Resilient design: Supporting the Environment Agency's national screens programme
Discover how we worked collaboratively to improve flood risk infrastructure on behalf of the Environment Agency, through the Southwest Hub Lower Risk Screens project.
Flood risk infrastructure
The Environment Agency (EA) maintains over 2,800 screens across England to minimise the entry of debris, which may result in blockages in culverts and to prevent unauthorised access.
Appointed as Design Authority for the EA's Southwest Hub, we provided independent assurance of feasibility work at the outline design stage for over 250 screens, collaborating with our project partners, Amey Consulting.
By improving the functional and operational performance of screens, the project aimed to reduce the risk of screen blockages and associated flooding for communities and businesses across the region.
- Client Environment Agency
- Partner Amey Consulting
- Location South West England
Collaborating for effective delivery
In 2023, the EA launched its Screens Programme to identify and address substandard screens. Aiming to reduce flood risk by removing, modifying, or replacing screens in line with CIRIA C786 Culvert Screen and Outfall Manual. The initial assessment phase of the Lower Risk screens programme included 1,300 screens across England.
The Southwest Hub Lower Risk Screens project brought together technical experts from across JBA to work alongside project partner Amey Consulting and their experienced team. We collaborated with the EA’s project team within the Southwest delivery Hub, part of the Environment Agency’s national programme for managing flood risk infrastructure.
Data management and sustainability
The primary challenge of this project was managing and processing a large volume of data efficiently. JBA and project partners Amey Consulting used a virtual collaboration environment to address this challenge, enabling real-time engagement with EA teams and designers.
Non-standard or modified screen designs, primarily intended to reduce environmental impacts, were considered and, where appropriate, recommended for client approval. Our role in developing the CIRIA C786 Culvert Screen and Outfall Manual and its supporting Good Practice Notes underpinned our technical leadership and innovation in this project.
Next steps in resilient design
We have continued to support the Environment Agency to deliver its important and ambitious programme, providing Design Authority services to additional EA areas, including those in the Midlands and Eastern Hubs. When these projects are completed, we will have provided technical assurance to over 600 low-risk screens.
Lessons learned in the Southwest Hub were applied across the national programme of work, ensuring a consistent approach to the Design Authority role and driving efficient delivery. The project has now progressed to the detailed design and construction phase, and we are continuing to support the EA through to delivery, helping to shape the future of screen management across England.
Contact Amanda Kitchen for more information about our work on the Southwest Hub Lower Risk Screens project.
