New scheme provides flooding relief (Branksome Chine, Poole)
29 September 2008
Wessex Water is starting the construction of a £3m scheme to prevent future flooding near a popular Dorset attraction.
Over the next few months visitors to Branksome Chine in Poole will see the company modernising an emergency outfall pipe which runs underneath the beach and out to sea.
The outfall pipe, which is being increased in diameter from 375mm to 800mm, is used only during extreme rainfall to release screened waste water into the sea under consent from the Environment Agency.
Currently the pipe, which is more than 100 years old, has not been able to cope with the huge volume of waste water which has resulted in the flooding of a nearby car park.
This scheme intends to reduce the possibility of flooding by increasing the capacity of the outfall pipe.
There will be limited parking at Branksome Chine while the work takes place but pedestrian access to the beach will be maintained at all times.
Project engineer Paul O’Shea said: “We appreciate in the short term the construction work may cause some limited disruption to people who visit the area which is why it has been planned during the low tourist season.
“However, once complete, the scheme will help to reduce the possibility of flooding.
“We apologise for any inconvenience these essential works may cause and would like to hear from anyone who has any questions about the improvement works.”
If anyone has any questions regarding Wessex Water’s scheme please call 0845 600 4 600.