Design and operation of trash screens - phase 3
A manual to maximise the effectiveness of all new trash screens and minimise ongoing maintenance
Documents
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Details
Maintaining water flow through tunnels and pumping stations is essential to efficient water management. If a watercourse flows through a tunnel there’s an increased risk of blockage. Why we use trash screens Trash screens and the equipment designed to keep them clear of debris are vital to prevent floods. It’s therefore very important that we use the most efficient screens.
The Environment Agency and other flood risk authorities use trash screens to prevent debris that’s in the watercourse or river channel from reaching areas where it could build up and block the water flow. Trash screens are also used to prevent access to some in-channel structures. Efficient design of trash screens If trash screens are not designed or used in the correct way the flow of water can be restricted which can result in higher upstream water levels. This can increase flood risk. Trash screen research and development project
We studied a range of trash screens over an extended period of time so that we could provide best practice and work out key design specifications. We then published our findings in a comprehensive manual as guidance to agency staff and other operating authorities. The manual provides:
- detailed guidance about screen size requirements and possible option arrangements
- written and audio information about how to install, operate and maintain a screen
- a design standard for a trash screen