Researchers from the University of Sheffield were out at New Mills last the weekend carrying out flow tests on the river.
The work as part of their hydro power research is studying 'Archie' to gain a better understanding of the post installation efficiency of low head hydro power turbines.
In order to understand how Archie is really performing good quality records of flow data are required at the site. Equipment has been installed permanently in the river to monitor the flow continuously over the next year but this requires calibration to give values of flow.
The tests at the weekend were the first of several to do this using a process called ‘dilution gauging’. This involves injecting red dye of known concentration into the river and measuring the concentration downstream over a few hours, from this the flow in the river can be calculated.
The work has been agreed with the Environment Agency and is totally harmless to flora and fauna.
Whilst I'm stuck out in Norway with no options of getting back to the UK I spotted some interesting info showing how much CO2 has been emitted by Volcano Eyjajjallajoekull (try spelling that one first time) in Iceland compared with the amount saved by substantial reduction in air traffic.
Take a look for yourself
T
hose of you that spend a lot of time in and around the Torrs will know that this time of year is a hive of activity for our feathered friends.
Many birds and water fowl are now hunting for mates and for that perfect nesting site - many can be seen in and around Archie - dippers are nesting in the walls next to the weir (can be spotted from the stone bridge), blue and great tits are nesting in the stone walls underneath Union Road bridge.
The Mallards (above) haven't quite decided where their new homes will be but there are several pairs in and around the weir looking for that perfect spot !
Researchers from the University of Sheffield were out at New Mills last the weekend carrying out flow tests on the river. 
