National Grid : Ground investigations begin at the Dwyryd Estuary, Snowdonia

16 Oct 2017

• Ground investigations at the Dwyryd Estuary until the end of October
• Works will help National Grid develop plans which could see section of overhead power line removed
• Existing connection from Garth to Cilfor could be placed in a tunnel

A short programme of ground investigation survey work has begun in and around the Dwyryd Estuary. These works will help develop plans which could see a section of overhead line that runs across the estuary, from Garth to Cilfor, removed and the electricity connection placed in a tunnel.

The work, which will run until the end of October 2017, is part of National Grid's Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project. This is a major national initiative to reduce the visual impact of existing high voltage power lines in protected areas across Wales and England.

National Grid has been working with local organisations including the Snowdonia National Park Authority, Gwynedd Council, Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, Cadw, the National Trust and Natural Resources Wales to find the best way to enhance the landscape and replace the overhead line with an underground solution.

The results of the survey work will help National Grid to understand the geology of the area in and around the estuary and develop detailed engineering designs.

The works will be carried out at a number of locations across the Dwyryd Estuary and surrounding areas, some of which will be accessed by hovercraft. A mixture of boreholes and pits will be dug using a machine excavator and drilling rigs. Temporary fencing will be placed around the sites to protect pedestrians and animals.

Experts including ecologists, archaeologists and safety specialists will be on hand to make sure that any disruption to residents and users of the estuary is kept to a minimum. A site office has been set up in Penrhyndeudraeth, opposite the railway station.

Before National Grid finalises plans, a public consultation will be carried out to seek the views of the local community.

Hector Pearson, National Grid VIP Project Manager, said: 'This work is an important stage in the development of our plans to reduce the visibility of existing electricity infrastructure in such a nationally important landscape.

'We are committed to enhancing the natural beauty, culture and environmental heritage found in the Snowdonia National Park, and will continue to work closely in partnership with stakeholders to mitigate the visual impact of our transmission lines.'

To find out more about the work taking place in the Snowdonia National Park or for more information about the VIP project, please contact the project team on FREEPHONE 0800 019 1898, email visualimpact@nationalgrid.comor visit the website snowdonia.nationalgrid.co.uk.