THE KEY DEVELOPMENTS from the Whitchurch Canal breach, reports Alan Yates.
New Pumping Operations:
A new pumping setup was deployed early in the morning near the lift bridge .
Water is being actively pumped out from between the two dams directly into the Whitchurch Arm , whose level was down due to a leak? Killing two birds with one stone so to speak.
Rapid Water Level Drop:
Pumping operations have caused the canal water level to drop noticeably (by several inches/around 4 x 4" stop planks worth), bringing the Whitchurch Arm section back up to its normal pre-breach water height. [The image shows the holes revealed.]
Potential Leak & Infrastructure Inspection:
Drainage has exposed structural details, including gaps in sheet pilings (near the bollards for the lift bridge operation) , rough brickwork, missing bricks, and exposed piling joins around the lift bridge area.
These areas of damage align with where a leak into the compound was previously detected (piling defects) and subsequent severe localised erosion behind the piling.
The poor brickwork either side of the lift bridge may well be the source of the leaks into the embankment itself? Time will tell?
The repairs to the embankment will be delayed too. Not a good result for CRT. Chickens coming home to roost springs to mind? [The image reveals the holes. Many thanks as always to Kieran for his excellent drone footage.]
Wildlife Activity:
Morning:
Dropping water levels have concentrated fish populations in shallow central areas, creating a suitable environment for a fish rescue.
Afternoon:
A specialised company have now carried out the required fish rescue with the water level down to less than knee high in the channel.