Hanging Langford flooding relief scheme
An environmentally friendly project is taking place in idyllic surroundings between Salisbury and Warminster.
Essential pipeline maintenance is being carried out at a nature reserve in Hanging Langford, a Special Area of Conservation and Site of Specific Scientific Interest, to reduce the risk of flooding in the nearby village.
The three month, £1m project includes the construction of a storm water sewer and renovation of the current pumping station in order to carry excess flow to a new outfall on the River Wylye.
A new reed bed will ensure there is minimal environmental impact by filtering the water before it reaches the river. It will also help attract river-based creatures and wading bird species to the area.
Environmental scientist, Lizzie Willis, said: “The reed bed is a long term, sustainable solution. Waste water will enter the bed, be filtered through reed and gravel and eventually exit as screened water – without any energy consumption whatsoever.”
Open cut piping will be used to lessen any digging on the nature reserve and tree surgery will help maintain a row of mature poplar trees which line the pipe route.
A vehicle compound has been set up outside of the village to prevent tankers and heavy machinery having to pass through the village.
The project is due to be completed in November 2009.