SRA part-funds Chard Reservoir improvements
A major scheme to strengthen Chard Reservoir and help to protect people from potential flooding is due to get underway soon.
In a worst case scenario, dam failure at Chard Reservoir could lead to severe flooding, millions of pounds worth of damages and possibly deaths.
To greatly reduce the risks of this happening, a low wall is going to be built along one part of the reservoir.
The annual chance of flood water overflowing and of the reservoir’s dam subsequently failing is currently about 1 in 5,000.
With a new wall in place, the annual chance will go down to about 1 in 400,000.
Chard Reservoir is owned by Somerset Council. The council has budgeted up to £831,000 for improvements, with a significant contribution coming from Somerset Rivers Authority.
A further £160,000 has been put aside by the council for contingencies.
Work on Chard Reservoir by contractors Kier will be phased, with a focus on culverts before Christmas, then in the New Year wall-building, reservoir stilling basin reinforcing, and landscaping.
Cllr Graham Oakes, Somerset Council’s Executive Lead Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment, said: “This is a crucial project that will significantly reduce the risk of the reservoir dam failing. I am grateful to our partners for their support and to Somerset Rivers Authority for its significant contribution.”
Cllr Mike Stanton, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), said: “SRA involvement in this scheme means it’s about more than warding off dam failure.
“Because the SRA’s core purpose is to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding, the SRA is funding a substantial level of extra work to increase the reservoir’s emergency capacity.
“This will decrease flood risks to nearly 1,000 properties and it will benefit a wide area from Chard down to Muchelney. For example, being able to hold back more water before it gets to the River Isle should help to reduce flooding of the A358 at Donyatt, which happened several times in 2023.
“So I welcome this extra work happening soon.”
Chard Reservoir was owned by South Somerset District Council until the unitary Somerset Council came into being in April 2023. Ownership then passed to the new council.
The need for reservoir improvements was identified during an independent safety audit.
Somerset Council has worked closely with specialist engineers Stillwater Associates, who have designed a scheme to comply with the Reservoirs Act .
A full ecological survey has been undertaken and wildlife in the area will be monitored throughout the work’s duration.
A small number of self-seeded trees along the dam’s crest will need to be removed or reduced. They are in the line of the new dam wall and cannot be left in place as the working area is limited.
Some trees are due to be reduced due to ash dieback. This task has been added to the local Countryside Team’s schedule of tree works as part of the site’s ongoing maintenance.
Effects of work on locals and visitors
Chaffcombe Lane will remain open to allow residents and businesses access, but traffic lights will be in operation while the work is carried out.
The reservoir is a popular nature reserve and people will still be able to visit and to fish, although the Anglers’ car park will be closed while Oakland Avenue car park will stay open.
Somerset Council is working with local communities, including volunteers and Chaffcombe Parish Council to make sure people are aware of the works and why they are needed.