Tag: Environment Agency

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 15 August 2024.

Environment Agency investigation discovers beer importer had been an unregistered producer of packaging for 18 years.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 6 January 2024.

The Environment Agency is warning people to take care during the ongoing flooding.

Significant river flooding impacts are expected to continue today (Saturday) until Monday in parts of the Midlands, Lincolnshire and on the River Thames, due to the recent prolonged wet weather and intense rainfall. Parts of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire have seen increased river levels over the past 24 hours, with areas of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire continuing to also be impacted.

At 1pm on Saturday 6 January, 207 flood warnings and 222 flood alerts are in place and Environment Agency teams are out on the ground with other emergency responders operating around temporary pumps, barriers and flood defences to help reduce impacts.

So far, more than 45,000 properties have been protected from flooding caused by Storm Henk in the last few days, but sadly around 1,800 properties have flooded.

While risks are likely to start reducing over the weekend, ongoing flood impacts are also likely across much of England over the next five days as some larger rivers slowly respond to recent and forecast rain. Many rivers are elevated and will remain so for several days.

The message to the public remains to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation. Anyone driving is urged to not to go though flood water and follow advice of local emergency services on the roads.

Katharine Smith, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Significant river flooding impacts are still expected today and over the next few days across parts of the river Thames in Oxfordshire as well as the River Trent near Nottingham and the River Severn including Gloucester. The prolonged wet weather and intense rainfall has led to flooding impacts and our thoughts are with all of those affected.

Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, working to minimise the impacts of flooding where possible by operating flood defences and clearing watercourses. So far, more than 45,000 properties have been protected in the last few days. We also urge people not to drive though flood water and follow advice of local emergency services on the roads – flood water is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.

People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation as well as following @EnvAgency on X, formerly Twitter, for the latest flood updates.

For images of operational activity by the Environment Agency, please see the South West, South East, and Midlands team’s accounts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 5 December 2023.

Environment Agency teams in East Anglia and Lincolnshire are today reflecting on the 10th anniversary of the 2013 floods.

On December 5, 2013 a large storm coupled with high tides generated a coastal surge along the whole of the east coast of England. In some areas the tides were higher than those in the devastating floods of 1953.

Over 30 severe flood warnings, the highest level of warning the Environment Agency issues, were sent out to communities across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and Lincolnshire.

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes in some areas with many staying in rest centres overnight. In other areas the water came in quickly and unexpectedly; in Lincolnshire alone 44 people had to be rescued.

The vital flood warnings and defences in place at the time mean that there was no loss of life. However, the devastating impact left by the flooding on homes and communities cost millions and led to further investment to reduce the impact of flooding.

In the decade since, millions of pounds have been spent to reduce flood risk on the east coast. In total, in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex over £300,000,000 has been spent on sea and flood defence projects since 2013. In Lincolnshire, this investment was over £328,000,000 between 2013/2014 and 2021/2022.

One of the biggest investments has been in Boston, Lincolnshire which saw some of the most serious impacts in 2013, with over 800 homes being flooded across 55 streets.

The £120+ million Boston Barrier Scheme is a national priority project. The centrepiece of which, a tidal flood gate in the River Haven, has been fully operational since December 2020. It can be raised in around 40 minutes to reduce flood risk to over 13,000 homes and businesses in the town. Phase two of the scheme, which is currently in the design phase, will ensure Boston’s tidal flood resilience against future climate change predictions.

The 2013 tidal surge also had a major impact on communities around the Humber, which led to the formation of the Humber 2100+ Partnership. The partnership, made up of 11 local authorities and the Environment Agency supported by Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) and Natural England, is working to develop a strategy for managing sea level rise and tidal flood risk around the estuary for the next 100 years.

In parallel with the development of the Humber 2100+ Strategy, investment on the ground has continued. An example of this can be seen in South Ferriby. Over 150 properties had their flood risk reduced by £14million defences which include 13 metre flood gates across the A1077. Together the defences also protect 3,000 hectares of agricultural land as well as vital infrastructure including the Scunthorpe to Grimsby railway line.

In East Anglia, Great Yarmouth, one of the areas impacted by the tides, has also seen investment. Earlier this year the second phase of works to improve defences in the town, known as Epoch 2, was completed. The £42.9 million works saw improvements to 4km of flood defence walls in the town, improving protection to 2115 properties.  A business case for Epoch 3 of the long-term investment programme for Great Yarmouth is currently in development.

In Suffolk, the Environment Agency is a partner in the Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project. The town was also impacted when the surge hit with the railway line to Ipswich being closed for 5 days because of the flooding.

The Environment Agency continues to urge people to plan ahead for flooding by finding out if their property is in an at-risk area; signing up for free flood warnings; and knowing in advance what to do.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 4 December 2023.

Environment Agency takes further steps to modernise rod licencing to increase fishing benefits for anglers.

Nearly a quarter of a million pounds will be reinvested into fisheries by 2025 to better fund enforcement work, improve fisheries habitats and create more angling opportunities across the UK, the Environment Agency has announced today, as part of a transitional move to simpler rod licences.

After 31 May 2024, anglers will have the option to receive a rod licence via email or text, or an A4 letter, and will no longer receive plastic coated rod licence cards with illustrations.

Every penny of the £230,000 saved through reduced costs of printing rod licences will be reinvested into the Environment Agency’s fisheries work. Last year, nearly £21 million of rod licence income was reinvested to help improve England’s fisheries and angling facilities such as creating fish passes, supplying and stocking fish species and improving habitats for fish.

Since 2021, over one million digital licences have been issued to anglers, helping to reduce waste and progress the Environment Agency towards carbon net zero targets.

For the last 15 years, anglers have received rod licence cards with illustrations capturing the UK’s most iconic species such as the Gudgeon and the Perch. Artist David Miller has provided this service to the EA, adding an artistic flair to rod licensing.

Heidi Stone Environment Agency Fisheries Partnerships Manager said

We understand the popularity of the images on our rod licence cards amongst anglers, and want to thank David Miller for his unique and inspirational illustrations over the years.

As we look to deliver better value for money for anglers, we are changing our printing arrangements to print our licences in a more cost effective and environmentally friendly way.

The money saved from this move will mean even more of our rod licence income can be put back into our fisheries service, protecting and improving fish stocks and habitats, providing new facilities for anglers, and giving more people the opportunity to try fishing.

Anglers who purchase a rod licence after the 31 May will receive the new paper rod licence unless they choose to go digital. Direct Debit customers’ licences are issued before the service change is implemented; therefore, they will receive the same illustrated card as issued in 2023.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 13 November 2023.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 12 October 2023.

Work is underway to build a new £2million flood risk management scheme to better protect homes from flooding in the Pebble Mill area of Birmingham.

• New flood embankment will better protect more than 100 properties from threat of flooding from River Rea
• Construction work is underway and will be completed next summer
• Work includes new wildflower meadow providing food for bees and butterflies and nesting boxes for kingfishers.

The £2m scheme will provide better protection from the River Rea to more than 100 residential properties. The area has historically been impacted by flooding with the most recent floods taking place in June 2016 and May 2018.

The scheme will see the construction of a 250m embankment within the Pebble Mill Playing Fields reaching a peak of 1.2metres. There is a risk of flooding to properties in the roads around the playing fields when water in the River Rea exceeds the existing capacity of the site and the embankment will divert flood waters away from properties back into the River Rea.

The work follows the removal of four weirs undertaken in partnership with Birmingham City Council last year. The removal of the weirs has improved water flow as well as the water quality by allowing water to flow naturally. It also benefits fish and invertebrate species as weirs act as barriers to their movement.

When the embankment is complete the restoration of the playing fields will include the creation of a wildflower meadow, providing bees, butterflies and other pollinators with food throughout the year. The restoration will also include re-alignment and re-surfacing of public footpaths and improved planting and landscaping to encourage local habitat diversity and increase biodiversity. Kingfisher boxes were also installed at the site as part of the works.

Jon Saner, Senior Flood Risk Advisor, Flood & Costal Risk Management for the Environment Agency in the West Midlands said:

“We are delighted to be delivering this new flood embankment for Peddle Mill which will help to better protect homes in the area from the devastation of flooding in the area while also supporting wildlife.”

The work follows similar schemes for Selly Park North and Selly Park South also on the River Rea.

Furtherinformation

5.2 million properties in England are at risk of flooding

• The average cost of flood damage to a home is £30,000

• The average cost of flooding to a business is £82,000

• If you are flooded, temporary accommodation costs on average £10,000

• If you are flooded you are likely to be out of your home for an average of 5 months

• Know what to do when you receive a flood warning and download our three point flood plan – https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/what-to-do-in-a-flood

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 21 September 2023.

A multi-million project on the Essex coast has reached a new milestone after thousands of tonnes of rock armour arrived from Norway.

At Cockett Wick, over 14,000 tonnes of Norwegian Granite have been brought in by barge over the last 6 weeks to reinforce flood defences. The new armour, which was placed in front of the Jaywick Martello tower, is part of a much larger scheme to protect the community living along the coast.

The next phase of work is already underway as over 150 steel piles are being installed to help strengthen and raise the seawall. The construction of a new concrete wall and footpath will begin in the next few weeks.

Together, the work will help to protect over 3,000 properties and businesses. The changes will help ensure this part of the Essex coast remains protected despite climate change and sea level rise.

John Lindsay, Essex coastal engineer for the Environment Agency, said:

We’re really pleased with the progress that has been made at Cockett Wick so far. The work will make a real difference to improving flood protection for the local community.

We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding whilst we undertake these important works.

Everyone should know their flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings by visiting gov.uk and search flood or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also follow @EnvAgencyAnglia for the latest flood updates.

The defences are designed to be raised again in 50 years’ time to ensure another 50 years of protection, all while maintaining views of the sea.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 8 September 2023.

A son and mother responsible for illegal waste activity at a site in Huddersfield, which then set on fire in 2016 causing significant risk to the environment, have been sentenced.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 6 September 2023.

Temple Footbridge crosses the River Thames west of Temple Lock near Marlow. Bridge specialists have advised that immediate repairs are not possible.

On 15 May 2023, the Environment Agency closed Temple Footbridge until further notice due to safety concerns. Since then, the Environment Agency have been assessing what work is required to make the bridge safe. The first part of that assessment is now complete.

History of the bridge

Temple Footbridge was opened in 1989 with an estimated design life of 30 years. Funding for its construction was provided by a range of organisations (private companies, local councils and charities) and through public donations.

When the Environment Agency was formed, ownership of the bridge transferred to us. Responsibility for funding the cost of repairs, refurbishments and the eventual replacement of the bridge passed to the government.

We have carried out inspections, maintenance and repairs, which have kept the bridge in safe use beyond its estimated design life.

In 2019, a structural survey found that some structural elements of the bridge, including the parts the walkway is fixed to, were decayed. This decay was natural and unpreventable. We made significant repairs as recommended by the survey. The survey found that no further repairs would be possible.

Bridge inspections

We recently hired bridge specialists to check the findings of the 2019 survey and find out if any repairs are possible so that we can reopen the bridge soon. We also asked them how we can make sure that the bridge can be used for another 5 to 10 years.

The specialists found that there is no way to safely open the bridge in the short term.

They advised that we may be able to refurbish the decayed parts of the bridge and may not need to replace the entire bridge.

Next steps

We are now progressing with the recommendation to replace parts of the bridge. This will be an extensive project and we will need to dismantle sections of the bridge.

The work will be done during an annual work programme, along with other significant engineering works on our structures used for boating on the Thames.

First, we will hire an engineering contractor to create a refurbishment proposal and estimate costs. We will then request funding from the government to carry out the work.

Although this is likely to be the quickest and most affordable option for safely reopening the bridge, we are not yet able to confirm that or estimate when the bridge will be open.

Funding

Funding for major work on our boating-related structures is provided yearly by the government. We invest this across our 45 lock and weir sites along the Thames and numerous locations in between, including around 100 bridges.

The government allocates us what it can afford, given its other spending priorities. In recent years we have received more funding, which has helped refurbish many such structures.

Many more structures will need refurbishment, and whether this is affordable will need to be considered by the government at the time. With limited funding, we must prioritise work to our most critical structures each year, such as our locks and weirs, which enable the public to enjoy their legal right of navigation on the Thames.

In some cases, such as Temple Footbridge, we may need to temporarily close a structure while we work to both secure the funding and create the capacity in our work programme to bring it back into safe use.

Diversion

The diversion agreed with the National Trail is still in place. You can find full details of the Thames Path diversion on the National Trail website.

The diverted route follows:

• Temple Lane
• Marlow Road
• Bisham Road

The diversion rejoins the Thames Path:

• at The Causeway in Marlow
• near Temple Footbridge

The existing diversion is the shortest route using public footpaths and highways. It reflects the route users of the Thames Path would have taken before the bridge was built.

Some users have expressed concern because parts of the route do not have footways. The route has been approved by the responsible local authority, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The lack of a footway does not prevent pedestrian use. However, when walking on roads without footways, pedestrians should take sensible precautions as recommended in the Highway Code.

Now that we know the bridge will need to remain closed for an extended time, we will look into providing a shorter diversion through private land. This will need the landowners’ agreement, and the cost of work needed to make the route safe must be affordable.

We will provide an update in due course.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 30 August 2023.

Keepmoat Homes Ltd, a company that specialises in building residential housing and which owns the site at Heron’s Reach near Bradford, will donate £100,000, while Applebridge Construction Limited, which were contracted by Keepmoat Homes for the first phase of the development, will donate £35,000.

An investigation by the Environment Agency found that Pitty Beck was polluted a number of times between October 2016 and November 2018 while construction was underway.

The companies submitted Enforcement Undertakings to the Environment Agency, which have now been accepted.

An Enforcement Undertaking is a voluntary offer made by companies and individuals to make amends for their offending, and usually includes a donation to an environmental charity to carry out improvements in the local area.

On 13 October 2016 Keepmoat Homes reported pollution from its site, and an Environment Agency officer confirmed that silty water was running from the site and into the beck. The same happened on numerous occasions over subsequent months. The company did not have an environmental permit to allow for treated water to be discharged into the beck.