16 November 2009

Green theme to work to beat storm water flooding

Thames Water is taking an innovative, sustainable approach on a £680,000 project in Surbiton to stop storm water backing up in residents' drains and flooding their homes.

As well as increasing capacity in the sewers under Brown's Road so they can cope with increased flows following heavy rain, ponds at Fishponds Open Space will serve as additional storm water storage.

Andy Wolfe, Thames Water Project Manager, said:

"We're doing this work to protect seven homes on Brown's Road from the risk of storm water flooding. Using existing ponds as rainwater overflows is not only a more sustainable approach, it will also reduce the need for street works, minimising disruption on the local community. Having said that, there will be some traffic and noise disruption, for which we apologise.

"As part of the scheme, the ponds will be dredged to de-silt them, a wetland area will be created to attract wildlife and additional trees will be planted."

To reduce the risk of pollution Thames Water is installing an oil interceptor upstream of the ponds. Embankments will be constructed adjacent to the ponds to reduce the risk of them spilling over during severe rainfall.

During the project, which was agreed with the Royal Borough of Kingston Council, fish will be temporarily removed from the ponds while de-silting work is carried out. They will then be put back when the job is completed.

The work started on November 16 and is set to finish in March 2010.