The omission of M25 runoff pond data highlights potential gaps in asset monitoring by National Highways.
- Connect Plus Services failed to include a significant balancing pond at Swanley interchange in Kent in their initial data submission.
- Investigation into the M25 ponds reveals concerns about hazardous waste and pollution management.
- WSP has been appointed to assist National Highways in improving water runoff management and addressing environmental impacts.
- The Water Quality Plan by National Highways aims to mitigate risks associated with high-risk outfalls on the strategic road network.
In a recent investigation conducted by NCE, it was uncovered that key data concerning the condition of runoff ponds around the M25 had been inadvertently omitted by Connect Plus Services. This omission was noted during a Freedom of Information Act request, wherein Connect Plus Services admitted failing to include a balancing pond at the Swanley interchange in Kent. This raises concerns about National Highways’ ability to monitor and maintain these essential environmental assets, as many of the ponds are suspected of being filled with hazardous waste due to the organisation’s failure to identify the last cleaning dates for most of them.
The investigation utilised aerial imagery to ascertain the status of these ponds, revealing that while Swanley Pond 1 was accounted for in the northeastern section, another prominent pond in the southeastern segment was overlooked. This discovery prompted the submission of an additional FOI request, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive audit of the data managed by Connect Plus Services.
A statement from Connect Plus Services acknowledged the oversight, citing a data export issue as the cause for the exclusion. Despite the initial lapse, the omitted pond is reportedly managed according to DBFO Co contract requirements and scored highly in its last inspection, validating its condition as ‘Condition Grade 1 – Clear’. However, the introduction of this new classification without explanatory notes has led to further queries regarding its conformity to standardised assessment criteria.
Jo Bradley from Stormwater Shepherds expressed scepticism regarding this classification, suggesting it might be an internal terminology between Connect Plus Services and National Highways rather than an industry-standard measure. Her concerns were echoed in a broader context by a report from Stormwater Shepherds and CIWEM, which criticised National Highways for not holding the necessary permits to manage the potentially toxic runoff from its roads.
In response to these challenges, WSP has been assigned by National Highways to act as its technical partner in the ambitious Water Quality Plan. This initiative is a key part of the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, devised to enhance understanding and management of water runoff from the nation’s strategic roads. WSP’s role encompasses project management, technical assurance, and preliminary design, with the support of firms such as Mott MacDonald, Ramboll, and Aecom.
The overarching aim of the Water Quality Plan is to address the approximately 1,200 highest-risk outfalls by 2030. With a financial commitment of £10 million from National Highways, of which £4 million pertains to the technical partner role, the plan underscores the need for effective intervention in pollution management. David Symons, WSP’s Programme Director, emphasised the company’s dedication to safeguarding water quality and forging positive environmental outcomes.
The developments illustrate the critical need for stringent data management and pollution mitigation strategies in maintaining the UK’s strategic road network.
