News: Southern Water repairing sewage pipe leak

A leak in the main riser sewer leading from the centre of Chilbolton has been discovered and reported by a resident in Village Street. Southern Water are currently dealing with the issue and hope to fix it overnight.

The leak is between Upcote and the field north of the site for the proposed 75-home development.

The pipe involved carries waste up from the centre of the Village to link with a connecting pipe under Branksome Avenue, which transports it to the Chilbolton wastewater treatment plant on West Down.

Before any repair could be made, the pumping station in Village Street near the Abbots Mitre was shut down. Tankers have been drafted in to remove waste from the pipe.

A “silent pump” has been delivered to the pumping station so that residents are not disturbed by the pumps on tankers overnight.

Water and sewerage services to customers will not be interrupted.

Once the pipe is clear access will be gained to the field from Cart Lane. Because the leak is near a hedge line, authorisation will be needed from an environmental officer.

The repair crew will dig down to the pipe in question and will use a camera to perform an internal check 100 metres above the leak and 100 metres below the leak.

Once they understand the extent of any damage, they will effect a repair. The system will then be tested, and will be monitored to ensure the repair is effective.

Work is expected to continue through the night.