Team clears huge pile of debris from West Auckland dam

HEAVY rainfall sparked a clean-up at a West Auckland dam.

A build up of debris was cleared from the dam at Spring Gardens by the Environment Agency after prolonged downpours saw river levels rise across the region last month.

The barrier, which is located just off the A68, reduces the risk of flooding to West Auckland from the River Gaunless. It was built after West Auckland and South Church were badly affected by floods in 2000.

Last month, while 12 flood alerts were issued, the dam prevented large amounts of debris from causing blockages further downstream.

Environment Agency field team leader Alex Murray said: “The dam is designed to hold back flood water during high flows and then slowly release it once the threat has passed.

“While it wasn’t necessary for it to operate during the heavy rain last month, it prevented debris from reaching downstream and creating blockages which is equally important and helps reduce the risk of flooding to the town.

“It resulted in a large build-up of debris so we’ve been clearing it up, along with our other flood defence assets, to ensure they are clear and in working order ready to do their job again.

“Our field teams regularly carry out work to check and maintain our rivers right across the north east to make sure anything which is deemed a potential flood risk is removed.”