Sewer bottleneck causing Portsmouth storm overflow 'challenge' for decades is removed
A major sewer bottleneck believed to have been a key contributor to Portsmouth’s storm overflow challenge for decades has been removed.
Following “extensive investigations” by Southern Water, a pressure point in the underground pipework beneath Stanley Road, Stamshaw, was discovered.
It had flows from six storm overflows that were combining at a 90-degree bend – before entering a larger pipe known as the Western Interceptor. The layout was causing flows to back-up at times of high volume, making local storm overflows more likely.
During the autumn, engineers worked to redesign and rebuild the sewers in that area. “By removing restrictions and bottlenecks, we can maintain a steady sewer level, which can help increase capacity in the network,” a Southern Water spokesperson said.
“This work is running alongside other projects which aim to keep surface water out of sewers across Portsmouth, to reduce pressure on pipes further.”
Steven Reed from Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force said: “We’re really pleased that we have been able to utilise an engineering solution to fix the Stanley Road bottleneck.
“This work sets the tone for what’s to come by exploring every part of our network to find different ways to create healthier rivers and seas by reducing storm overflows.”