Agenda item

(To receive a report from 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)

Consideration was given to a report from the Environment Agency, which provided an update on the Environment Agency activities, including progress made on key schemes.

Deborah Campbell from the Environment Agency advised the Committee of the following issues:-

·         Boston Barrier – The Committee was advised that the Boston District Fishing Association would soon be locating to the completed facility downstream of the barrier location.  Piling works were underway; and fabrication of the barrier was now complete.  The Committee were invited to view what was happening with the Boston Barrier via twitter, or to visit the Boston Hub;

·         Boston Haven Banks – It was reported that through partnership working with the County Council the project had secured £1m of European funding for works to raise a number of low spots along the Haven Banks, which in conjunction with the barrier would help reduce the risk of flooding to the centre of Boston.  Confirmation was also given that a legal agreement between the County Council and the Environment Agency had been signed and the Committee was advised that the contract was expected to start in June 2019;

·         Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Strategy Review – It was reported that following the 2018 flood risk management options consultation, work was ongoing to finalise the two preferred flood management options.  It was highlighted that one of the options was a significant step change from an economic point of view, with the building of hard rock structures on the beach to hold the sand for longer.  It was highlighted that currently between £5m - £7m was spent annually on the flood management option; under the hard structures proposal, the Committee was advised that the cost would be between £60m and £70m in the initial stages, but with lower annual maintenance costs subsequently.  It was highlighted further that the proposal was currently being considered by Executive Directors and the Treasury to see if they were happy with the option, prior to consultation; and

·         Black Sluice Catchment Works – The Committee was advised that the Black Sluice Pumping Station in Boston was to be decommissioned.  The Committee was advised that work was ongoing with Heritage Lincolnshire to identify possible alternative uses for the building.  It was noted that the gravity sluices would continue to be used as the primary means to reduce high flows in the South Forty Foot Drain.

A short discussion ensued, from which the following points were raised:-

·         What measures were in place to ensure that rabbit and badger holes were dealt with early?  The Committee was advised that there was a National Inspection Programme, which allowed for all assets to be inspected every six months. It was also highlighted that if any problems were identified members of the public could report them;

·         Horncastle Improvements - A question was asked whether all the outstanding issues concerning the Horncastle Flood Alleviation Scheme had been sorted.  The Committee was advised that the contractual element of the scheme was still progressing. (It was highlighted that this type of issue could take a significant time to complete).  The Committee was advised that no new information was currently available relating to the progress of the landowners issues.  This would be reported back to the Committee at a later date; and

·         Clarification was sought regarding the cost of the flood management structure option.  The Committee was advised that the cost of the material (sand) was currently £7m each year; however, the proposal for  rock structures on the beach to hold the sand longer in place longer would result in investment upfront of around £60 to £70m.  The proposal would therefore be an invest to save option.  Clarification was also given that there would still be sand on the beaches.

RESOLVED

            That the Environment Agency Update report be received.