Work to prevent erosion at a South Cumbrian landfill site is set to start next year.
South Walney landfill has suffered damage to the rock armour wall on its seaward face and plans are in place to replace it to prevent further erosion and ‘subsequent emission of waste into the sea’.
Work is due to start in May, Barrow council was told. A report was prepared by Capita Real Estate and Infrastructure Ltd on behalf of contractor Story Contracting Ltd and overseeing organisation Cumbria County Council.
The scoping report responds to a screening opinion issued by Barrow council, as the local planning authority, on December 22, 2021.
The report said: “The proposed scheme comprises construction of a new rock armour [wall]. The existing rock armour will be removed and, where possible, the stones will be set aside for reuse in the new structure.
“It will be extended along the erosion-affected area of the beach and has been designed to address failures and slips in the existing landfill containment bund.
“There is need for extension and augmentation of the existing erosion controls to provide adequate protection to the former landfill site from wave action and rainfall impacts.
“The proposed scheme will be extended inland to reinforce the existing landfill containment area, rather than further onto the foreshore, to avoid altering sediment movements and lateral drift for sands along the coastal zone.
“Extreme events will likely still see a minimal degree of overtopping for return periods in excess of one-in-100-year events.
“However, the proposed scheme will provide improved resistance for weathering for a design period of 50 years.
“Construction will be phased so that all works are to proceed from north to south along the area, minimising impact along the beach surrounding local fields and potential habitat areas.”
The statement said access to the site, once work begun, would mainly be via Mawflat Lane.
