Hot topic: super-sewer
Questions & Answers
Three reasons why you should care about the super sewer:
1) You are paying for it
14 million Thames Water customers, from Swindon to Essex and all Londoners, can expect to pay at least an extra £80 each year on top of current bills for life to pay for the project. You will pay even more if your bills are higher than average. The increased charges will come in from 2013, if the scheme goes ahead, although construction will not begin until 2016 at the earliest.
2) Thames Water now says Fulham riverside will be a main shaft site
This means more than a decade of construction and associated nuisances, including a total of 29,000 lorries clogging Fulham’s streets round the clock. Thames Water named Carnwath Road as the preferred site for the first time in November 2011, after the first public consultation process took place. Thames Water is yet to fully explain its thinking in deviating from their original choice south of the river. Despite admitting that using the Fulham riverside would be more costly and more disruptive to more people.
3) You can still have your say
H&F Council and many local residents are lobbying hard to persuade Thames Water to move the main shaft site to an area that is not so densely populated, but unfortunately the council has no power to refuse permission for the super sewer. Residents only have until 10 February 2012 at 5pm to respond to Thames Water’s consultation.
Super sewer – 10 questions & answers:
1) What is the super sewer?
The super sewer, or Thames Tunnel as it is also known, is a massive concrete tunnel the width of three buses. It will run 20 miles from west to east London, up to 250 feet below ground, broadly following the route of the river.
2) Why do Thames Water and the Government want to build the tunnel?
Because 10 years ago the EU said London had to do something about rain that was running off roofs and roads into the underground sewer system, causing the mixture of fresh rain water and sewage to overflow into the Thames. Water industry experts say Thames Water stands to make an extra £162million worth of revenue each year from the project due to the way the industry is financed.
3) How much will it cost to build if it goes ahead?
The cost has more than doubled since it was first conceived. Thames Water now estimates the bill at £4.1billion – despite Government assurances that it would not cost a penny more than £3.6 billion.
4) Who will benefit most from the Thames Tunnel?
The owners of Thames Water, the Australian bank Macquarie, will be able to increase the value of the water company by 40% by building the tunnel – in the hope of boosting profits for shareholders. The tunnel will not directly benefit the majority of Londoners or Thames Water customers and will not address basement flooding.
5) Are there other ways to stop rainwater from causing overflows into the river?
Yes. Lord Selborne’s Thames Tunnel Commission reported that a shorter tunnel, combined with green infrastructure solutions like water butts, permeable pavements and green roofs would be both compliant with EU directives and less costly and disruptive to Londoners.
6) If it goes ahead, when will the super sewer be built?
Thames Water is hoping to submit a planning application to the national body responsible for large infrastructure projects towards the end of 2012. The council has no power to refuse permission for the super sewer and the main construction work is scheduled to begin in 2016 and last for at least six years.
7) Why has the Fulham riverside been selected as west London’s main drive shaft?
Thames Water is yet to fully explain its thinking in deviating from their original choice south of the river. Despite admitting that using the Fulham riverside would be more costly and more disruptive to more people Thames Water named Carnwath Road as the preferred site for the first time in November 2011.
8) Are the plans final?
Not necessarily. The council is lobbying hard to persuade Thames Water to rule out the Fulham riverside as a potential site for the entrance compound. Residents have until 10 February 2012 at 5pm to respond to Thames Water’s consultation.
9) How can I have my say?
It is essential you fill out Thames Water’s online form at www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk (opens new window).
10) How can I lobby others if Thames Water doesn’t act?
You should also send your views to three people who can make a difference:
- Greg Hands MP: mail@greghands.com
- H&F Council Leader, Stephen Greenhalgh: stephen.greenhalgh@lbhf.gov.uk
- The Water Minister, Richard Benyon MP, at Defra, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR
Page last updated: 16/11/2011
