Case Study - Kennet Emcor

Project: Kennet Emcor
Project Location: Woolhampton
River System: Kennet and Avon Navigation

Client: BA, Emcor
Date of Installation: February 2009

Project Brief

To repair a section of bank that has been severely damaged by American Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus).

Burrowing crayfish caused a breach in the bank and water was flooding through BA owned land and putting nearby property, a SSSI reed bed, and railway line at risk

Solution

A soft engineered front edge was constructed and backfilled with gravel rejects and type 1 gravels.

As water slowly percolated through the gravels within the structure, it brought sediment with it which further sealed the bank - repairing the breach whilst also forming a barrier for crayfish.

Downloads

Project photo diary - View

Crayfish burrowing has caused mass erosion and multiple breaches

The small path to site and railway crossing made access particularly taxing. Material was brought in via a BW work barge and fill was lifted into place with the on-board crane.

Efficient work practice and a novel approach enabled this potentially complicated project to be completed ahead of schedule

Site repaired and armoured