Baystone Bank Reservoir impounded the Whicham Beck and the Whicham Beck tributary. The total catchment area at the dam was 2.47km2, with approximately 93% accounted for from the Whicham Beck and 7% from the tributary. The standard average annual rainfall for the catchment is 1,780mm. A by-wash channel allowed reservoir inflows to be either diverted around the reservoir basin or to spill into the reservoir depending on the inlet sluice opening. Baystone Bank Reservoir historically supplied Lanthwaite Water Treatment Works (WTW). By 1996 the reservoir yield was not required for supply purposes and was not part of the future plans. Lanthwaite WTW was also considered by United Utilities as a redundant asset and was disconnected from the potable network.

It was decided by United Utilities that “in the interest of safety” (ITIOS) a discontinuance of the dam would bring the most benefits.

PaSCoE were commissioned by Eric Wright Civil Engineering to provide both permanent and temporary works designs including.

• Design of infiltration trenches to desilt water from the reservoir basin.
• 10m span reinforced concrete integral bridge and new access track.
• 3D Ground modelling for the new beck and earthwork volumes.
• Temporary bridge foundations and temporary access track design.
• Temporary crane platform design.