Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy

Graham Quarrier , Environment Agency

Where we were...

• Trying to implement policies of the Shoreline Management Plan

• Widespread dissatisfaction towards emphasis in the strategy on creating compensatory habitat

• We withdrew our 2011 consultation

Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy  

• Localism – we provided local engagement officers

• Asset Maintenance Protocol (partnership working/local agreements)

• Minister’s expectation that any realignment to defences shall be by landowner agreement

• Less precautionary approach to prediction of habitat loss (slower Sea Level Rise plus not being responsible for losses from all causes)

Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy 

Key Changes for the strategy since 2011

2013 Consultation results• Fewer replies, though most were

consolidated through Parish Councils• More “acceptance” of the strategy as a

starting point for long term engagement• Key issues raised were:

  Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy

Food security (policy)How agricultural land should be

valued (policy)Reductions in maintenance funding

(policy)Liabilities on landowners taking on

FRM responsibilities (policy)Concerns over adequacy of existing

and future data (Severn)

What Next?

• We are compiling a summary report of the consultation with standard answers• We are adjusting some wording in some of the consultation documents• Documents will be held on-line as a “Working Draft”• We will seek approval through LPRG, Directors, Defra, WG

Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy

Work already complete or underway due to the strategy

• Urgent works completed at Congresbury Yeo Tidal Banks • Urgent works completed at Pill (R Avon)• Steart Coastal Change Project underway• Major improvement scheme at Congresbury Yeo tidal

banks under development• Partnership with Bristol CC and South Glos to raise funds

for Avonmouth• 3 improvement projects under development on Gwent

levels, SE Wales• Inter-tidal habitat creation project near Lydney

(Plusterwine, Forest of Dean)• Technical input to EA negotiations with potential

developers of Nuclear Power Stations• Good quality information for Severn Barrage studies

Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy