Northumbrian Water has reached a major milestone in its £11m environmental programme at Ovingham, with the first pair of new eel screens successfully installed at the raw water pumping station.
The installation forms a key part of the company’s ongoing commitment to protecting the European eel, a species classified as critically endangered, as well as other fish populations within the River Tyne.
The new screens are part of a wider investment to support eel passage and river health while maintaining the regional water supply. This is, in turn, part of a nationwide programme being carried out on behalf of the Environment Agency.
Working with their partner Mott Macdonald Bently (MMB) the water company has carried out upgrades that form a vital contribution to the long-term recovery of the European eel population, supporting wider biodiversity in the region.
The screens help the eels and other fish populations to avoid the mechanics of the pump and continue their journey upstream.
Work to install screens three and four will take place later this month (February), alongside continued pipework, electrical commissioning, and further underwater clearance around the intake. This work will support the continued modernisation of the pumping station and enhance long-term environmental resilience.
Northumbrian Water, Project Manager, Brian Ford said:
“Installing the first two eel screens at Ovingham is a really important step for both the project and the health of the River Tyne. The team has worked incredibly hard through challenging site conditions and the complexities of winter river levels to deliver this milestone safely and accurately.
“Protecting the European eel is a responsibility we take seriously, and these new screens will play a crucial role in supporting the species’ recovery while ensuring our pumping station continues to operate efficiently for customers.”