Highway Dam decommissioning work - an update from the Environment Agency

An inspection of Highway Dam in St Blazey has shown an unacceptable risk to life from the rail embankment collapsing when the reservoir is storing water. This requires removal or strengthening under the Reservoirs Act 1975.

The reason removal has been chosen rather than strengthening is Highway Dam provides minimal flood risk benefit now than it was originally designed to. This is a result of the recently constructed flood walls downstream now provide a similar level of flood protection to the properties of Par as the reservoir has provided previously. A number of properties will see their flood risk improved following dam removal as the flood plain will be available later in a flood as levels peak.

The dam will be removed in Summer 2023, in line with the requirements of Section 10 of the Reservoirs Act. There will be limited additional disruption in the area as we undertake this work.

If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact DCISEnquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.