Align JV chose new Pro Earth marine booms to protect the environment

The 3.4km Colne Valley Viaduct is arguably the most significant visible engineering feature on the Phase 1 route of HS2 – the UK’s longest railway bridge.

While delivering the project, Align JV – comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick – is using innovative methods to conserve and protect the environment. The objective is to deliver the HS2 vision – in particular that the viaduct should ‘tread lightly’ across this beautiful landscape.

Environmental solution

To offer the maximum, belt-and-braces protection to the River Colne and the Colne Valley lakes during the construction period, Align JV chose a unique environmental protection solution from Pro Earth.

The hybrid absorbent booms, attached to a silt curtain – pictured in grey – contain a natural, sustainable, hydrophobic material that absorbs hydrocarbons and chemicals. Robustly manufactured in the UK, the booms are designed to stay in the water until Spring 2025. This means that as well as offering the ultimate protection for the environment, they are cost-effective too.

Benefits

• The booms are filled with a non-leaching, hydrophobic material that absorbs hydrocarbons and chemicals in the event of a spill breaching the primary containment measures on the jetties.
• The booms also mitigate against the effects of potential silt migration
• In choosing the Pro Earth solution, Align JV has fulfilled an important HS2 objective to give supply chain opportunities to SMEs
• Local manufacture means Align is also supporting UK industry

Vincent Ryan, environmental advisor for Align JV, said: “One of the advantages of working with Pro Earth has been their collaborative approach.

“The design of the booms has evolved, and we are confident we have the very best environment protection solution in place.”

For more information, contact Nick Addison: 07730 803876

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