Rainham Silt Lagoons Operations Plan

The purpose of the Operations Plan is to provide a more structured procedure for the disposal of dredged material to Rainham Silt Lagoons. Historically, disposal has taken place in an ad hoc manner, without long-term planning or within an agreed procedural framework. The Operations Plan will help better co-ordination and management of disposal activity to safeguard the operational function of the site whilst protecting its environmental interests.

This is a summary of the Operations Plan. A full copy of the Plan can be downloaded here (PDF file - 824kb).

The Plan has been produced:

  • To meet the PLA’s requirement, as occupier of part of the Inner Thames Marshes SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), to fulfil its obligations to manage the SSSI and to manage placement operations of dredged material appropriately.
  • To be a dynamic document, updated regularly to reflect any changes in responsibility, legal requirements or operation.
  • To be used in conjunction with other management documents, including the Inner Thames Marshes Water Level Management Plan and the RSPB’s Management Plan.
  • To be used as a reference document referring to operational issues associated to disposal of material – the document is not for general management of the site.

The Plan has been developed in consultation with a number of key stakeholders, including the Port of London Authority (PLA), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Natural England (NE) and the Environment Agency (EA). A summary of these stakeholders, including details of their responsibilities and interests, is provided here.

The Operations Plan is broken down into six key areas:

1. Criteria for material properties (quality, grading)
2.  Communications and procedure notification
3. Placement of dredgings
4. Timing of operations (seasonal preferences, flood risk considerations)
5. Water management issues (water quality, maximum volume per day, condition of ditches and drainage system, control of water levels during/post pumping)
6. Health and safety

A pro forma has been developed to be used with the Operations Plan.This will help ensure that agreed procedures are followed and that effective communication is maintained.

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