AECOM enhanced fish passage and biodiversity by addressing challenges posed by historical industrial weirs.
A bridge and its waterways faced ecological challenges due to historical industrial weirs. These structures, initially built for industrial purposes, now hinder fish passage and disrupt biodiversity. Recognising these issues, our client partnered with us to address these concerns.
We aimed to enhance fish migration at five weirs while restoring or improving natural processes and habitats. This initiative sought to not only improve ecological conditions but also contribute to flood risk management in the area.
Establishing the Baseline including use of Innovative Drone Mapping for AI-Driven Analysis
At the project's outset, AECOM initiated a thorough process of comprehensive baseline studies and assessments, scrutinising the environmental landscape to discern challenges and opportunities. This thorough analysis enabled the team to discover optimal solutions, with a particular emphasis on prioritising the removal of weirs where practical. Leveraging cutting-edge methodologies such as drone mapping for AI-driven particle size analysis, aptly termed the 'digital Wolman count,' AECOM not only streamlined the assessment of riverbed gravel size but also significantly enhanced safety and accuracy, setting a high standard for precision and efficiency in environmental evaluation.
The project adopted a holistic approach, encompassing structure inspections, geomorphology assessments, fisheries surveys, and flood risk analyses. This thorough assessment informed the feasibility study and laid the groundwork for subsequent design phases.
Preservation and Mitigation Strategies
During the design phase, AECOM ensured compliance with regulatory standards and environmental requirements. Notably, the partial removal of a weir required meticulous planning to preserve visual heritage, prevent scour at listed structures, mitigate flooding impacts, and ensure ecological neutrality or benefits.
AECOM's multidisciplinary team, comprising of experts in engineering, fisheries, hydromorphology, heritage, and biodiversity, has played a pivotal role in the project's success. Their collective expertise facilitated seamless coordination and innovative problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.
A Model for Ecological Restoration
Effective risk management and communication were paramount to project success. AECOM's proactive approach ensured alignment with project objectives and timelines, maintaining momentum and addressing challenges as they arose.
Through collaboration, innovation, and a holistic approach, AECOM successfully addressed fish passage and biodiversity challenges in the surrounding waterways. This project not only resolves immediate environmental concerns but also establishes a blueprint for future ecological restoration initiatives, showcasing the potential of engineering ingenuity in environmental stewardship.