Agenda item

(To receive a report by Deborah Campbell (Environment Agency) which invites the Committee to consider and comment on the activities of the Environment Agency including progress of key capital schemes)

The Committee gave consideration to a report from the Environment Agency, which provided the Committee with an update on the progress made on key capital schemes.

Deborah Campbell, Coastal Manager, Environment Agency provided the Committee with further updates in relation to the following projects:-

·         Boston Barrier – The Committee was advised that the scheme was underway; and members of the Committee were encouraged to have a look of the £100m flagship scheme.  It was highlighted that lots of information had been posted on social media.  It was highlighted further that the scheme was on programme; and on budget;

·         Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Strategy Review – The Committee was advised that the consultation period had finished on 22 March 2018.  The feedback had been evaluated and work was ongoing in preparation of the SGP Strategy with the SEA for formal consultation later in the year and that a further update would be received later in the year;

·         Lincshore (Interim Beach Management Lincolnshire Coast) – The Committee was advised that the dredger had been on the coast over the last few weeks; working over two bank holidays.  It was highlighted that the dredger would be there until 22 June 2018;

·         Horncastle and Louth Improvements – The Committee was advised that both reservoirs had been in use over the Easter period; and that it had been great to see them in action.  It was highlighted that positive comments had been received.  The Committee was advised that it was the intention to remove both of these schemes from future reports going forward;

·         Black Sluice Catchment Works – The Committee noted that the Rationalising the Main River Network pilot project had completed the formal consultation phase for the South Forty Catchment.  It was noted further that the responses received had been lower than expected; but had been mainly positive for the local pilot (20 kilometres of network being transferred to Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board).  It was noted further that the project was due to be completed in the summer of 2018;

·         Lincoln Defences – It was reported that this scheme had been accelerated.  The Committee was advised that the strategic outline business case had been submitted.  It was highlighted that initial assessment of costs and benefits had highlighted a likely need for around £2.3m of additional partnership funding;

·         Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy – The Committee was advised that the Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy set out how the Environment Agency and its partners would seek to manage flood risk around the estuary over the next 100 years.  It was highlighted that a comprehensive review of the document had commenced in 2014, with a view to the document being signed off in 2020.  The report advised that the review boundary had been extended to include all tidal flood risk below the seven metre contour line.  Once the short list of options had been finalised, the Committee could expect to receive a further update; and

·         Donna Nook Managed Realignment Site – It was hoped that the outcome would be known around the 27/28 June 2018.

RESOLVED

            That the Environment Agency Update be received.