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Description
Examines hydrological and other considerations involved in 1958 in choosing the site for a new reservoir to supply the Oxford area, and in calculating its storage capacity.
Examines hydrological and other considerations involved in 1958 in choosing the site for a new reservoir to supply the Oxford area, and in calculating its storage capacity.
| Module code and title: | PT272, Environmental control and public health |
|---|---|
| Item code: | PT272; 02 |
| First transmission date: | 15-03-1975 |
| Published: | 1975 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:35 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | David Jackson |
| Contributor: | Keith Attenborough |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Binnie & partners; Eynsham weir; Hydrology; Reservoirs; Thames Conservancy; Water control |
| Footage description: | This studio programme consists entirely of Keith Attenborough talking to camera, with stills, graphs and charts to illustrate various points. Stills of Swinford treatment works and Eynsham weir, above Oxford on the Thames. Attenborough explains the need to expand its capacity recognised in the early 50s and the decision to build a pump storage reservoir. He explains the factors of yield, supply and risk involved in calculating required storage capacity to ensure adequate river flows downstream at all times. Shows hydrographs of flows at Eynsham. Inadequacy of Eynsham records meant that required data had to be extrapolated from records taken at Teddington. The Thames Conservancy and the consultants appointed by Oxford Corporation, Binnie and Partners, used different methods in interpreting Teddington data. The conservancy method involved correlating flows at Teddington, Days and Eynsham. Attenborough explains its shortcomings, and how the conservancy sought to justify its methods only after they had been used for planning policy. He outlines the consultants' method, using histograms based on data collected at Eynsham over a six year period, and calculating low flow probabilities. He compares the very different results with the conservancy's figures. These calculations had been for a site at Godstow. This site was rejected on amenity grounds and in calculating for a new site at Fannoor the consultants agreed to use the Conservancy data, but disagreed with them on the degree of risk protection given. In fact the problems of the site led to a larger capacity reservoir being built than was planned. Attenborough sums up. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71586 |
| Production number: | 00525_5182 |
| Videofinder number: | 2885 |
| Available to public: | no |
