Mids - CDF Lot 2 - Colwick (Holme Sluices) Fish Pass Construction

Holme Sluices is the largest barrier to fish passage in the Midlands area with fish unable to migrate upstream past the sluice gates due to the water velocities under each sluice gate. Maintenance of the sluices is economically justifiable due to impacts on other stakeholders (including Nottingham City Council (NCC)) and the Client's statutory obligation to maintain water levels in the River Trent for navigation.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessment for the Trent waterbody upstream identifies fish failure as a significant reason for the Trent not meeting the required status of 'good ecological status (GES)' or 'good ecological potential (GEP)' and failing under the WFD.

Enabling fish passage at Holme Sluices enables the Environment Agency to adhere to the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (SAFFA) and the Eel Regulations (Eel Regs) and is a key element of the 2010 strategy 'Eel Management plans for the United Kingdom - Humber River Basin District'.

The Client's¬ main investment objectives are: a. Environment Agency discharge their obligations under SAFFA and Eel Regs as the asset owner of Holme Sluices, also contributing towards achieving WFD objectives; b. Restore fish passage to the River Trent, unlocking 60km of upstream habitat; c. Contribute to the regeneration of the River Trent by demonstrating to other barrier owners the importance of fish passage via the construction of a fish pass on the largest barrier in the catchment; and d. Education of the local community about fish passage and river regeneration through the implementation of the Trent Gateway Project.

The Contractor constructs a fish pass at the Holme Sluice barriers at Colwick Country Park that meets the investment objectives listed above.