Flood protection scheme simplified
Just days after a meeting discussed flood prevention, a storm raged from Sunday to Tuesday, with heavy rain cutting Kintyre’s transport links. On October 4, Argyll and Bute Council, together with civil engineers AECOM, outlined progress and proposals in Campbeltown’s flood protection scheme and surface water management plan. Under the Flood Risk Management Act (2009), local authorities have a duty to prepare flood risk management plans. Campbeltown, with its long history of flooding, and with events as recent as 2013, 2014 and 2016, is listed as a potentially vulnerable area. The council noted that the public had been encouraged by the proposed scheme options, at a presentation in February of this year, but had expressed concern about time frames and when a solution would be in place. The presentation and exhibition was to inform about work already completed, describe proposed options and encourage feedback, explaining how the public could submit their views. The presentation explained that in order to gain government funding, an option should be economically viable and also show wider social and environmental benefits. Various options were assessed with the following being selected: Upstream storage on Millknowe Burn. Online storage is possible at Hillside upstream of the Millknowe intake; There is reasonable storage volume available to store and attenuate flows to capacity of storm culvert downstream. Challenges would need to be overcome, including visual impact, land ownership and environmental impacts. An upsize of the Dalaruan Street Culvert. is a possible option, although traffic management, disruption and conflict with utilities are key challenges to be overcome. This option has also been looked at in combination with storage at Millknowe and diversion at Balegreggan and shown to enhance storage at Millknowe. Screening has indicated disconnecting impermeable surfaces and direct runoffs to SUDs features can have a positive impact on flood risk in Campbeltown. The main challenge will be to identify suitable areas to store storm flow before discharge and disconnecting areas from the combined network. The presentation indicated that surface water management must also be included in the final proposals as overflow from drains and sewers occurs more frequently and causes significant damage. Argyll First Councillor Donald Kelly, who supports all measures to support flood prevention, said: ‘The proposals which are being put forward will help to ease the current flooding problems for part of the town. ‘However, the Meadows side requires further work to identify a permanent solution which will meet the current funding criteria. ‘The council cannot afford to waste this opportunity and I will be urging members to support the proposals.’ Feedback is encouraged through the online questionnaire at campbeltown. comments.uki@aecom.com