Service/product: PortaDam
Customer: Ringway Highways
Location: Longhope, Gloucestershire
OnSite’s activities on inland waterways may involve draining sections of water such as canals
and rivers where dry working access is required for critical maintenance of the watercourse
infrastructure.
Historically, the default method to isolate and drain a section of watercourse, and maintain the
natural flow of water thereafter, would involve overpumping the water beyond a temporary
dam set up. This is commonly achieved using powerful diesel fuelled pumps which may
operate for several days in order to complete the task, whilst generating harmful pollutant
emissions to land, water and air.
OnSite and Ringway Highways are committed to minimising environmental impact
and ultimately achieving net zero emissions, so any sustainable solutions that meet the
requirements of the task are given serious consideration.
Solution
For the Longhope project, the OnSite team installed a PortaDam system to isolate and de-water a section of the brook to facilitate scour protection works on the bridge abutments.
The isolated section was also able to accommodate two x 600mm flumes to maintain the natural gravitational flow of Longhope brook. The flumes remained in place for one week whilst the essential maintenance and repair works were safely completed by Ringway.
Outcome
The PortaDam system with integrated flumes resulted in the following estimated carbon emission reductions compared with overpumping:
- 1,803 litres of diesel saved
- 4,525 kg CO₂e of climate forcing emissions avoided
- 27 kg of NOx emissions abated (contributes to smog formation)
- 0 particulate emissions (PM10, PM2.5)
The client not only achieved carbon emission reductions but lower overall costs using this alternative technique to overpumping.
The team demonstrated OnSite’s commitment to implementing sustainable ways of working, in line with our journey to Net Zero whilst delivering works safely, effectively and efficiently.
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