Broads Authority launches new dredging strategy
A ground-breaking new strategy which will enable the Broads Authority to tackle dredging proactively, has been published in a colourful, easy to read document.
The Sediment Management Strategy gives an overview of the challenge of managing the Broads waterways and prioritises dredging requirements in line with a wish list compiled by boaters.
It identifies 1.7 million cu metres for removal, 57% of which is from the northern rivers, 16% from the southern rivers and 27% from isolated water bodies.
In the past dredging has been reactive. Now, with the benefit of the first comprehensive hydrographic survey of the Broads and a set of specifications based on the needs of boaters the Authority can plan its mud management. This will be achieved not just through a dredging and disposal plan but by reducing sediment input, particularly from banks, headwaters and algal input.
The strategy has been developed with the help of Cranfield University whose research has revealed, for the first time, how much sediment comes into the system and where it comes from.
The overall goal for sediment management is to balance inputs with outputs, while dealing with the backlog of sediment that has accumulated more rapidly over the last six decades.
In addition to this build up, rising dredging costs since the early 1980s have resulted in a decrease in the volume of material routinely removed. In the early 1980s the average cost of removing a cubic metre of silt was 60p to £1 compared to £13.80 today.
Priority areas for dredging have been identified in line with a set of criteria, which include where boats run aground and where broads fail to achieve water quality improvements required to meet government targets.
Hard copies of the Sediment Management Strategy are available from the Broads Authority, 18 Colegate, Norwich, at the cost price of £4.50, and will also be available from Broads Authority Information Centres when they open at Easter. Copies are also held at local libraries.
07/02/2007
