The chair to advise on any community announcements, events or presentations.
Minutes:
The following announcements and community presentations were highlighted at the meeting:
John Kissi from the Flood Risk Asset Team spoke about the flood risk assessment and surface water management plan. John referred to an earlier presentation on surface water flooding that was presented by the Public Realm Asset Manager at Dulwich Community Council last year on 15 September 2011.
Summary of the presentation
The Herne Hill area and Village ward are the most crucial areas when addressing flood issues. The council are undertaking detailed investigation, in order to reduce the likelihood of flooding.
The council work closely with the Environment Agency and are looking at ways to seek funding from other agencies so as to reduce the impact of flooding.
Flooding occurs when large amounts of water accumulate on previously dry land.
Historical Flooding
• Widespread flooding in 2004, also affected Southwark
• Put flooding on the National agenda
• Summer of 2007, Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and others
• Total cost of £3.2 billion
• Average cost, businesses £75,000 to £112,000
• Average cost, households £23,000 to £30,000
Future flooding could get worse
• Climate Change
• Wetter winters
• More intense rainfall
• Rising water table (winter)
• Increased interaction between flooding sources
• Increased likelihood of flooding
• London clay; little infiltration, more run off
Response – legislation
• EU Flood Directive (2007/60/EC) (Pitt Review, Flood Risk Regulations 2009)
• Flood and Water Management Act 2010
Action – what the council has done
• Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment
§ Significant flood risk
§ Critical Drainage Areas
§ Consequences of past and future flooding
• Surface Water Management Plan
§ Flooding - sources and mechanisms
§ Investment – reduce likelihood of flooding
§ Community engagement – reduce impact
Actions - what can you do?
• Individual flood plan – information available on the environment
agency website http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/
• Water conservation
• Rain water harvesting
• Community Flood Plans: Flood wardens or flood champions - the officer present asked for volunteers from the community council area
Next steps
• Submit ideas to EA for funding
• Initiate detailed consultation
• Obtain local knowledge
• Develop and implement
For more information on Flood Risk Management in Southwark contact John Kissi, Flood Risk Manager, john.kissi@southwark.gov.uk or telephone number 020 7525 2062.