BRIGHTON & HOVE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SCHEME (Update received from Southern Water / 4D Contractors)

Portobello Pumping Station Site

Where Is It?

Within the existing Southern Water site at Portobello, Telscombe alongside the A259 South Coast Road.

How Long Will You Be Working Here?

Works will commence at the Portobello Pumping Station site on 27th July 2009 with a completion date of summer 2011.

What Work Is Being Done Here?

We will be excavating the ground to construct the pumping station building below current ground level so that once finished, the reinstated ground level will be similar to existing levels.

We will be sinking 3 shafts on the site.  The pumping station shaft will be 18m diameter sunk to a depth of approx 34m.  This will ultimately receive wastewater flows from the west along the tunnel being constructed from Brighton Marina.  These flows will be lifted 13m within the shaft and transferred into the new tunnel being constructed between Portobello Pumping Station and the Wastewater Treatment Works at Peacehaven.  The second shaft will be 9m diameter and sunk to a depth of approx 30m.  This will receive the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) from Ovingdean.  The Third shaft will be 9m diameter and sunk to a depth of approx 17m.  This will receive the TBM from the Peacehaven Wastewater Treatment Works.  We will then be constructing a building over the main pumping station shaft to house the machinery associated with the pumping station.

What Are The Working Hours?

0700 hours to 1900 hours Monday to Friday   *   0700 hours to 1300 hours on Saturdays

How Will You Access The Site?

 Access to the site will be the existing access to the Portobello site from the A259 South Coast Road.

How Will I Be Affected By The Works? 

We will need to temporarily divert the footway alongside the A259 to enable the wall bordering the site to be removed.  This will be reinstated in due course.  As it is a construction site, there will inevitably be an increase on existing noise levels.  Noise levels will be carefully monitored and managed throughout the works to ensure they are within the limits set by East Sussex County Council as part of the planning permission for the site.

What Are You Doing About Wildlife On The Site?

We have undertaken extensive surveys across the site to identify the wildlife that would be potentially affected by the works and used the survey information to develop a management plan.  We have engaged ecology consultants to work with us to ensure that we undertake any works in accordance with the management plan and any relevant legislation.

What Will We See In The First Weeks?

On 27th July we will start to clear the site of reptiles.  This will involve fencing the site with a reptile proof fence to prevent reptiles getting into the working area.  Any reptiles within the working area will then be captured and moved outside of the fenced area.  This will continue for a 4 week period.  Towards the end of August/beginning of September we shall then prepare the site ready for commencement of works.

The first works will involve the diversion of the existing access road slightly to the south to accommodate the construction works, followed by the excavation of the footprint for the pumping station building, prior to the sinking of the shafts.

How Will The Site Be Reinstated At The End Of The Works?

The existing boundary wall to the east of the main site entrance will be replaced with a brick and flint wall.  The site will be reinstated to similar ground levels, and the roof of the pumping station will be grassed.  It is also proposed to undertake some other improvements to the site as part of the scheme.

Will It Be Safe For Members Of The Public To Walk Past The Site?

Southern Water and 4D regard the safety of the public and the workforce as the highest priority and safe working practices will be adopted at all times.  All works will be fully contained within barriers and any changes to pedestrian routes will be clearly marked.

You are asked to take care in the vicinity of the works and particularly to advise children of the dangers of playing near our works, not only while work is in progress, but also outside working hours.

Where Can I Find Out Any More Information?

There is further information available at - www.southernwater.co.uk/cleanerseas