A feasibility assessment for fish passage at Bealey’s Weir, a 5-m-high stone, stepped structure in the River Irwell, was undertaken
The project team was tasked with identifying the technical feasibility for, and economic viability of, achieving fish passage on Bealey’s Weir. To facilitate this process, cbec conducted a detailed review of the available data, including model outputs from a flood alleviation scheme for the Radcliffe and Redvales area. A geomorphic assessment of the immediate site, along with upstream and downstream reaches, was undertaken to understand the current sediment regime and inform assessment of the habitat enhancement opportunities to be considered as part of the feasibility phase. Informed by the site assessment and desk-based review, the project team developed a long list of fish passage options, which was refined to a shortlist comprising viable options for further appraisal. An appraisal (including high-level costings) of the shortlisted options was then undertaken, and results were presented to the relevant stakeholders. Through discussions at a stakeholder workshop, the preferred option was identified and proposed to the client. Following the allocation of funding, the intention is for this project to progress to detailed design.
