Jack's Keys needed a rapid response to scour and erosion problems. Our pre-filled Rock Mattresses and Rock Rolls were the answer, our Menzi Muck Spider machine was able to climb in and place them in the river bed.
Preventing erosion in a new river channel on a sensitive site
The Environment Agency have decommissioned two reservoir dams at Jack’s Key and created an engineered channel between them that feeds into the River Darwen.
The channel is spilt into 3 sections. The middle section was being heavily scoured by winter flows, which was a concern as further downstream there was a sensitive flood risk situation.
The Environment Agency asked Salix for an alternative to Reno mattresses that would be robust, easier to green up and environmentally sensitive. They required a long term solution to prevent erosion but also create opportunities for wildlife
Our pre-filled Rock Rolls and Rock Mattresses were used in the river bed, these have been shown to be highly effective in the most testing of environments whilst also providing opportunities for invertebrates and other wildlife. These will rapidly naturalise and allow vegetation to establish whilst being excellent at preventing scour.
Lindsay Ward from the Environment Agency said
Salix were very helpful from our initial enquiry through to the construction works. From a quick phone discussion and emailing some photos through we received some very good design options and sketches within a couple of days. Following a site meeting we confirmed our preferred option and received a quote very quickly afterwards.
Salix were easy to deal with and met our tight timescales throughout. The works were carried out safely and effectively on site, to programme, working well with our principal contractor. Their advice and design was very good and the constructed Rock Rolls are performing well on site.
Ian Bolt of VBA said
The 2 Salix representatives we had at Jacks Key were Rhodri Henry & Jason Alford. They were both a credit to Salix, worked meticulously in difficult conditions and nothing was too much trouble. Any issues were addressed immediately with a minimum of fuss.
Thanks Guys.
Products Used
Pre-filled Rock Mattresses
Rock Mattresses are a robust and permanent revetment for use around reservoirs, shorelines, lake edges, streams and river banks. They are cost-effective revetments that are suitable alternatives to rock rip rap and gabions…
Pre-filled Rock Roll
Rock Rolls are a robust and permanent revetment for use around reservoirs, shorelines, lake edges, streams and river banks. They are cost-effective revetments that are suitable alternatives to rock rip rap and gabions in many scour applications.
