Works begin today to repair Portland sewer system
It's been damaged by ground movement at Grove Point
Wessex Water is starting work today (Sunday 8th December) to repair a damaged sewer on the Isle of Portland.
The supplier says a section of pipe next to the lower South West Coastal path at Grove Point has been affected by slips on the cliff edge caused by heavy rain earlier this year.
The area was also closed to the public because of safety concerns.
The state of the cliff has meant crews haven't been able to carry out significant repairs, but are now getting on site.
They'll be using an ‘earthquake-proof’ sewer liner to help seal a short length of pipe.
But it will mean part of the local sewer network in the Easton and Southwell areas om Portland will need to be shut down, with tankers removing flows from pipes and transporting them to nearby pumping stations for onward treatment.
Temporary traffic lights will be in place close to the sewage pumping station on the High Street, Southwell and on Wakeham Bridge, Easton to help tankers move around the area 24 hours a day until next Sunday (15th December).
A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “This is an important project to help protect the integrity of a sewer pipe next to the coastal path that was damaged by ground movement.
“Closing a short section of the sewer network will allow us to complete the work safely and tankers will be helping to maintain the system.
“We’ll be working hard to keep noise to a minimum as much as possible and have written to local customers and Portland Town Council to advise them about the repairs. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.’’