Toddbrook Reservoir Emergency

The Scope

On the 1st August 2019 concerns were raised about the condition of the earth dam at Toddbrook Reservoir above Whaley Bridge which has a capacity of 1.3M m3. Part of the dam spillway started to break up and a full emergency water draw down was initiated by CRT & Kier. The main parts of the town were evacuated as a precaution whilst the Emergency Services, Royal Airforce and Kier stabilised the situation with drops of bagged aggregate from Chinook Helicopters.

The Challenge

Vertical Access was contacted by Kier’s framework contractor CPC Ltd on the 8th of August for an urgent mobilization to provide Working at Heights services to aid the recovery phase of the operation. The company had previously undertaken a series of slope stabilization projects on canals for CRT, including an emergency at Middlewich where a canal embankment had collapsed. Mobilizing operations in such a short time frame is a well-practiced procedure, benefiting from close client relationships to ensure the right personnel, equipment, materials, support services, and documentation are provided to meet the requirements of these emergencies.

The Vertical Approach: Safety, Quality, Innovation & Agility

Safety

In response to the urgent request from CPC Civils, Vertical Access provided a rope access team within hours to undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Installing safety fencing and signage in critical areas of the dam walls exposed by the emergency drawdown of water.

• Conducting trial coring on the spillway to determine the depth of concrete and delamination.

• Digging trial holes in several locations.

• Installing and securing lay-flat high-pressure pipes on the dam wall and spillway.

• Installing and connecting new pumps provided by Kier/CPC.

• Providing Working at Heights training and supervision.

Quality

The rapid and efficient mobilization of Vertical Access ensured that all tasks were completed to a high standard. The company’s prior experience with CRT and their well-established emergency procedures contributed to the quality of the work performed during the recovery phase.

Innovation

The use of rope access teams allowed for flexible and efficient responses to the challenges posed by the dam's condition. This innovative approach facilitated the installation of critical infrastructure and safety measures in a timely manner, showcasing Vertical Access's capability to adapt to emergency situations effectively.

Agility

Vertical Access demonstrated significant agility by responding to CPC Civils' request within hours. The company’s ability to rapidly deploy a skilled team and necessary equipment played a crucial role in stabilizing the dam and ensuring the safety of Whaley Bridge's residents. The company’s continued involvement in the ongoing repairs and restoration of the reservoir by the Canals & Rivers Trust and Kier further highlights their flexible and responsive approach.

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Outcome & Feedback

The dam was made safe, the emergency order was rescinded, and residents were allowed to return to their properties. Vertical Access has since been involved in the ongoing repairs and restoration of the reservoir by the Canals & Rivers Trust and Kier, reinforcing their reputation for reliability and expertise in critical situations.