Feltwell reservoir is a potential strategic water resource for the whole of
East Anglia. This paper describes the work undertaken by Binnie Black & Ve
atch on the technical aspects of the site identification, pre-feasibility a
nd feasibility studies for the construction of a reservoir at Feltwell. The
process by which the site was identified is described. The incremental app
roach to the assessment of the feasibility of developing a reservoir at the
site involving a desk study, preliminary ground investigation, pre-feasibi
lity study and feasibility study is outlined. The bulk of the paper discuss
es the feasibility study undertaken in 1997/98. A feasibility ground invest
igation was carried out and a digital geological model was developed. This
geological model was used to assess the optimum reservoir depth and capacit
y and to determine the embankment alignment. The problems associated with t
he site geology are discussed, particularly in relation to the peat coverin
g the site and the sourcing of material for filters and drains. The selecti
on of cut-off options and the dewatering requirements are described. The co
mplex hydraulics of the inlet/ outlet system are also described together wi
th the proposed solution.