Great Yarmouth Flood Defence Scheme

The scheme consists of 22 packages of work, which vary from raising the height of some of the existing walls, installing cathodic protection, installing plating to existing steel sheet piles and constructing new setback flood defence walls. The environmental team are fully integrated into this multi-disciplinary project and site team, which has enabled a full understanding of the scope of works, and appreciation from all involved of the scheme’s environmental constraints.

For each works package, there have been environmental and ecological assessments undertaken to guide the works. From Environmental Risk Assessments to Water Framework Directive Scoping Assessments and bat surveys. Once the initial assessments were completed, all necessary licenses and consents were acquired. This includes successfully covering all works packages within one overarching scheme Habitats Regulations Assessment, resulting in the successful granting of assent from Natural England.

Whilst obtaining consent for works that required a full marine license, we sub-contracted technical work to a specialist marine sub-consultant. This resulted in supporting evidence that the proposed piling method (Silent piling) and the programme would not be detrimental to migratory fish. The site team also consulted the environmental team on the use of coatings and resins.

To date, twenty environmentally compliant work packages have been delivered on programme.