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.

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.

Black arrow pointing right
Want to know more?

Email Peter Rook for more information about this project and Section 19 Investigations.

Services

  • Arrow left white
  • Arrow right white
Technology, Data and Software Development

Delivering transformative technology that is pioneering in the pursuit of flood, water and environmental resilience.

Link arrow Find out more
Modelling and Assessment

Developing leading resilience strategies and solutions founded on the integrated modelling and assessment of water quantity, quality and environmental processes.

Link arrow Find out more
Engineering

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.

Link arrow Find out more
Environment and Sustainability

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.

Link arrow Find out more
Resilience and Water Management

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.

Link arrow Find out more
International Development

Working with communities across the world to identify and mitigate flood and environmental risks, support sustainable development and build resilience.

Link arrow Find out more
Cross to close search
Click To:

Analytics

We use analytics cookies to anonymously track your user journey and interactions with our website. This information is used to help us understand the user experience and to work towards improving the website and the content we publish.

Marketing

We sometimes make use of third party tracking code to help us determine the succes of any marketing campaigns we might run. This can also be used to ensure you are given content relevant to your interests.

Get in touch…

We'd love to hear from you. Just fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.

Do you have a question or message for |NAME|? Just complete the form below with your information and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.