Dirtness Pumping Station Improvement Scheme Information Page

Overview

This information page provides an overview of the Dirtness Rationalisation Scheme and the catchment which the Dirtness Pump Station serves. Here you can read about the geography of the area, gain an understanding of our work, and read about the current situation and future of the Pump Station.

Geography of the Area

The Isle of Axholme is located across the East Riding of Yorkshire, Doncaster, North Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire.  With areas of ground as much as 3m below sea level, it is largely dependent on artificial drainage and pumping carried out by the Environment Agency and Internal Drainage Boards.  Without this it would be regularly flooded and so the DEFRA approved ‘Isle of Axholme Strategy 2013’ and subsequent ‘Implementation Report’ from 2015 provide the basis for a flood risk management strategy concentrating on managing flood risk from the Rivers Torne and Idle, where they flow across this low-lying area.

It is recognised that there is a clear link between land drainage and flood risk management activities in controlling flood risk. Parts of this area are also at risk from tidal or fluvial flooding from the Rivers Trent, Ouse, Don and tributaries. Protection from this is provided by defences in form of banks placed adjacent to these rivers.

The Isle of Axholme Strategy helps us breakdown the Isle into sub catchments and their associated pumping stations.  These pumps serve to convey water to Keadby terminal outfall which is a large pumping station with a gravity feed into the River Trent. The Dirtness catchment is shown below along with the pumps which move water from the West to the East.

History of the Pump Station

Dirtness Pump Station is a grade II listed building originally built in  1867. Until recent times it was used an operational depot for the Environment Agency and it’s predecessors.  Originally housing a James Watt steam engine, a refit took place in 1928 and then again in 1952.  Two electric pumps currently operate in the building.

Current Situation

Dirtness pumping station is due for replacement or refurbishment as it is beyond the end of its life expectancy.  It is expensive to operate, difficult to maintain and not compliant with the Eel Regulations 2009.  It is also carbon and energy intensive whilst being inefficient at its role.  Following on from the recent refurbishment at Keadby pump station, there is scope to bring this pump up to date and make it less expensive to run by using less energy and be more efficient.

This work ties into the themes of the Isle of Axholme Strategy, ensuring the area works as effectively and affordably as possible.  The Dirtness catchment could act as a pilot project to test the potential opportunities for rationalisation of feeder pump stations within its catchment.

Dirtness Rationalisation Scheme

The Environment Agency and Internal Drainage Board are currently working in collaboration to investigate if and how the Dirtness catchment could be rationalised.  If rationalisation is possible, it will guide the thinking as to what will be done with Dirtness itself.  It may be possible to build a higher capacity pump station in place of the current Dirtness asset which, using its increased capacity, replaces other pump stations in the catchment, increasing efficiency.  Timely engagement with partners and the community will be essential and we are keen to learn from experience gained by the Internal Drainage Boards in successful rationalisation.