Posted on May 12, 2016
By Larz Bourne, Maritime Journal
The Port of London Authority (PLA) has appointed Surrey UK based Land and Water Services as its operator for the Rainham Silt Lagoons, which offers a new disposal facility to the dredging market for materials originating from the Thames and Medway basins.
The initial term of 10 years will provide Land and Water with an extremely useful and strategically placed disposal route for dredged material from forthcoming projects and dredging campaigns in the Thames and Medway and other water bodies within these catchments.
The site, covering some 152 hectares and with a capacity of over 1 million cubic metres, is situated on the north bank of the River Thames at Coldharbour Lane, Rainham, with easy access from the river and the A13 main trunk road.
Historically, the disposal of dredged material to the Lagoons was by marine transport only, but future transportation of the dredged material to Rainham can be by both marine craft and by road.
Dredged material originating from the Thames and Medway catchments with a non-hazardous classification are acceptable.
Land & Water will be working with the RSPB, Natural England and the Environment Agency to safeguard the operational function of the site whilst providing and maintaining its SSSI status.
The site became fully operational early this year and is in a position to offer competitive disposal options for some of the major engineering projects planned for the Thames.
Source: Maritime Journal
