Leading wet civil engineering firm Land & Water, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its transformative project at Bishop’s Hull Gauging Station in Somerset. This project, which commenced in October 2022, aimed to improve the low flow measuring accuracy of the weir, upgrade remote monitoring infrastructure, increase biodiversity, and enhance fish migration in the area.
The project has also created a safe passage for the endangered European eel, enabling them to travel up and over the weir. The development will not only benefit the European eel but also improve the passage for other fish species, such as salmon, trout, and grayling, allowing them to navigate the structure more safely.
The winter months posed unique challenges for the in-channel works, as water levels, weather conditions, and temperatures dictated the pace of the project. However, through continuous monitoring and long-range forecasting, Land & Water successfully mitigated these challenges, ensuring the project’s progress and maintaining efficiency in its scheduling.
Tom Cartmel, Contracts Manager, at Land & Water, said: “We are extremely pleased to have worked on this project alongside the Environment Agency’s Wessex Hydrometry and Telemetry team within the South West as part of our ongoing frameworks contract.
“Although challenges due to weather, ground conditions, and water levels did arise the Land & Water team tackled these with due regard to safety ensuring that quality assurance was met at each key stage of the build.”
Now that the project has been completed, the weir will significantly enhance low-flow measurements, providing crucial data during times of drought. Moreover, the upgraded remote monitoring infrastructure will ensure the river can be effectively and safely monitored during high flows and flood events, effectively future-proofing the site. The project will also have a lasting positive effect on the biodiversity of the River Tone, as it will benefit numerous fish species, creating a more sustainable ecosystem for all.
Land & Water’s dedication to delivering high-quality civil engineering solutions and safeguarding the environment at places where land and water meet has been demonstrated throughout this project.