The Isle of Wight council’s Strategic Manager for the Environment, Natasha Dix, hosted a public meeting this evening (Thursday) to deliver some stark news about the partial collapse of the Ventnor seawall just east of the skatepark.
When News OnTheWight reported the incident last week, the void under the revetment was thought to be around 25ft. With the recent storms and sea swells, the void has now grown to more than 100ft.
Sea wall moving with each tide
What’s more, several of the concrete panels that were taking the brunt of the pounding waves have now also collapsed, meaning the sea is effectively washing away all material under the seawall apron.
Click on images to see larger versions
Tash explained that the apron is moving with every tide and there is huge concern that the concrete sewage pipe that runs underneath the sea wall will be damaged, leading to an environmental disaster.
Protecting the sewage pipe
The erosion of the seawall has exposed the sewage pipe which is normally protected.
The gravity sewerage system collects effluent from all properties in Bonchurch and East Ventnor and is fed, through gravity, down to the pumping station.
Collaborative efforts
The IWC are collaborating with the Environment Agency (with two representatives from the mainland attending tonight’s meeting), Southern Water, Marine Conservation Society, Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation.
All the agencies that are involved have been working round the clock, when it is safe to do so, to rescue the situation. Southern have been building up large sandbags around the sewage pipe to help prevent it from being broken and collapsing.
5-10 year lifespan superseded
It was explained that IWC and EA have been monitoring the area for some time and a programme started in 2020 identified that the section that has now collapsed had a possible lifespan of five to ten years.
Obviously that lifespan has been dramatically altered now – washed out to sea – and so all involved are working to find emergency solutions to stop the damage spreading and to protect the all-important sewage pipe.
Highly dangerous to enter the site
Tash said she couldn’t stress enough just how dangerous it is for anyone climb the fencing to get from one side of the closure to the other.
Although it may look safe, the 35m void underfoot could mean that the concrete collapses at any moment and anyone who goes through the secured area will be putting not just their own lives at risk, but those of the emergency services too.
Coastal erosion also a concern
In addition to the concerns about the sewage pipe, there is also a larger concern of the sea eroding the cliff – although this is not in immediate danger.
The contractors, Mackley, are working against time and tide to protect the sewage pipe in the first instance, but it was explained that all points along the wall are being monitored for movement. The teams are awaiting the next low spring tide to be able to see the extent of emergency works needed.
Could take months
Tash was very frank with the members of the public who turned out for tonight’s meeting, explaining that the initial works to secure the pipe and seawall will take months to resolve.
With a heavy heart she told residents that pedestrian access may not be restored in the short term. They would know more in the New Year as to what solutions can be considered.
What’s next?
Next week two tonnes of specially engineered sacks will be used to pack the entire void out, and linked together to create some stability.
At the moment the teams are working collaboratively to carry out what are referred to as ‘emergency works’, but after Christmas they will be looking to instigate ‘urgent works’ and Tash told the meeting that she was already lining up coastal structural engineering people for this purpose.
Details on the longer-term project, which could see major works take place after 2026 to follow.
“Be positive”
During the Q&A time, one resident asked what members of the community can do to help.
“Be positive,” was the quick response from Tash, as well suggesting residents let others know about the seriousness of the incident and the risks involved for anyone attempting to break through the barriers.
Find out more
You can read more about the coastal defences programme mentioned above on the Environment Agency’s Website.
Article edit
1.25pm 20th Nov 2022 – More images and diagram added
