Why is Canvey Lake experiencing water quality issues?
Canvey Lake was created as a flood management feature and is fed by rainwater and surface water run-off rather than natural underground water sources.
Parts of the Lake are very shallow, which means the water warms up quickly during hot weather. Warm water holds less oxygen, making conditions more difficult for fish and other wildlife. Water quality is also affected by the large number of birds using the Lake, as their droppings add nutrients to the water. The Lake also has limited shade and relatively few plants that help produce oxygen.
Are there any health risks from blue-green algae?
The risk to the general public remains low provided people follow the signs, avoid contact with the water and keep dogs on leads.
For people, contact with affected water can cause skin irritation and may lead to illness if the water is swallowed. Dogs are at greater risk because they are more likely to enter the water and ingest it while swimming or grooming themselves.
Will you be adding more aerators?
Yes, if possible.
We would like to install additional aerators along the length of the Lake. However, some areas, particularly towards Oyster Fleet, are currently too shallow for them to work effectively.
Planned desilting work will help increase water depth in some locations, which may allow more aerators to be installed in future. We are also exploring options to provide power along the length of the Lake so that additional aerators can be added when conditions allow.
Questions about dredging
How will the £1 million funding be spent?
The full £1 million is allocated to dredging works taking place this winter. Water testing and aquatic planting have a separate budget of £144k over 3 years and 7 months which is in addition to and not part of the £1 million dredging budget.
What is the timeline for the dredging works?
We anticipate (subject to receiving FRAP approval) that dredging works will commence in early January 2027 and complete in March 2027.
We will work to protect ground surfaces as much as possible, but there will be a need for reinstatement works.
These works will be undertaken in April following the completion of the dredging.
Why are you relocating fish?
Fish need to be removed before dredging works can begin for welfare reasons. This is a regulated activity and requires approval from the Environment Agency. We already have the permissions in place to begin this work.
What will happen to the dredged material?
The dredged material will be moved and then stored in temporary lagoons created on the site, and the water content will be reduced through a process known as dewatering.
The dredged material will then be removed from the lagoons via vacuum tankers and it will be disposed of off-site.
Will there be any odours from the dredged material?
Yes. We know the sediment is organic rich therefore we anticipate there will be odours as the dredging works and dewatering takes place.
We will work with our appointed contractor to understand these impacts and to mitigate disturbance to residents where possible.
Will the footpaths routes around the lake be affected by the dredging works?
Yes. We expect that for the works to be undertaken safely, there will be a need for various temporary closures to footpaths and the Public Rights of Way network that surround the Lake.
This detail will become clearer when we appoint the dredging contractor, and we have a confirmed work programme.
Meanwhile, we have submitted an application to Essex County Council that will give us the required permission to be able to make these temporary closures to the Public Rights of Way.