05 Jul The saltmarsh has been significantly restored @ESWH2O
New pictures released today reveal the scale and success of the restoration work.
As part of their commitment to Maldon for abstracting water, engineers first identified that building-up deposits of sediment in specific areas of the Blackwater Estuary could protect the saltmarsh from further erosion. It was also an environmentally responsible way to dispose of the dredging material from the upper Blackwater estuary.
Since then regular dredging work has been carried out, usually twice-a-year, and has brought benefits to the town by keeping the channel in the Blackwater Estuary free from silt and allowed navigation into the Port of Maldon.
Martin Lunn said: “These photographs show how the work in the Blackwater Estuary has made a significant impact on helping to protect and increase natural saltmarsh and to meet many of the complex needs of people using the river.”
Approximately 2,400 cubic metres (m3) has been deposited per year – that’s enough material to fill an Olympic swimming pool – and has resulted in nearly doubling the size of the saltmarsh area, with a 46 percent increase in area since 2001.
Mr Lunn said: “We abstract large amounts of fresh water from the ends of the rivers Chelmer and Blackwater. To ensure this doesn’t have any negative impact on the important Maldon river front we pay for an annual dredge of the channel. Depositing the dredged silt onto the saltmarsh helps the river remain navigable and rebuilds the increasingly rare saltmarshes of Essex.”
“Working with many partner organisations this operation has resulted in a sustained improvement to the natural environment and shows how a water company can make a positive impact for local people and wildlife biodiversity,” he added.
The Environment Agency, who regulate the abstraction of water and discharge of effluents, fully support this work.
John Daniels, Senior Environment Officer said: “Along with improving a valuable habitat this work also has the benefit of improving flood defence resilience in the port. By working closely with the water company and other partners we are improving the local environment for wildlife and protecting local communities.”
Jim Dines Chairman of the Maldon Harbour Improvement Commissioners said:
“The Port of Maldon along with all its users are grateful to Essex & Suffolk Water, not only for the dredging that is undertaken as part of their abstration licence to help keep the navigable channel of the port clear but also for the beneficial use of the dredged material that encourages the build-up of the saltmarsh that contributes to the unique environment that exists within the port.”
