Dam safety |
Expect the unexpected
Heritage concerns can sometimes conflict with dam safety issues when working on historic structures. A recent meeting hosted by the British Dam Society looked at the various challenges that need to be overcome when ensuring differing priorities are met
Above: Aerial view of the historic Caerphilly Castle in South Wales. An inspection in 2017 at the site identified various concerns such as the threat of erosion through the masonry or the foundations of the north and south dam platforms, along with deterioration of the 1960s culverts © Ceri Breeze /
Shutterstock.com
A large number of the UK’s dams were built in the 1800s and 1900s, when construction methods were both varied and evolving. And now many of their features are considered to be key heritage structures with a listed status or other significant designations. Typically, these dams can also be set in areas such as Registered Parks and Gardens, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Access to these dams can often be difficult with other structures close by also listed or considered ancient scheduled monuments. Therefore maintenance or capital works need to take these difficulties into account and ensure the correct approvals and licences are obtained, with works being undertaken sympathetically, whilst retaining key features and ensuring such heritage is retained for the benefit of all.
10 | August 2024 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
British Dam Society To address the challenges of maintaining these dams
and conserving historic structures in an uncertain future, the British Dam Society recently held a meeting to discuss the topic.
Dr Mark Roberts works as a consultant for the National Trust which preserves historic and green places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. As he explained, the trust has facilities in some of the most iconic landscapes and many of these have dam related water features. Due to the visual appeal of the water body being closely associated with historic buildings such as mansions, these features are of great significance. Across its portfolio the National Trust has over 200
reservoirs. Of these 47 are statutory reservoirs with 39 being of high risk. Over 150 reservoirs are smaller than 25,000m3
, and 40 are between the 10,000-25,000m3
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