
Section 3: Future use
This section describes the site after the completion of the construction work, ie when the main tunnel is in use the operational phase. Our permanent works need to incorporate functional elements, which are required for the operation of the tunnel. These include: Underground structures including: a CSO drop shaft with an internal diameter of approximately six metre connection tunnel to the main tunnel, connection culvert, interception chamber, valve chamber and a passive filter chamber. An above ground structure over the CSO drop shaft to provide access into the shaft. An above ground structure incorporating an electrical and control kiosk, access to the interception chamber and a ventilation column. Maintenance vehicle access. Table 3.1 sets out the site specific issues that have influenced our permanent design proposals and how we have addressed them in our proposed design.
Design
Since phase one consultation we have progressed the design for the permanent use and appearance of the structures at Barn Elms. The design of the permanent proposals follows our scheme-wide principles and takes into account comments made and ongoing engagement with the London Borough of Wandsworth and other technical consultees.
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Future use
Issue
Our response
The permanent works have been located close to the existing CSO at its interception point to avoid the permanent loss of any sports pitches.
Preserving existing sports Since phase one consultation we have significantly reduced the potential effect on pitches, facilities and Metropolitan Open Land by minimising the footprint of the permanent works. infrastructure. To avoid disturbance of the high pressure gas main to the north of the site, the permanent works have been located a suitable distance away. The permanent works would be enclosed by two separate structures that we are considering cladding with habitat walls. In combination with additional planting, this would aim to increase biodiversity and reduce visual effects by blending with the landscape through good design. A free standing ventilation column is not proposed at this site. All ventilation equipment is enclosed within the two structures. Ecological surveys are being undertaken to identify specific species and types of flora and fauna that may be affected by the permanent works. We are also considering various landscape design features for wildlife, including habitat walls for both structures on site, dense border vegetation and wild flower planting. The permanent access road would be composed of a reinforced concrete material that allows grass to grow through to retain the ecological value and visual amenity of the site.
Table 3.1: Site specific issues that have influenced our permanent design
Future use
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Barn Elms
Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show the current site and provide an illustration of our design proposals. Further information on the development of our design can be found in the Design development report.
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Future use
Figure 3B: Artists impression of the site after the works are completed
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Barn Elms
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Future use
Habitat wall
N Felled logs for habitat growth CSO drop shaft concealed within habitat wall Interception structures, ventilation structures and control kiosk integrated into single above ground structure concealed by habitat wall
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Barn Elms
Operation and maintenance
Once the tunnel is operational, we would need access to the site occasionally for inspection and maintenance purposes. We expect to visit the site approximately once every three to six months to carry out inspections and maintenance of the ventilation and below ground equipment. This is likely to involve a visit by staff in a small van, and may take several hours. Once every ten years, we expect to carry out a major internal inspection of the tunnel and underground structures. This is likely to involve a small team of inspection staff, a small team of support crew and two mobile cranes to lower the team into the shaft. This is likely to take several days and would require temporary fencing around the shaft for safety and security while the inspection takes place. We may also need to make visits to the site for unplanned maintenance or repairs, for example, if there is a blockage or equipment failure. This may require the use of mobile cranes and vans. Permanent vehicular access would be from Queen Elizabeth Walk. We would extend the existing permanent access route south of the boat house facilities with a reinforced ground material that allows grass to grow through. This has been chosen to minimise the visual effect on Barn Elms Schools Sports Centre.
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Future use
Issue
Possible odour effects during the operation of the tunnel.
Our response
Odour effects at this site are expected to be negligible because we have developed an Air management plan to minimise possible odour and air quality effects arising from the operation of the tunnel. The technology we are proposing to use at this site includes the use of passive, below ground, carbon filters that will remove possible odour before air leaves the ventilation equipment. Permanent access would be required for maintenance and servicing purposes to the shaft and ventilation equipment. Any planned maintenance visits would be undertaken during normal working hours and all visits managed to avoid disruption to local residents, businesses and users of affected public areas as far as possible.
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Further information
This section sets out documents which may be of particular interest. Further information on our proposals can be found on our website (www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk) or is available upon request (call our customer centre on 0800 0721 086).
Changes
Q&A
Consultation
Design
Environment
Managing construction
Odour
Sets out our Air management plan and how it will work.
Options
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Sets out the preferred route of the main tunnel and the reasons for our preference.
Sets out the process we followed to find and select our preferred sites. Contains information on the different transport options we have considered for delivering and removing materials from our sites.
Transport
Site information papers provide information that relate to each preferred site along the route of the Thames Tunnel project. The following site information paper may be of particular interest.
CRR
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Further information
Technical reports
Theme Phase one consultation Icon Title Report on phase one consultation: summary report Details Provides a summary of the comments made at phase one consultation and our responses.
SUMMARY
Code of construction practice Part A: Sets out control measures to be adopted during the project General requirements construction period. (CoCP) Air management plan Preliminary environmental information report (PEIR) Design development report Outlines the methods which we will use to manage odour from the main tunnel at all our preferred sites. Contains initial assessments on the environmental effects of the Thames Tunnel project based on information collected to date. Please refer to volume 9 of the non-technical summary and volume 9 of the PEIR for more information on this site. Provides a general overview of how the scheme design at each site has evolved to date. Please refer to chapter 6 for more information on this site. Provides an overview of the development of the Thames Tunnel project and how each site was chosen. Please refer to Appendix C for more information on this site.
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Site glossary
Term
Biodiversity Biodiverse roof Carbon filters Combined sewer Combined sewer overflow (CSO) Connection tunnel Conservation area Draft limit of land to be acquired or used Drop shaft Foreshore Interception chamber Main tunnel/connection tunnel drive site Main tunnel Operational phase Thames Tunnel project Transport for London Road Network (TLRN)
Definition
The variety of plant and animal species in a given environment. A roof which supports a wide variety of plant and animal species and reduces stormwater runoff. Filters that remove odours before the air is released from the tunnel. A single sewer system that takes both rainwater and domestic and industrial wastewater. A structure, or series of structures, that allows sewers to overflow into the river when they are full as a result of increased rainfall. Without the overflows, the sewers would back up and cause flooding in streets or houses. A tunnel connecting a drop shaft to the main tunnel. An area designated by the local authority or English Heritage as having special architectural or historical interest. The extent of land that we may need to use or acquire, or over which rights may be needed to carry out works that are essential to the project. A vertical circular concrete structure, used to drop flows from the high level of the CSO to the low level of the main tunnel. It would also be used to provide access to construct the connection tunnels. Ground uncovered by the river when the tide is low. A structure, built on an existing combined sewer, which diverts stormwater overflow into the main tunnel. A site that would be used to construct the main tunnel or connection tunnel. The excavated material would be removed from the tunnel and the concrete tunnel lining segments would be delivered to the tunnel at the main/connection tunnel drive site. The tunnel from Acton Storm Tanks to Abbey Mills Pumping Station. After the completion of the construction work, when the main tunnel is in use. The Thames Tunnel project comprises a storage and transfer tunnel, from west London to Beckton Sewage Treatment Works in east London, and the control of 34 CSOs along the Thames Tideway. The network of roads managed by Transport for London. These are the major or strategic roads, which have high capacity. 29
Barn Elms
Phase two consultation: Barn Elms Autumn 2011 110-ED-PNC-00000-000070
For further information or to comment on our proposals see our website: www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk
It is very important that you understand the information we have provided. If you need further information in another language, braille, large print or audio format please contact us on 0800 0721 086.
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