Work has started on a new sewer running under West Ham, as Thames Water works to reduce the threat of sewer flooding to 600 homes. The company expects the sewer, which will measure 2.8 metres in diameter and run 20 metres below ground from its Abbey Mills sewage pumping station to Earlham Grove in Forest Gate, E7, to be completed in Spring 2010.
Steve Lousley, Thames Water’s project manager, said: “More than 600 properties in this area have suffered sewer flooding in recent years as climate change leads to less frequent but heavier rainfalls which can overwhelm the sewer system as it feeds into already-full drains.”
“Sewer flooding is extremely unpleasant. That’s why we’re putting Forest Gate residents’ minds at rest by boring a tunnel – one you could drive a large van down – to take increased sewage flows to Abbey Mills pumping station during times of heavy rainfall.”
As part of the work, three miles of sewers leading to the tunnel will be enlarged and modernised.
The work has been welcomed by local councillors in Newham, Ian Corbett, Newham Council’s executive member for the public realm, said: “We welcome this scheme to modernise the sewers in West Ham which will help protect households from the misery of sewer flooding. We’re working closely with Thames Water to ensure this vital work is carried out with the minimum of disruption to motorists and residents.”
