Dredging work, using a special mud pumping method to minimize disturbance to sediment, will soon be getting underway at the Trinity Broads, Essex & Suffolk Water just announced.
The Trinity Broads are one of Britain’s most important wildlife habitats, an important source of drinking water, as well as being enjoyed by the local community and visitors.
The pumping will remove accumulated mud from shallow areas in the broads and this will help maintain clear water and ensure the depth of the broad is not eroded through siltation. The pumping will also encourage the growth of water plants which provide food for wildlife.
Ponds UK, a specialist aquatic management company, will be completing the £1.5 million project, which will be wrapped up by March 2017.
Jonathan Thompson, Project Manager for Essex & Suffolk Water, said: “The Trinity Broads are a special place in terms of their ecology, as a source of public water supply for Great Yarmouth and for the amenity value they provide to the local community.”
“The mud pumping will help maintain a healthy environment at the Broads and will prevent significant mud exposure during very dry years. The project will help protect water supplies for Great Yarmouth for many years to come.’’
Essex & Suffolk Water, Broads National Park Authority, Natural England and the Environment Agency have been working in partnership since 1995 to improve water quality and people’s enjoyment of the area.
Activities including mud-pumping, scrub removal and managing non-native species such as mink have been undertaken by the partnership.
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