22/07/2024
Middle Level Commissioners Desil0ng Works
Stakeholder update July 2024
What are we doing?
Middle Level Commissioners are preparing to carry out desilting works on the Main Drain between Cottons Corner
bridge in Upwell and St Germans Pumping Station. This work will return the Main Drain to its operational
capacity. Desilting is expected to start in October 2024 and last approximately 9 months.
This work is funded by the Environment Agency through Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Grant in Aid
funding from Defra.
Desil2ng the Main Drain
Balfour Beatty are in the process of appointing a sub-contractor to carry out the first phase of the desilting works.
The desilting works will be carried out from the water using excavators situated on pontoons. The material arisings
will be taken from the watercourse and placed on the adjacent bank and le\ to dry. The drying process takes
approximately 12 months, depending on the
weather. Once dry, the material will be reworked
into the bank and the bank reinstated to its original
condition.
In September 2024 we will be establishing a site
compound, close to the works area, and installing 4
temporary crane pads along the Main Drain where
equipment can be lifted in and out of the water.
Between now and September, you may see
members of the project team along the bank
carrying out surveys and ground investigation works.
Access to the Main Drain
The Main Drain and immediately adjacent land are
private land owned by the Middle Level Commissioners. Much of this land does not have any Public Rights of Way.
We aim to maintain access for third parties where agreements are in place, but in order to ensure the safety of the
public and our contractors, some sections of bank may be closed during the works.
Community engagement
We are commi4ed to engaging with local people about the Middle Level
Commissioners and the work that we do. During April and May we hosted 2 public
drop-in events in March and Ramsey Forty Foot that provided our stakeholders the
opportunity to meet the Middle Level Commissioners’ team and ask questions about
the work we do. The events were well received and a4ended, providing us with
valuable feedback.
Our Chief Engineer Nicola Oldfield recently a4ended the March History Society as
guest speaker, providing an insight into the history of Middle Level Commissioners, the
land around us and how much work goes into keeping Fenland dry.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support in our work. We
will continue to keep you up to date with project progress.
If you would like to know more about the Middle Level Commissioners or about the works we are carrying out,
please get in touch. You can contact our Public Liaison team by:
Email: [email protected] Website: h4ps://middlelevel.gov.uk
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