Dunball Sluice upgrade completed: A £9.7 million project has successfully upgraded Dunball Sluice, extending its operational life by 25 years. The refurbishment, delivered by the Environment Agency’s Combined Delivery Framework (CDF) partners, began in 2022 and was funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) with a £650,000 contribution from the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA).
Importance of Dunball Sluice:
– Flood Risk Management: The sluice plays a crucial role in managing water levels and reducing flood risks for communities across the Somerset Levels and Moors.
– Freshwater Habitat Protection: By controlling the flow of tidal saltwater from the River Parrett into the King’s Sedgemoor Drain, the sluice helps safeguard precious freshwater habitats.
– Water Flow Control: The Environment Agency uses the sluice’s lifting gates and tidal flaps to control flows between the different watercourses, ensuring effective water management.
Refurbishment Details:
Still on Dunball Sluice upgrade completed
– Upgraded Components: The project replaced and upgraded key mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation components, many of which were nearing the end of their working life.
– Ecological Enhancements: Measures were included to help otters and eels move more easily and safely between watercourses, promoting biodiversity.
– Health and Safety Improvements: The refurbishment also included health and safety improvements for site staff and minor concrete repairs.
Quote from Rachel Burden:
Rachel Burden, Environment Agency flood and coastal risk manager for Wessex, said: Dunball Sluice is one of Somerset’s most important tidal defence assets, but many of its key components were reaching the end of their working life. This refurbishment has breathed new life into the structure, ensuring it continues to protect properties, businesses, and internationally important habitats across the Somerset Levels and Moors.
Partnership and Funding:
– Defra Funding: The project was funded by Defra, with a significant contribution from the SRA.
– Partnership Working: The refurbishment was delivered in partnership with the SRA and Defra, demonstrating collaborative working to achieve a common goal.
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