Section 19 Flood Investigations - Isle of Wight
Following flooding across the Isle of Wight, we have collated and transformed recorded data into useable formats that will increase awareness of the floods and their impact. Using the Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH), we analysed hydrological data which allowed us to provide recommendations to the Isle of Wight council and other stakeholders.
- Client Isle of Wight council
- Location Binstead, Isle of Wight
- Services
Challenge
Isle of Wight Council is a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and responsible for managing ‘local flood risks’, which include surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. LLFAs have a statutory duty to carry out an investigation into flood events - as per Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Therefore, such flood investigations are referred to as Section 19 investigations.
Following the flooding of properties across the island during the summer of 2021, we investigated the causes of flooding, the incident response of Risk Management Authorities and considered solutions to mitigate similar flooding from occurring in the future.
Solution
We carried out an island-wide public consultation exercise to understand residents’ experiences of flooding and map out the extent of the flooding. The information we received from residents and stakeholders helped us identify further areas where an investigation was needed. We consulted with Risk Management Authorities to establish the sequence of events for the flood response and understand what actions had been taken before, during and after the flooding.
We analysed hydrological data from rain gauges and rainfall radar to understand the rarity of the storm event. Our investigation concluded that the catchment responded rapidly to rainfall, with flooding occurring within 10-15 minutes following the most intense rainfall.
Benefit
A high-level options appraisal was undertaken, using multiple criteria to help the council and other key stakeholders consider potential solutions to the flooding. We considered a number of criteria including the potential to mitigate property flooding, impacts on people, deliverability and other environmental impacts such as water quality and biodiversity. Using these criteria we shortlisted a number of key recommendations that the Isle of Wight Council and other stakeholders could consider for further investigation.
Email Peter Rook for more information about this project and Section 19 Investigations.
Services
Delivering transformative technology that is pioneering in the pursuit of flood, water and environmental resilience.
Find out more
Developing leading resilience strategies and solutions founded on the integrated modelling and assessment of water quantity, quality and environmental processes.
Find out more
Working within a robust and mature digital delivery environment, our engineering specialists work closely with our modelling, hydrology and environmental teams to ensure designs are developed to create efficient, low-carbon and sustainable solutions.
Find out more
Our specialists in landscape, heritage, ecology, fisheries, EIA, planning and sustainability all work collaboratively with our engineering designers, modellers and our project managers to develop resilient places.
Find out more
Our proven skills and experience make us a natural partner to help support communities and organisations to become more resilient. We support and empower our clients to manage the twin risks of flood and drought, encouraging and delivering effective water management.
Find out more
Working with communities across the world to identify and mitigate flood and environmental risks, support sustainable development and build resilience.
Find out more
