Southern Water and its contractors worked hard to protect the sensitive environment along the coast and seabed.

This was particularly important for the New Forest National Park and Isle of Wight Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the International Nature Conservation Areas along both coastlines.

The contractors used a specialised drilling technique on the shorelines to avoid directly affecting these areas.

The pipes in the Solent were laid under the seabed to protect them from damage.

Before the project started in 2003, Southern Water carried out a full environmental assessment of the scheme and produced an Environmental Statement.

Archaeology

Archaeologists carried out a study of the area to make sure that when the new pipelines were laid they did not impact on any archaeological features. No artefacts were identified that could affect the work.

Health and Safety

We regard the safety of the public and the workforce as our highest priority and safe working practices were adopted at all times.