Falconbrook Pumping Station

Alternative to Bridges Court Car Park

Site information paper

Introduction

Currently, untreated sewage regularly overflows into the River Thames from Londons Victorian sewerage system via combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The proposed Thames Tunnel would intercept these overflows through the use of a new storage and transfer tunnel, which would link west London and Abbey Mills Pumping Station. The sewage flow would then be transferred to Beckton Sewage Treatment Works via the Lee Tunnel. The reduction in untreated sewage entering the River Thames would bring long-term benefits for the environment and users of the River Thames. In order to deliver the project we need a number of sites along the route and this document identifies our current preferred site at Falconbrook Pumping Station.

Key facts
Local authority: CSO name: CSO spill volume in an average year: Site type: Duration of main construction works: Wandsworth Falconbrook Pumping Station 710,000m (equivalent to approximately 284 Olympic swimming pools) CSO site Approximately three years.

Thames Tunnel
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Falconbrook Pumping Station

Section 1: Introduction and site information
We are proposing to use our existing pumping station and adjacent disused toilet block for this construction work and to accommodate permanent structures required to operate the main tunnel. The site would be used to connect the existing local CSO, known as the Falconbrook Pumping Station CSO, to the main tunnel. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1A. York Gardens, a local park is adjacent to the site, beyond which, to the east, is the Winstanley Estate. York Gardens Library and Community Centre are to the south with York Gardens Adventure Playground, which incorporates the One Oclock Club, to the north. To the west is York Road (A3205). This site information paper sets out our proposals at Falconbrook Pumping Station. We have also produced project information papers, which cover overarching topics relating to the project. Where we consider that a project information paper is particularly relevant, we have highlighted this in a related documents box. At the end of this site information paper is a list of other documents, which may be of interest and a glossary of terms.

Related documents: Build

Introduction

Draft limit of land to be acquired or used Proposed tunnel route centreline

Ro ad

Local authority boundary Existing sewer Existing CSO

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM

Brid g Cou es rt

Falconbrook Pumping Station CSO

Yo rk

York Gardens Adventure Playground Falconbrook Pumping Station York Road Community Centre/Library
ad

Laven
York Gardens
n Ro

Winstanley Estate

der R oad

WANDSWORTH

New com e

Plou oad gh R

N
Figure 1A: Falconbrook Pumping Station location plan

Falconbrook Pumping Station

How we chose this site
What we proposed at phase one consultation
At phase one consultation, which was held between September 2010 and January 2011, Bridges Court Car Park was presented as our preferred site to intercept the Falconbrook Pumping Station CSO.

What we are proposing at phase two consultation

We have identified five shortlisted sites to intercept the CSO, as shown in Figure 1B. The sites are: Foreshore near London Heliport, Lombard Road (site 1) Bridges Court Car Park (site 2) York Gardens, adjacent to York Road (site 3) York Gardens, adjacent to Pennethorne House (site 4) Falconbrook Pumping Station (our preferred site). Falconbrook Pumping Station is our preferred site to intercept Falconbrook Pumping Station CSO because it would cause less disruption to the wider local community in comparison to the other shortlisted sites and would potentially provide an improved public space after our works are complete. We also own most of the site unlike Bridges Court Car Park.

Why we have amended our proposals

Since January 2011, we have considered the comments from phase one consultation, feedback from ongoing engagement and new information; and undertaken further technical work. This has resulted in us re-assessing potential sites to intercept the Falconbrook Pumping Station CSO. We identified one potential new site, Falconbrook Pumping Station, which includes our existing pumping station and the adjacent disused toilet block off York Road (A3205). Prior to phase one consultation, the disused toilet block was identified as part of the site selection process but was considered to be too small on its own, so we did not progress this site any further. We also examined the pumping station site on its own and based on early design work and consideration of the technical issues identified; we were not able to confirm it was technically viable. This site was not progressed any further. Since January 2011, further technical work has concluded that the pumping station site combined with the disused toilet block is feasible, although it would still present technical challenges to intercept the CSO. Given the identification of this potential new site, in June 2011, we held drop-in sessions with the community around the site to understand any local issues they may have, should there be a site at this location. We reviewed all the comments we received and took these into account as part of the site selection process. 4

Introduction

Preferred site Falconbrook Pumping Station Other shortlisted site locations

Brid g Cou es rt

Site 1

Local authority boundary

WANDSWORTH

York R oad

Site 2

Site 3

Site 4

York Gardens N
Figure 1B: Preferred and shortlisted sites

Falconbrook Pumping Station

Site 1 Foreshore near London Heliport, Lombard Road is a shortlisted site because it is considered that it is less suitable than our preferred site. The site could affect residential amenity as it is adjacent to, and overlooked by, a new multi-storey residential apartment block. Road access is limited to a narrow route, which passes the recent residential development. The primary construction and operational access would therefore have to be via the River Thames and, due to the requirement for a cofferdam to protect the works from the River Thames and river-based access, the foreshore site would also take longer to construct. Site 2 Bridges Court Car Park is a shortlisted site because compared to our preferred site, it is judged to have greater potential effects on residential and business amenity. The site has also been identified for residential use in the councils planning policies. In addition, a planning application for a residential scheme has been submitted on this site. Site 3 York Gardens, adjacent to York Road is a shortlisted site. It is considered less suitable than our preferred site due to the loss of a play area and public open space. Use of this site would also require the cutting down of mature trees, which provide the childrens centre with screening from York Road (A3205). Site 4 York Gardens, adjacent to Pennethorne House is a shortlisted site. Use of this site would result in the temporary loss of the public open space in York Gardens and construction activities would be in close proximity to the apartment block, Pennethorne House. The site would also likely require access through a number of narrow residential roads. It is therefore considered less suitable than our preferred site.

Related documents: Changes

Q&A

Consultation Site selection

Construction

Section 2: Construction
Construction activities
Construction activities are required to intercept the CSO. We would construct an interception chamber to intercept the CSO. A connection culvert would link the interception chamber to a drop shaft (approximately 40m deep) through which flows would pass down to a short connection tunnel. This would then join to the main tunnel. Figure 2A illustrates the below ground infrastructure proposed. These activities would take place within the area indicated by the red line in Figure 1A, in five main phases, lasting approximately three years in total. The main construction activities associated with these phases are set out in Table 2.1.

Connection culvert Existing sewer

Construction

Short connection tunnel

Valve chamber

Interception chamber
Drop shaft Main tunnel

To pumping station, to River Thames

Figure 2A: Illustration showing typical elements of below ground infrastructure

Falconbrook Pumping Station

Phase 1 Advance works
Table 2.1: Main activities during construction phases

Site setup

Figure reference
Typical working hours Utilities connected

Varies

Figure 2C
Standard

Main construction activities

Utilities diverted or protected Site cleared Site facilities and access set up Drop shaft excavated and built Short connection tunnel excavated and built Above and below ground structures constructed Mechanical and electrical equipment installed Site restored and landscaped Temporary site facilities removed

Our typical working hours are expected to be: Standard: 8am-6pm weekdays, 8am-1pm Saturday* Extended standard: 6pm-10pm weekdays, 1pm-5pm Saturdays Continuous: 24 hours a day, seven days a week** Varies: Working hours for advanced works will depend on the nature of the works and will be agreed with the local authority
* Standard working hours would also include, subject to agreement with the local authority: a short period (up to one hour) before works start and after they have finished to allow our workers to prepare for work and check the site. equipment and machinery maintenance could also take place 1pm-5pm Saturday and 10am-4pm Sunday. ** The main activities taking place 24 hours a day are below ground or within an enclosure.

Construction

Phase 2 Drop shaft construction Figure 2C

Standard

Phase 3 Tunnelling

Phase 4 Construction of other structures Figure 2D

Standard

Phase 5 Completion of works and site restoration

Standard

Figure 2C
Continuous

Related documents: Build Managing construction

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Site layout and construction phases
Figures 2C and 2D show how the site might be laid out during the construction phases, which are set out in Table 2.1 and Figure 2B. These layouts have been informed by the size of the infrastructure proposed, the construction methods required and the location of neighbouring buildings and structures. They have also been developed to minimise effects on the local community and environment. Particular factors at this site that have influenced the layout are as follows: The size of the construction site required has been reduced to limit the effect on the adjacent York Garden Library and Community Centre and York Gardens Adventure Playground. The size of the construction site has been reduced to utilise land in our ownership as much as possible. Construction site access is proposed off York Road (A3205) to reduce the effects on adjacent residential properties in the Winstanley estate. The site layout has been arranged so that access to the York Garden Library and Community Centre and York Gardens Adventure Playground would be maintained during construction. The site layouts are indicative only, and the contractor may arrange the site in a different way, depending on the chosen construction methods, provided that any environmental effects are appropriately managed and that the main construction activities are undertaken within the red line shown in Figure 1A. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Advance works

P1 P2

P3 P4

P5

Figure 2B: Construction timeline showing approximate duration of works in phases (P)

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Construction

WANDSWORTH

Maximum extent of construction site for phases 1, 2 and 3 Site hoarding Site support/welfare Excavated material storage and processing Maintenance workshop and storage Construction support Internal site road Site access Cranes Existing footpath to be diverted Footpath diversion Drop shaft

N
Figure 2C: Illustrative phases 1, 2 and 3 construction plan

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Falconbrook Pumping Station

WANDSWORTH Maximum extent of construction site for phase 4 Site hoarding Site support/welfare Piling rig Maintenance workshop and storage Internal site road Site access Existing footpath to be diverted Drop shaft Footpath diversion

Cranes

N
Figure 2D: Illustrative phase 4 construction plan

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Construction

Additional works and activities

The main construction works at this site are set out in Table 2.1. We would also need to undertake additional works and activities, some of which may be located outside of the area indicated by the red line in Figure 1A. The anticipated additional works and activities are set out in Table 2.2.

When

Type of works
Installation of equipment to monitor environmental matters such as noise, vibration and dust.

What we would do
The locations of monitoring equipment would be agreed with the local authority and relevant landowners. We would undertake studies to identify any effects our construction work may have on third party structures. The studies may recommend particular construction methods or, in very limited instances, protection works. If protection works are required to the existing sewer, we would access the sewer network through existing manholes. If utility diversions are required, we would work with utility providers to undertake the necessary works. If we are unable to make a connection to utilities within the site, we would need to make a connection to utilities in York Road (A3205) or Newcomen Road. These may need to extend beyond our site and could include relocating kerb lines, repainting road lines and modifying traffic signals.

Protection works to third party structures (such as buildings, bridges and tunnels). Required for construction phase

Diversion of utilities. Temporary connection to utilities (such as water, sewer, phone and electricity supply). Traffic management works. Permanent connection to utilities (such as water, phone and electricity supply) for the operational tunnel.

Required for operational phase

We expect to connect to utilities from within the site.

Table 2.2: Additional works and activities

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Construction transport and access
We would transport materials to and from the site by road. Table 2.3 sets out the anticipated average daily number of lorries visiting (ie travelling to and from) the site during the peak months of each phase. Construction traffic would access the site travelling south along York Road (A3205) and turning left into the site via a new entrance off York Road (A3205). A second entrance would be constructed to enable vehicles to exit the site by turning left onto York Road (A3205). The two new vehicle entrances would be for the construction period only and would be removed once work is complete. It is not proposed that significant numbers of construction vehicles would access the site via residential roads located to the east. This access route is shown on Figure 2E. Beyond this, construction traffic would use the major road network to get to and from its final destination. We would need to temporarily relocate the bus stop on York Road (A3205) during construction. This would be returned to its current position after construction is completed. In addition there would be a short diversion of the footpath between York Road (A3205) and York Gardens Playground, as shown on Figures 2C and 2D. Based on our current design, we do not anticipate that any road diversions or parking bay suspensions would be required.

Related documents: Transport

Phase 1 Site setup

Phase 2 Drop shaft construction

Phase 3 Tunnelling

Phase 4 Construction of other structures

Phase 5 Completion of works and site restoration

Typical daily lorry movements

6 lorries

9 lorries

10 lorries

6 lorries

6 lorries

Table 2.3: Average daily lorry visits during the peak months

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Construction

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM

York Road

Left turn in A3205

WANDSWORTH

Left turn out N

Figure 2E: Proposed access route to the site from the nearest major road

Draft limit of land to be acquired or used Internal site road Site access

Local authority boundary Transport for London (TfL) road network

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York Ro ad

Falconbrook Pumping Station

Management of construction works
Our construction works would be managed in accordance with an agreed Code of construction practice (CoCP). For phase two consultation, we have produced a draft CoCP Part A: General requirements, informed by CoCPs from other major construction projects in London and consultation with the local authorities. Through the environmental impact assessment process, schemewide principles to address potential effects on the local environment have been identified and integrated into the design. The CoCP Part A sets out scheme-wide control measures that would be used to minimise potential effects during the construction process. Table 2.4 sets out what we consider to be the key issues for this site during construction, and how we are currently proposing to address them.

Related documents: Environment Managing construction Transport

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Construction

Issue
Effect of construction activities on the recreational enjoyment and use of York Gardens and other local amenities, including York Gardens Adventure Playground and York Garden Library and Community Centre.

Our response
We would manage the construction site in order to minimise disruption to those using the Gardens and other local amenities. Specific measures would be set out in the CoCP.

We are working with the London Borough of Wandsworth to ensure that Construction activities may affect vehicle the York Garden Library and Community Centre can continue to be served access and parking at York Garden by vehicles as required, and that necessary parking is accommodated Library and Community Centre. possibly by temporary modifications to York Gardens. The location of site access onto York Road (A3205) may disrupt vehicle flows along York Road (A3205) and the wider operation and capacity of the local road network. Reduced pedestrian access into and through York Gardens via the existing footpath to the north of the York Garden Library and Community Centre. We have sought to minimise disruption to the local road network through our site layout and design. In particular, site access from York Road (A3205) would minimise the effect on adjacent residential roads. We would manage the effects of road transport through our traffic management plans, which will seek to limit the number of vehicle movements and hours of operation, identify the most suitable site access points and any necessary highway management arrangements. We would provide a suitable temporary footpath diversion around the construction site.

The bus stop would be relocated further north along York Road (A3205) to Construction activities would require the avoid any potential conflict with construction vehicles entering and leaving temporary relocation of the adjacent bus the site. Following completion of construction works, it would be reinstated stop on York Road (A3205). in its current location. Possible effect of noise and vibration on neighbouring areas. The contractor would be required to implement noise and vibration control measures at the worksite, which will be set out in the CoCP. Continuous tunnelling would only be undertaken for a short period of time to construct a connection tunnel from the drop shaft to the main tunnel. Preliminary findings indicate that while there is the potential for dust nuisance effects, there are unlikely to be any significant local air quality effects at any of the sites. The contractor would put in place air and dust control measures at the worksite, which will be set out in the CoCP.

Possible effects on local air quality and dust nuisance in neighbouring areas.
Table 2.4: Key issues relating to construction

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Falconbrook Pumping Station

Section 3: Future use
This section describes the site after the completion of the construction work, ie when the main tunnel is in use the operational phase. Our permanent works need to incorporate functional elements, which are required for the operation of the tunnel. These include: Underground structures with ground level access covers including: a CSO drop shaft with an internal diameter of approximately 9m, connection tunnel to the main tunnel, connection culverts, interception chamber, valve chamber and a passive filter chamber. A main ventilation column up to 6m high. A small diameter ventilation column to the interception chamber up to 6m high. Maintenance vehicle access. Electrical and control equipment installed within the existing pumping station. Table 3.1 sets out the site specific issues that have influenced our permanent design proposals and how we have addressed them in our proposed design.

Design
The design of the permanent use and appearance of the structures at Falconbrook Pumping Station follows our scheme-wide principles and takes into account comments raised during ongoing engagement with the London Borough of Wandsworth and other technical consultees.

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Future use

Issue

Our response
The above ground permanent works would be located mainly within the existing pumping station compound. The exception would be the ventilation structure and other permanent below ground works that would be located within well designed potential new areas of public space. The ventilation structure would be of a high quality design to ensure that it enhances rather than detracts from the new area of public space.

Visual effect of the permanent works.

Effect on York Gardens.

There would be no permanent effects on York Gardens from the operation of the site which could be enhanced by any potential new areas of planted open space. An enhanced access route to the gardens would be provided. There would be no permanent effects on the York Gardens Library and Community Centre or the York Gardens Adventure Playground from the operation of the site.

Effect on local amenities, including York Garden Library and Community Centre and the York Gardens Adventure Playground.

The proposals would help to link parts of York Gardens with key facilities and provide an enhanced setting for local amenities. The permanent layout and design of the site would require the removal of a disused public toilet block, located adjacent to the pumping station in York Gardens. Our proposals for the permanent layout and design of the site involve the replacement of the toilet block with a planted public area that would link York Garden Library and Community Centre and the York Gardens Adventure Playground.

Table 3.1: Site specific issues that have influenced our permanent design

Future use

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Falconbrook Pumping Station

Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show the current site and provide illustrations of our design proposals. Further information on the development of our design can be found in the Design development report.

Related documents: Design

Figure 3A: Photo of the site before the works

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Future use

Figure 3B: Artists impression of the site after the works are completed

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Falconbrook Pumping Station

Figure 3C: Aerial view of the completed works

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Future use

Existing sewer structure

Electrical and control equipment within existing building

Ventilation structures within compound

Ventilation column

Valve chamber within compound

Railings to be reinstated to match existing Existing bus stop to be reinstated

York

Roa d

N Raised planter over CSO drop shaft Timber seating Falconbrook Pumping Station wall to be reinstated

Figure 3D: Layout of site once construction works complete

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Falconbrook Pumping Station

Operation and maintenance
Once the tunnel is operational, we expect to undertake inspection and maintenance of the ventilation and below ground equipment approximately once every three to six months. This will be undertaken within our site and as part of the existing maintenance routine. Once every ten years, we expect to carry out a major internal inspection of the tunnel and underground structures. This is likely to involve a small team of inspection staff, a small team of support crew and two mobile cranes to lower the team into the shaft. This is likely to take several days and would require temporary fencing around the shaft for safety and security while the inspection takes place. We may also need to make visits to the site for unplanned maintenance or repairs, for example, if there is a blockage, or equipment failure. This may require the use of mobile cranes and vans. Permanent vehicular access would be from Newcomen Road/ Lavender Road, which is the same as the current arrangement for the existing pumping station.

Management of operational effects

We have undertaken technical work, including stakeholder engagement, to assess and identify the key issues associated with this site once it is operational. Table 3.2 summarises these issues and how we are currently proposing to address them.

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Future use

Issue
Possible odour effects during the operation of the tunnel.

Our response
Odour effects at this site are expected to be negligible because we have developed an Air management plan to minimise possible odour and air quality effects arising from the operation of the tunnel. The technology we are proposing to use at this site includes the use of passive below ground carbon filters that will remove possible odour before air leaves the ventilation equipment. Permanent access would be required for maintenance and servicing purposes to the shaft and ventilation equipment. Any planned maintenance visits would be undertaken during normal working hours and all visits managed to avoid disruption to local residents, businesses and users of affected public areas as far as possible.

Disturbance from future maintenance access.

Table 3.2: Key issues relating to site operation

Related documents: Odour

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Further information
This section sets out documents which may be of particular interest. Further information on our proposals can be found on our website (www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk) or is available upon request (call our customer centre on 0800 0721 086).

Phase two public consultation material

Project information papers include general information about the Thames Tunnel project. There are 17 project information papers which cover various aspects of the project. Those project information papers that may be of particular interest are set out below. Icon Title Build Details Provides information on the different types of sites required for the Thames Tunnel project and the typical construction activities that will be undertaken at each site. Explains how the scheme has changed compared to that presented at phase one consultation, including changes to the tunnelling strategy for the main tunnel and changes to sites. Sets out the consultation we have undertaken to date on the project, the scope of this phase two consultation and how interested parties can respond to this consultation. Contains the design principles which have influenced the permanent appearance of our sites once construction work is complete. Sets out the process the project is following to assess potential environmental effects of the Thames Tunnel project. Includes information on what measures our contractors will put in place at our sites during construction.

Changes

Q&A

Consultation

Design

Environment

Managing construction

Odour

Sets out our Air management plan and how it will work.

Options

Outlines the various ways to deal with sewage overflows.

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Phase two public consultation material

Icon Title Details Sets out how Londons sewerage system works and why the capital has an overflow problem.

Overflow Route and tunnel alignment Site selection

Sets out the preferred route of the main tunnel and the reasons for our preference.

Sets out the process we followed to find and select our preferred sites. Contains information on the different transport options we have considered for delivering and removing materials from our sites.

Transport

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Further information
Technical reports
Theme Interim engagement Icon Title Interim engagement report Report on phase one consultation: summary report Details Provides a summary of the public engagement we have undertaken between phase one and phase two consultations. Provides a summary of the comments made at phase one consultation and our responses.

Phase one consultation

SUMMARY

Phase two construction information

Code of construction practice Part A: Sets out control measures to be adopted during the project General requirements construction period. (CoCP) Air management plan Outlines the methods which we will use to manage odour from the main tunnel at all our preferred sites. Contains initial assessments on the environmental effects of the Thames Tunnel project based on information collected to date. Please refer to volume 14 of the non-technical summary and volume 14 of the PEIR for more information on this site. Provides a general overview of how the scheme design at each site has evolved to date. Please refer to chapter 11 for more information on this site. Provides an overview of the development of the Thames Tunnel project and how each site was chosen. Please refer to Appendix H for more information on this site.

Phase two environmental information

Preliminary environmental information report (PEIR) Design development report

Phase two scheme development

Phase two scheme development report

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Site glossary
Term
Carbon filters Cofferdam Combined sewer Combined sewer overflow (CSO) Connection tunnel Draft limit of land to be acquired or used Drop shaft Foreshore Interception chamber Main tunnel Operational phase Thames Tunnel project Transport for London Road Network (TLRN)

Definition
Filters that remove odours before the air is released from the tunnel. A wall that is constructed within the river around the outside of the working area and then pumped dry. The inside of the cofferdam can then be filled to create a safe working area. A single sewer system that takes both rainwater and domestic and industrial wastewater. A structure, or series of structures, that allows sewers to overflow into the river when they are full as a result of increased rainfall. Without the overflow, the sewer would back up and cause flooding in streets or houses. A tunnel connecting a drop shaft to the main tunnel. The extent of land that we may need to use or acquire, or over which rights may be needed to carry out works that are essential to the project. A vertical circular concrete structure, used to drop flows from the high level of the CSO to the low level of the main tunnel. It would also be used to provide access to construct the connection tunnels. Ground uncovered by the river when the tide is low. A structure, built on an existing combined sewer, which diverts stormwater overflow into the main tunnel. The tunnel from Acton Storm Tanks to Abbey Mills Pumping Station. After the completion of the construction work, when the main tunnel is in use. The Thames Tunnel project comprises a storage and transfer tunnel, from west London to Beckton Sewage Treatment Works in east London, and the control of 34 CSOs along the Thames Tideway. The network of roads managed by Transport for London. These are the major or strategic roads, which have high capacity.

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Falconbrook Pumping Station

Phase two consultation: Falconbrook Pumping Station Autumn 2011 110-ED-PNC-00000-000081

For further information or to comment on our proposals see our website: www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk

It is very important that you understand the information we have provided. If you need further information in another language, braille, large print or audio format please contact us on 0800 0721 086.
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