South West Water to begin essential works to threatened sewer pipe in Ermington
Work is due to begin in June to replace the main sewer carrying waste from Ermington to the village's sewage treatment works.
The raw sewage pipe, which is currently laid in the bank of the River Erme, was exposed when the extreme wet weather last winter washed away part of the bank. The pipe is now considered at risk, as any more heavy rain and high river levels could wash it away, which would pollute the river and put its ecology in danger.
If the pipe were to break, raw sewage would be washed into the river, causing environmental damage. South West Water and the Environment Agency (EA) are keen to relocate the pipe as soon as possible, and have agreed a plan with Devon County Council and local landowners to move the pipe away from the bank.
One 30 metre section will have to go under the A3121 because there is no space between the road and the river. Laying the pipe in the road will necessitate a road closure for two weeks in June.
Project manager Len Rickard said: "We will be working seven days a week to complete this work as quickly as possible to minimise the inconvenience to road users.
"This is essential work which needs to be done swiftly, as we and the EA are very concerned about the exposed pipe and what could happen if it broke.
"We have agreed special permission with the county council's highways department and our aim is to be finished before the peak season for summer visitors.
"We appreciate people will be inconvenienced by the road closure but we hope residents will understand the importance and the urgency of this work so we are asking everyone to bear with us."
Footpaths along the Erme will be unaffected by the works. A diversion route has been put in place by Devon County Council.
