Sector
Water
Shropshire, UK
Location
Canal & River Trust / United Utilities
Client
The Summary
Following a significant embankment breach on the Llangollen Canal in December, a coordinated multi-agency response was required.
While Canal & River Trust (CRT) concentrated on the immediate area surrounding the breach, Selwood and United Utilities (UU) took the lead in delivering a temporary bypass pumping solution to manage water flows and support the wider incident response.
With the incident unfolding just days before Christmas, a mission-critical pumping system was required with rapid deployment, safe site working in a constrained high-risk environment, and reliable round-the-clock operation.
72 hours
Total time from initial engagement to a fully operational, mission-critical system
2 km+
Length of large-diameter discharge pipework installed in a constrained, high-risk environment
50 MLD (578 L/s)
Total flow capacity managed to bypass the embankment breach safely
The Challenge
Multi-agency response to a significant incident
The scale and urgency of the breach required close collaboration between multiple partners. United Utilities provided on-site project management, welfare and cabin facilities, and coordinated enabling works in line with the agreed pumping design and plan.
Network Plus and Caecillian deployed approximately 30 personnel to support the installation of more than 2 km of discharge pipework, operating the pumps throughout the Christmas period in line with canal levels.
Selwood provided on-site technical oversight throughout the installation, completing the specialist elements of the solution, including the pipe bridge and manifold, as well as delivering operational training and ongoing technical support to ensure safe and reliable performance.
Rapid delivery under pressure
Selwood mobilised 20 people, arriving on site within hours of engagement. The pumping system was fully operational within three days, allowing water to safely bypass the damaged section of the canal.
A temporary high-capacity bypass pumping system was installed, capable of handling up to 50 MLD (578 L/s), helping to manage flows around the affected section and allowing the client to progress recovery works.
The solution comprised six Stage V diesel-powered DN200 (8-inch) discharge pumps, configured through a modular manifold arrangement and connected via more than 2 km of large-diameter discharge pipework. Specialist lifting equipment, including a 150-tonne crane, supported safe and efficient installation.
Pumps were positioned away from the unstable embankment, providing safe access for refuelling and monitoring while keeping the immediate breach area clear for other response activities. This reduced risk on-site and supported effective coordination with CRT and partner teams.
Ongoing support and longer-term planning
Selwood’s pumping system remains operational on site, providing the client with continued bypass capability as long-term repair works progress over the next 12 months*.
Alongside ongoing support, Selwood is working with CRT on the next-phase pumping configuration - a reduced-footprint setup designed to lower fuel consumption and environmental impact. This will include a more efficient arrangement using fewer diesel units and generator power where appropriate, aligned to site constraints and operational requirements.
“We have worked with Selwood for a number of years, and they are a reliable and trusted partner and have demonstrated their willingness to go above and beyond. During a mission-critical operation over the three-day Christmas period, Selwood quickly stepped in designing, engineering, and installing a robust and efficient solution that demonstrated their skills, capacity, and commitment to deliver for their clients”.Louise Beardmore
CEO, United Utilities
Supporting long-term repairs
The response required detailed planning and close coordination between all parties to ensure a safe and efficient outcome. The incident attracted significant local interest, with strong public engagement from both Selwood and United Utilities.
With all three boats safely retrieved, CRT is progressing with investigations and long-term repairs. Selwood’s pumping system remains operational, maintaining controlled water movement and providing continued bypass capability as the repair programme advances. As requirements evolve, Selwood will adapt the pumping configuration to support CRT through the next phases of work, with continued collaboration between all organisations to ensure long-term success.