Hi all, time for another update for Tunstall Reservoir.

Work is progressing well around the reservoir though perhaps taking longer than hoped. Unfortunately, investigations, especially underground, can be somewhat unpredictable. We had a number of boreholes that were provisional at the start of the contract but have now mostly been carried out to ensure we gather all the information we need.

We have completed 4nr boreholes in the field above the spillway on the way to Backstone Bank Farm and have left that area.

We are currently working on 2nr boreholes in the area of the spillway having completed 3. There are 1-2 boreholes still to be started.

We are also conducting structural checks by coring into the spillway structure to find the thickness and materials of the construction plus any possible voids behind the walls or under the base. This coupled with a trial pit behind the spillway wall should represent the last of the investigative works.

We will then begin removal of our access ramp and reinstatement of the area, including the wave wall.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Dave Eden

Project Manager

Hi All,

I’d like to give you an update and a bit more information on what is happening at Tunstall Reservoir:

We are currently carrying out site investigation works in and around the spillway of the reservoir to give us the information we need to carry our improvement works on the reservoir in 2023.

The works comprise of:

Approximately 11 boreholes to determine geology and the extent of underground structures. I say approximately because the number changes depending on what we find and how conclusive the information is.

Block pull out test on the spillway blocks. The is designed to find the force required to pull one of the surfacing blocks off the spillway and ensure that they are strong enough to meet any imposed forces during an overflow.

Coreholes and trail pits into and around the spillway structure to verify the construction of the spillway and identify any weak areas.

To date we have completed 6nr boreholes and we are busy installing monitoring points in some of these which will allow us to check changes in the geology around the spillway over time.

Some of you may have also noticed the various site cabins and access arrangement we have created to allow the work above to be carried out. These include removing a section of the dam top dry stone wave wall, constructing a stone ramp to give us access to the spillway and fencing off certain areas to ensure we keep members of the public safe.

Please be assured that on completion of the works we will return all areas to their previous state as much as possible. Of course where we have removed grass this will take some time to re-establish itself.

We are endeavouring to create as little disruption as possible to residents, fishermen and other reservoir users. If you have any issues or would like further information, please feel free to approach me or Tony the site manager.

Thanks for taking the time to read and for visiting the NWL community portal.

Dave Eden

Project Manager