Your questions
Will the construction of the tidal barrier and operational site at Express Park be noisy and will the contractors have to comply with noise control legislation? For example the Control of Pollution Act 1974
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Order 2022 (TWAO) made under the Transport and Works Act 1992 gives authority for the construction of the Tidal Barrier scheme, and grants planning permission for the scheme.
We appreciate that some of the construction works will be noisy, in particular piling operations on and close to Express Park. All the works will be carried out in conformity with a Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan which has been approved by Somerset Council. The scheme is also subject to planning conditions restricting hours of work and limiting construction noise levels. Noisy activities are limited to approved core working hours. Full details of the planning conditions may be seen on the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier page.
The authorised works will be carried out within the approved noise limits and the contractors will use their reasonable endeavours to minimise noise and disruption. We are confident that none of the works planned as part of the scheme will be so noisy as to constitute a statutory noise nuisance. This view has been confirmed by Somerset Council when approving the Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan for the scheme.
As regards noise nuisance legislation, Article 62 of the TWAO provides that the relevant clauses of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 shall not apply to the exercise of powers conferred by the TWAO where the nuisance is a consequence of the authorised works and cannot reasonably be avoided.
Construction Traffic, how will the movement of vehicles and deliveries be kept to a minimum?
Material for the flood defence embankments are won on site with the excavation of borrow pits in Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich minimising imported material to site.
Working with the local planning authority, comprehensive Construction traffic management plans are in place highlighting the extent of deliveries and the controls the project are undertaking to ensure minimal deliveries where possible.
How are you using natural resources available to you to support sustainability commitments of the project?
The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme is committed to sustainable resource management by maximising the use of natural materials available within the project area.
A key example of this is the use of borrow pits—excavated areas where soil and materials are sourced locally to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting construction materials. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also allows for careful management of resources, ensuring that materials are repurposed effectively.
The project is also prioritising the reuse and recycling of excavated soils, with different types of soil being strategically repurposed within the scheme. For example, suitable material will be used to construct flood embankments, reducing reliance on externally sourced aggregates. Other soil types may be used to create natural habitat features, ensuring that the project supports both flood defence and ecological enhancement.
Once construction is complete, the borrow pits will not be left as empty voids. Instead, they will be transformed into valuable wetland habitats, contributing to biodiversity and ecological resilience. These newly crafted wetlands will provide important habitats for local wildlife, supporting a range of species and enhancing the broader environment. The scheme also includes ecological enhancements such as native planting, fish passages, and habitat restoration, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability beyond just flood protection.
By integrating these practices, the project not only delivers on its core flood defence objectives but also leaves a positive environmental legacy, ensuring that the local landscape is enriched and biodiversity is supported for the long term.
Thinking about site access routes and how they will become the footpath and cycle way after the project is complete.
Material for the flood defence embankments are on site with the excavation of borrow pits in Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich minimising imported material to site. The completed borrow pits will be transformed into wetland habitat, giving an ecological enhancement to the local environment.
Where possible, the project team are reusing material that has been used to construct the temporary works, whether that is within the permanent works or being reutilised for future projects.
The temporary third lane and access track off Saltlands Lane will before a permanent cycleway, leading to the barrier, which has a cycleway crossing to access the eastern side of the River Parrett.
Have your construction works caused the pollution of the water in the drainage ditches, sometimes evidenced by orange staining, near Saltlands?
No, we have carried out investigations together with Somerset Waste Partnership who manage the Saltlands landfill site. We have demonstrated that this phenomenon existed before our construction works started, and we have advised the site manager of their responsibility to resolve the pollution.
Will there be employment or training opportunities for local communities or links with colleges and schools for apprenticeships or other career development opportunities and to support educational studies while the scheme is being constructed?
The contractor is working with Bridgwater and Taunton College and Weston College to identify opportunities to provide local apprenticeships, placements, training for existing employees and also engage with their current students.
The project are committed to employing as locally as possible and are using local subcontractors within a 50 mile radius.
What are you doing to reduce carbon?
Local sourcing of construction material for the downstream defences reducing haulage carbon emissions.
Earthworks construction programmed during spring and summer – drier ground conditions reducing excavator plant carbon emissions
Design for sustainable construction including minimising material quantity, carbon and waste including low carbon concrete, recycled steel and pre-cast and off-site construction
Design for sustainable operation and maintenance including low carbon fuels and renewable energy- operational building Passivhaus Plus.
How is the project addressing climate resilience for future generations?
One tool, Building Information Modelling (BIM) Analytics Carbon, was developed by AtkinsRéalis to allow teams to work together using a shared, intelligent 3D model enriched with data. This improves design, construction, and maintenance efficiency. BIM calculates live carbon volumes from the model, which appear as a heat map on a custom dashboard—ensuring accurate carbon measurement and highlighting areas where design improvements can reduce emissions. This gives us confidence that the project’s carbon footprint is being effectively tracked and managed.
On-site, sustainable practices include using low-carbon cement, installing solar panels to power welfare offices, and using locally sourced clay for flood banks. We are continually exploring new opportunities to make the project as sustainable as possible throughout its design, development, and delivery.