Agenda item

(To receive a report from the Environment Agency which updates the Committee on Environment Agency activities, primarily in relation to Covid-19 with particular reference to the ongoing delivery of the capital programme and recovery)

Consideration was given to a report which updated the Committee on Environment Agency (EA) activities, primarily in relation to Covid-19 with particular reference to the on-going delivery of the capital programme and recovery.

Members were guided through the report and were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers present in relation to the information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         The Environment Agency was thanked for the completion of the major refurbishment work on the Black Sluice Lock and the gravity lock in a timely manner despite the constraints caused by Covid-19, as this ensured there was not a major flooding event in relation to the South Forty Foot drain.

·         It was commented that in relation to the South Forty Foot Drain it was impressive to see the water coming through the lock when there was a flood alert, and demonstrated that the work which had been done was having an effect and should reassure people that they had some protection.

·         Thanks were given to the Environment Agency and contractors for the consideration which had been given to the residents on Wyberton Low Road as the works on the Haven Banks Scheme were taking place very close by.

·         It was acknowledged that the banks at Barlings Eau had been reconstituted since the major flooding event the previous year, but there were still concerns regarding the recent high water levels and the resilience of the banks.  Members were advised that the Environment Agency recognised that there were still some low spots in the banks, and sandbagging of those areas would be carried out if necessary.  In terms of the resilience of the banks, there were a number of projects planned to understand what was required to improve the resilience of the approximately 1000 miles of flood banks which were in Lincolnshire.

·         In relation to the delays in dredging, it was queried whether it was known when this may be able to continue and whether there were any plans to manage any effects of the delays of dredging.  Members were advised that this had not yet been resolved.  The Environment Agency was still waiting to hear whether the contractors were able to return to the UK to complete the work.  It was noted that they were due to come back later in the year to complete another section of the Wainfleet relief channel.  It was also highlighted that the dredging was part of scheme of measures.

·         It was commented that the work which had been done on the flow rates on the South Forty Foot Drain had made a difference.

·         It was queried whether there was a programme for de-silting, particularly for the River Waring, as increased amounts of silt seemed to be being deposited in the channel in the town.  In terms of the de-silting in the River Steeping, it was noted that this was evidence based, but was not the only measure being used.  It was reported that there were plans for other water courses, but there were no additional plans to carry out any further de-silting work on the River Waring at this time, but this could form part of a future action plan if necessary.

Members received a brief presentation from the Environment Agency which gave an overview of the flooding which took place over Christmas 2020.

RESOLVED

            That the report be noted.