Toddbrook Reservoir repairs – what happens next?
FOLLOWING the damage to the spillway on the wall of Toddbrook Dam and partial temporary evacuation of Whaley Bridge in August 2019, the Canal & River Trust launched a public consultation on the next stage of the repairs.
Engineers from Arup came up with more than a dozen possible options, including the rebuilding of the dam or even decommissioning the reservoir altogether, which would have had drastic effects on the water supply for the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals.
The possible engineering solutions have taken into consideration many factors including the discovery of old coal mine workings under the dam, the access to the site which may involve temporary roadways, ecological surveys which are ongoing that are indicating the presence of bats, the removal of some trees that are on the route of the new spillway and making the new structures earthquake proof.
Now the public have been asked for their views on two possible options for a new spillway that would be built alongside the present damaged spillway, which will be removed and the dam bank grassed over. Simon Bamford, asset improvement director who is leading on the repair project for the trust, explained: “Our aim has always been to keep local residents involved and informed.
“We appreciate the works to make safe the damaged auxiliary spillway have had a big impact on many residents, clubs and businesses, but we are delighted to announce these have now been completed.
“We appreciate that the second major phase of works due to start next year is likely to continue to cause some disruption and we do thank everyone for their patience and understanding.
“Keeping people safe is our top priority. As part of that we want to create the best 21st century solution for controlling the reservoir and enabling it to continue in its vital task of supplying water to the Peak Forest Canal.”
The two possibilities are one on the right of the dam looking from the bottom up or one on the left. The left-hand one would involve more trees being removed while the right-hand one (option A) might mean having to relocate the Toddbrook Sailing Club’s clubhouse.
If option A is settled on there is the possibility that the lower part of the new spillway, which would also be carrying water away from the bywash channel, could become a water feature in the park between the dam and the River Goyt.
As part of the decision-making process, the trust still needs to commission a number of ground investigation and environmental surveys. Discussions with near neighbours, including the sailing club and Whaley Bridge Athletic Football Club, will also play a role in arriving at a decision on the viability of each option.
The work will require planning permission and it is expected to start in spring 2021 with the aim of refilling the reservoir over the winter of 2022-23. In the meantime the pumps and pipework that are keeping the water level down in the reservoir will remain in place. These have now been purchased by CRT, which is a cheaper option than continuing to hire them.
Public drop-in sessions at the Whaley transshipment warehouse were due to take place in September although most of the consultation was expected to be carried out via the internet at www:// canalandrivertrust.org.uk/restoringtoddbrook-reservoir and was due to close on September 30.