Managing flood risk on the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset. January 2011

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1 Managing flood risk on the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset January 2011

2 We are the Environment Agency. It s our job to look after your environment and make it a better place _ for you, and for future generations. Your environment is the air you breathe, the water you drink and the ground you walk on. Working with business, Government and society as a whole, we are making your environment cleaner and healthier. The Environment Agency. Out there, making your environment a better place. Please click on the bookmarks icon on the left hand side to navigate through the brochure to specific points of interest 2 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South East Wales

3 Introduction We work to create and maintain a rich, healthy and diverse environment for present and future generations. This includes finding effective ways to manage flood risk. Flooding is a natural process, but one that can have a major effect on people, communities, the economy and the environment. We cannot prevent all floods but we can prepare for them and reduce their likelihood, as part of our flood risk management planning. There are three editions of this brochure that summarise our strategy to manage flood risk on the Severn Estuary. The three editions cover South East Wales, Gloucestershire, and South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset. We are keen to hear your views about our plans and in this brochure we: explain the relationship between Shoreline Management Plans and our strategy; explain the current level of flood risk and the effects of climate change; describe our proposals for the Severn Estuary; describe the impact of our proposals. Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 1

4 2 N W E S The Severn Estuary Study Area Haw Bridge Gloucester Bigisweir Lydney Sharpness Newport Chepstow Caldicot Cardiff Thornbury Penarth Lavernock Point Portishead Avonmouth Clevedon Nailsea Bristol Weston _ Super _ Mare Hinkley Point Burnham _ On _ Sea Key Bridgwater Study area Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset Why is the Severn Estuary special? The Severn Estuary has the second highest tidal range in the world and has been a focus for human activity for many centuries. Its floodplains cover 50,000 hectares of land, provide a home for around a quarter of a million residents and include 14 billion of important infrastructure. All of this is set within a unique and internationally designated natural environment that has a very high level of protection under both European and UK wildlife law. The tidal flood risk affects the whole estuary. Wave action adds to the flood and erosion risk in the western half of the estuary. Near Gloucester the greatest flood risk is caused by high river flows.

5 Over the years many miles of tidal flood defences have been built along the estuary. This has enabled significant agricultural, residential and industrial development. As a result, the natural function of the floodplain _ to store flood water _ has been lost. Some areas are more prone to flooding than others. As a general rule, the urban areas have more protection from flooding than the rural areas. Our study area covers the Severn Estuary coastline and tidal floodplains extending between Lavernock Point (Penarth), up the northern coastline to Gloucester, and back down the southern coastline to just west of Hinkley Point. Flood risk and climate change in the estuary When we talk about flood risk we mean a combination of the chance (or probability) of a particular flood happening and the impact it would have. By examining both the chance and the impact together, we can calculate the scale of flood risk and assess its importance to people, property and the environment. In the Severn Estuary, flood risk currently varies from a 1 in 1,000 (lower risk) to a 1 in 10 (higher risk) chance of flooding in any year. We are fortunate that people have been keeping good quality records of tides and water levels in the Severn Estuary for over 100 years. These show that the average sea level is gradually rising, due to climate change and changes in the shape of the Earth s crust. This will continue into the future, although the exact speed of change will depend in part on our changing climate. We believe we should plan for a rise in sea level of approximately 1 metre over the next 100 years, and for river flows to increase by up to 20 per cent. The Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy takes this into account. If no action is taken and defences are not maintained or improved, much of the low lying land around the estuary will flood several times a year, making it difficult to continue present land uses. Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 3

6 What is a Flood Risk Management Strategy? To prioritise our flood risk management activities and expenditure we contribute to and produce plans at a range of levels. At a very large scale Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) provide a framework for the future management of flood risk and erosion on long extents of coastline. These plans are jointly owned by the Environment Agency and Local Authorities. Conservation organisations, Drainage Boards and the public have helped in their development. There are Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) for the Severn Estuary and for the North Devon and Somerset coast that provide us with coastal management policies. From these we have produced the Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy, which identifies how we will manage flood risk over the next 100 years. This strategy takes into account technical constraints, costs, and the environmental and social impacts within the Severn Estuary area over the next century. How we manage flood risk We work to protect people and property from flooding and we spend money where it provides best value for the taxpayer. This means allocating public funds where they will provide the greatest reduction in flood risk, in the most cost effective way. To do this we target areas where we can reduce risks to the largest number of homes. At the same time we aim to improve the quality of our most important wildlife sites, to help Government meet its legal obligations for protecting the environment. because it affects the whole estuary and a huge number of properties. We reduce the risk of flooding by: providing flood warning systems; working with local authority planners to restrict development in flood risk areas; encouraging the use of flood resilience measures for existing properties in flood risk areas; maintaining and constructing flood defence projects. Larger study area National Investment and Funding Plans Shoreline Management Plans Strategies Schemes More detail The Government is committed to managing flood risk where it is sustainable and cost effective to do so. However, as sea levels continue to rise there will come a time when the cost of protecting some properties will outweigh the value of what is at risk. Alternative actions to adapt to the impacts of flood risk need to be considered. Flooding is influenced by coastal and river processes, as well as urban drainage and land use. In this strategy we are concentrating on tidal flood risk 4 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset

7 Impacts on the environment The Severn Estuary is of international importance for nature conservation and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and for wetland features (Ramsar Site). Together these designations form part of what is known as the European Natura 2000 network of sites. As sea levels rise, one response is to consider reinforcing the existing flood defences along our coastlines. As a result, the rising sea levels will reduce the areas of saltmarsh and mudflat in front of the tidal defences. This process is called coastal squeeze. In the Severn Estuary, this effect would cause loss of internationally important habitat, which is protected by European and UK law. This loss of habitat must be avoided or compensated by the creation of habitat elsewhere. This issue has been taken into account in the SMP policies and further developed in this strategy. We have considered potential impacts on people, habitats, species, cultural heritage and the landscape. The issues are described in a Strategic Environmental Assessment Report, which supports this strategy. Key issues for areas around the estuary are identified later in this publication. Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 5

8 Choosing the best approach The aim of this strategy is to identify how we can best manage flood risk over the next century. The strategy must be: technically feasible and adaptable to change economically justifiable socially and environmentally acceptable. The Severn Estuary Shoreline Management Plan, from which this strategy has been developed, has already set broad coastal management policies. We are developing these in more detail within this strategy. We have used a clearly defined approach to assess flood risk management options, as set out by Government. We looked at the costs and benefits of each option using a standard method. We have focussed on specific areas that are at risk of flooding and within each area we have considered all options that comply with the agreed policy. We have considered these options in detail to determine the preferred action at each location, and when we need to take action. Throughout this process we have From policy to action SMP Policy Probability and consequence of a breach Broad economic appraisal Balance long term needs of natural environment worked with a range of organisations and experts, to share ideas and inform our decisions. Strategic approach Best position for defences Best timing for changes or improvements Best value standard of protection Detailed approach Benefit - cost analysis Environmental impact Engineering performance Proposed action Maintain defences Raise defences Reinforce defences Realign defences Make properties more resilient Flood warning Restrictions on new buildings 6 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset

9 Let us know your views The following pages show specific sections of the Estuary, as they are now and how we propose they might be in the future. There are two additional editions of this brochure showing the proposals for other parts of the Estuary. These can be viewed online at publications.html. Unfortunately we will not be able to respond individually to your comments. However, we will publish a summary of the responses we receive in the Spring of You will be able to see this on publications.html. The deadline for sending us your comments is 18 March Once you have read through our proposals we would like to hear your views. You can comment in several different ways: Complete the questionnaire with this brochure and post it to us via the FREEPOST address shown on the bottom of the form. Complete our online version of the questionnaire at www. severnestuary.net/frms/ publications.html and or post it back to us. Alternatively you may like to take part in our automated e _ consultation, please go to Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 7

10 Sharpness to Aust Existing Situation Our Proposals Flood risk and climate change The tidal floodplain extends up to 5km inland. Around 500 properties currently benefit from the existing defences. Power transmission lines and the power stations at Oldbury and Berkeley are protected. Existing defences Towards Sharpness there are earth embankments and concrete surfacing. These typically provide protection with a 1 in 100 chance of tidal flooding in any year, though there are local weak spots requiring attention. Continued maintenance of embankments Proposed improvements before 2030 Proposed improvements after 2030 No activities required to manage flood risk There is typically a 1 in 100 chance of flooding in any year though locally, weaker spots in the defences means the risk to agricultural land could be 1 in 10 chance. In the future, as sea levels and storminess increase, the level of flood risk will increase. Even if the existing defence structures were maintained at their current height, by 2060 the risk of tidal flooding will increase to a 1 in 5 chance of flooding in any year. Existing defences Towards Aust, saltmarsh in front of the embankments provides additional protection from wave action and erosion. The risk of tidal flooding occurring here is less than a 1 in 100 chance in any year. features The estuary and some ground immediately inland lie within the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. Over sixty listed buildings currently have a 1 in 100 chance of tidal flooding in any year. Three scheduled monuments (all associated with Oldbury Iron Age Fort) also have a 1 in 100 chance of being flooded in any year. Repairs and maintenance will be carried out to ensure that the embankments remain secure and drainage outfalls work properly. issues Heritage features behind the defences will have a consistent standard of protection, with the chance of tidal flooding at a 1 in 200 chance or less in any year. Rising sea levels will result in loss of intertidal habitat within the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. Improvements after 2030 A new nuclear power station at Oldbury would include provision for improved flood defence. Otherwise, we propose to strengthen and raise the embankments by up to 1.6m, between 2030 and These phased improvements would be timed to keep pace with climate change. This will ensure that the risk of tidal flooding is a 1 in 200 chance or less in any year for around 500 properties. Improvements to embankments over the next five to ten years We propose to carry out improvements at the weaker section of embankment near Hill Pill which is subject to erosion. These will involve increasing the height of embankments where they are low and repairing damage from wave action. We may also need to move this section of defence further inland to provide security against future erosion. These actions will ensure that the chance of tidal flooding to property is a 1 in 200 chance or less in any year and is consistent across this area. 8 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 9

11 Aust to Avonmouth Existing Situation Our Proposals Flood risk and climate change Existing defences near Aust Improvements to defences before 2030 Improvements to defences after 2060 The tidal floodplain extends up to 5km inland. Existing defences provide a varying level of protection. The typical chance of flooding in the area is 1 in 100, but locally the risk can be 1 in 20. Around 3800 properties currently benefit from the existing defences. Important infrastructure currently protected includes a power station, a major sub _ station, transmission lines, the M5, M4 and M48 motorways, Avonmouth Docks and petro _ chemical industries. In the future, as sea levels and storminess increase, the level of flood risk will increase. Even if the existing defences were maintained at their current height, the risk of tidal flooding would increase to a 1 in 10 chance in any year by After 2060 there would be annual tidal flooding if defences are not improved. Existing defences near Severn Beach and Avonmouth At Severn Beach there are wave walls and concrete surfacing. Further south the railway embankment and dock defences reduce flood risk. The chance of tidal flooding in the vicinity of the docks is a 1 in 20 chance in any year. Saltmarsh in front of the earth embankments near Aust provides protection from wave action and erosion. Together these provide protection against tidal flooding with a 1 in 100 chance in any year. features The coastline lies within the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. 29 Listed structures and two scheduled monuments (both located within Avonmouth Docks) are at risk with a 1 in 20 chance of tidal flooding in any year. We expect the majority of flood defence improvements to be funded by new building developments under their planning obligations. The programme for improvement will be greatly influenced by business investment. Between the Severn Crossings we will undertake phased raising of the embankments by up to 1m to keep pace with climate change. This will ensure the chance of tidal flooding is retained at or less than 1 in 200 in any year. issues The heritage features behind the defences will have a consistent standard of protection, with the likelihood of flooding in any given year being 1 in 200. Rising sea levels will result in loss of intertidal habitat within the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. Proposed improvements before 2030 Proposed improvements after 2030 The railway line will provide an adequate defence until If the railway has not been raised before that date, we will construct a secondary defence line behind the railway. This will ensure the chance of tidal flooding to buildings is maintained at or less than 1 in 200 in any year. At Severn Beach, drainage improvements may be required to cope with any increased wave over _ topping. Improvements around Avonmouth Docks Improved defences within the port could be located along the dock frontage or further inland. The proposed port extension could have a positive impact on flood risk. But we will still need to raise the embankments in a phased manner to keep pace with climate change. This will ensure that the chance of tidal flooding to homes is less than 1 in 200 in any year. This will protect around 3800 properties, and the important infrastructure present within the floodplain. 10 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 11

12 Portbury to Clevedon Existing Situation Our Proposals Flood risk and climate change The tidal floodplain could extend up to 10km inland because land levels are so low. There are substantial areas of man made high ground, particularly at Portbury Dock, that prevent tidal flooding. New developments in Portishead have also included flood defences. Many of the defences in this area are not controlled by the Environment Agency. The chance of flooding to homes is 1 in 200 or less in any year. Around 3600 properties currently benefit from the existing defences. Important infrastructure that is protected includes Portbury docks, power transmission lines, a major sub _ station and the M5 motorway. In this area many of the newer defences and areas of high ground are sufficient to deal with the increasing risks from climate change. The chance of flooding of properties would typically remain 1 in 200 or less. Existing defences around Portishead and Portbury Docks At Portbury Docks there are earth embankments, jetties, high ground and lock gates that provide a high level of flood protection. Further west near Portishead there are earth embankments and areas of raised ground that reduce flood risk. Woodhill Bay At Woodhill Bay the masonry wall, promenade and road reduce flooding but these features are not maintained as a formal flood defences. features Over fifteen listed buildings and four scheduled monuments lie within the floodplain. Gordano Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve have a 1 in 200 or less chance of tidal flooding though the risk of flooding from high rainfall may be higher. The coastline in this area falls within the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. Even if we do nothing, flood risk to environmental features behind the defences will continue to be low. Woodhill Bay We do not propose to maintain the frontage as a flood defence because there are no homes within the local floodplain, and there are alternative routes to the coastal road. However, the masonry wall, promenade and road will still reduce flooding to adjacent land. issues Ongoing maintenance will ensure that flood risk to Gordano Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve does not increase. Fifteen listed structures and four scheduled monuments will also benefit from this sustained level of protection. Maintaining the defences along the existing coastline means that intertidal habitats will be increasingly drowned out by sea level rise affecting the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. Maintenance near Portishead We will carry out surveys and maintenance to make sure the embankments remain sound. We expect to improve defences or raise ground levels after 2030 to keep pace with climate change. The risk of tidal flooding will remain at or below 1 in 200 in any year. This will protect around 3600 properties, and the important infrastructure present within the floodplain. Maintenance around the docks The existing high ground around Portbury Dock will continue to contribute to management of flood risk. Agricultural defence The seaward defence will not be maintained in the future. Instead we will rely on the inland defence. Proposed improvements after 2030 No activities required to manage flood risk 12 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 13

13 Clevedon to Middle Hope Existing Situation Our Proposals Flood risk and climate change The tidal floodplain extends inland and south of Weston _ super _ Mare. Existing defences at Clevedon Realignment of embankments To manage flood risk into the future, we propose to realign the defences in a phased manner over the next 50 years. Improvements to walls Around 37,000 properties currently benefit from the existing defences. There is a 1 in 20 chance of tidal flooding in any year to some agricultural areas, but the flood risk to most properties is typically a 1 in 100 chance. In the future, as sea levels and storminess increase, the level of flood risk will increase. Even if the existing defence structures were maintained at their current height, the risk of tidal flooding to most properties would increase to a 1 in 50 chance by After 2060 there would be annual tidal flooding, and Middle Hope could potentially be separated from the mainland during spring tides. Existing defences south of Clevedon South of Clevedon there are earth and reinforced embankments. These protect the low lying ground between Wain s Hill and Middle Hope from tidal flooding, with a 1 in 20 chance of tidal flooding in any year. Recently we rebuilt an embankment on the Congresbury Yeo so that protection from flooding is maintained. features The shoreline and some low lying areas immediately inland lie within the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. Almost one hundred listed structures and four scheduled monuments lie within the floodplain; they are currently at between 1 in 20 and 1 in 100 chance of flooding in any year. At Clevedon there are concrete defence walls next to the promenade. These protect properties in Clevedon from flooding caused by wave action with a 1 in 200 chance of tidal flooding in any year. The realigned embankments would reduce the flood risk to around 37,000 properties, by being larger and less prone to wave damage and erosion. The typical flood risk will be reduced to a 1 in 200 chance of flooding in any year. There are two properties that will lie on the seaward side of the realigned defence after We will work with home owners to make these properties more flood resilient. Environmental and heritage issues The phased realignments we propose would allow us to recreate 78ha of mudflat and saltmarsh habitat by 2030, and a further 281ha by As well being of environmental value, the land in front of the defences would reduce the risk of wave overtopping or erosion of the realigned defence. Environmental features behind the defences including approximately one hundred listed structures and four scheduled monuments will have the risk of flooding reduced to 1 in 200 in any year. The concrete walls at Clevedon provide a high level of protection against flooding and will continue to do so over the next 20 years. Beyond this, as sea level rises, we will raise the walls to ensure the risk of flooding is not more than a 1 in 200 chance in any year. Proposed realignment between 2010 and 2030 Proposed realignment between 2030 and Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 15

14 Middle Hope to Brean Down Flood risk and climate change The tidal floodplain extends around to Weston _ super _ Mare and Clevedon. Around 37,000 properties currently benefit from the existing defences. There is a 1 in 20 chance of tidal flooding in any year to some agricultural areas in the north of this area, but the flood risk to most properties is 1 in 100 chance or less. In the future, as sea levels and storminess increase, the level of flood risk will increase. Even if the existing defence structures were maintained at their current height, by 2030 the risk of tidal flooding to some properties would increase to a 1 in 50 chance in any year. Existing Situation Existing defences at Sand Bay Continued maintenance of Sand Bay beach We propose to add more sand to the dunes or beach when necessary to repair localised damage. We expect the next major project to raise beach levels with sand will be required around The beach will continue to provide a high level of protection up to 2110, with chance of tidal flooding through Sand Bay being 1 in 200 or less in any year. Maintenance and improvements at Weston _ super _ Mare and Uphill Our Proposals Proposed improvements after 2030 No activities required to manage flood risk issues features The shoreline and some low lying areas immediately inland lie within the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. Almost one hundred listed structures and four scheduled monuments lie within the floodplain; they currently have between a 1 in 20 and 1 in 200 chance of flooding in any year. Existing defences at Weston _ super _ Mare The defences have been improved recently to ensure the risk of tidal flooding to most properties is 1 in 200 or less in any one year. The chance of waves causing disruption to the promenade is about 1 in 5 in any year. pic not supplied At Sand Bay the beach and dunes to the rear act as the flood defence. To the north, near Middle Hope, there is some saltmarsh and a seawall. We laid more sand on the beach during the 1980 s to ensure it continued to provide flood protection. There is a low risk of significant flooding through the Sand Bay frontage but changes in shape of the dunes means this can vary over a short space of time. The seawall in its current form will continue to provide a high level of protection up to It may require raising after 2060 to reduce overtopping by waves. Maintenance will be carried out to ensure that the seawall remains in good condition. We will monitor the sand dunes to ensure erosion does not reduce the flood protection. We will maintain the defences and tidal sluice at Uphill. Environmental features behind the defences including approximately one hundred listed structures and four scheduled monuments will have an typical risk of flooding reduced of 1 in 200 in any year. Maintaining the defences along the existing coastline means that intertidal habitats will be increasingly submerged by sea level rise adversely affecting the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. 16 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 17

15 Brean Down to Burnham-on-Sea Existing Situation Our Proposals Flood risk and climate change Around 12,000 properties currently benefit from the existing defences. In the future, as sea levels and storminess increase, the level of flood risk will increase. Even if the existing defence structures were maintained at their current height, the risk of flooding on the Brean peninsula may affect the holiday parks and agriculture. Existing defences at Burnham _ on _ Sea The tidal flooding defences here ensure the risk of flooding to most properties is 1 in 200 or less in any one year. The chance of waves causing disruption to the promenade is about 1 in 5 in any one year. features The shoreline lies within the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. Seventy seven listed buildings and two scheduled monuments lie within the floodplain that have a risk of flooding of a 1 in 100 chance or less. SSSIs that lie within the floodplain include Berrow Dunes which contribute to reducing flood risk. Existing defences at Brean Near Brean the defences are a rock armour wall on the coast and embankments on the River Axe. The defences ensure the risk of damage to permanent homes from tidal flooding is 1 in 100 chance or less in any year, though some disruption from wave action will be more frequent. Defences at Brean We will maintain the River Axe embankments and Brean rock armour sea wall. However, the River Axe embankments are still likely to become inadequate between 2030 and We will need to work with local businesses to construct more effective cheaper embankments further inland. Realigning the defences will allow us to recreate valuable habitats that are being lost as a result of flood risk management and sea level rise. Dunes at Berrow The dunes will continue to provide flood protection. They will be monitored for local erosion and repaired if required. Maintenance to the Burnham sea wall The seawall in its current form will continue to provide a high level of protection up to However disruption on the promenade due to wave action will become more common. Maintenance activities will be carried out to ensure that the seawall remains secure. Area for realignment of River Axe embankments between 2030 and 2060 issues All the environmental features within the floodplain will continue to receive the same level of protection, typically a 1 in 100 chance of tidal flooding in any year. In areas where the defence line is being maintained, intertidal habitats will be increasingly submerged by sea level rise adversely affecting the Severn Estuary European Natura 2000 site. The realignments we propose would allow us to recreate up to 300ha of mudflat and saltmarsh habitat by Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 19

16 Steart Peninsula Existing Situation Our Proposals Flood risk and climate change Existing defences currently provide a low level of protection, with a 1 in 20 chance of tidal flooding in any year. Around 75 homes, as well as important power transmission lines, currently benefit from protection. In the future, as sea levels and storminess increase, the level of flood risk will increase. Without maintenance to defences the tidal flood risk will increase to a 1 in 5 chance by After 2030 annual flooding would occur. features Coastline in this area falls within the Severn Estuary Natura 2000 site and Bridgwater Bay NNR. Five Listed structures located in Stockland Bristol currently have a 1 in 20 chance of flooding in any year. Existing embankments near Steart village The earth embankments and the shingle ridge are in poor condition. Steart village is on a ridge of higher ground that provides further natural flood protection. Properties have a 1 in 20 chance of tidal flooding in any one year. Existing defences near Stolford and Combwich The defences near Stolford and Combwich provide a high level of protection but the flood risk is determined by the Steart defences which are weaker. This area undefended from 2014 This area undefended after 2030 Maintenance and improvement of defences We will maintain the defences near Stolford and Combwich. We expect to improve defences by 2060 to keep pace with climate change and ensure flood risk to areas behind the defences does not increase above 1 in 50 chance of flooding in any year. issues Realigning defences will allow us to create up to 324 ha of mudflat, saltmarsh and other habitats by Flood risk to features including listed buildings behind the defence will be maintained with a 1 in 50 chance of flooding in any year. Realignment of embankments near Steart village We will realign the embankments between Stolford and Steart by This will ensure continued management of flood risk to around 75 homes. The saltmarsh that will form in front of the defence will reduce the risk of wave overtopping and erosion. Flood risk management for Steart village We will maintain the defences around Steart village until 2030, with a 1 in 20 chance of flooding of houses in any year. The road into Steart is at greater risk but we will seek to minimise the risk of disruption to access. After 2030 we are unlikely to be able to provide flood protection to Steart village and the access road will be flooded during some high tides. Other projects Our proposals may be amended to compliment other projects planned for this area. A new power station at Hinkley point and proposals by Bristol Port Company to create new wildlife habitat will both have some impact on flood defences. 20 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset 21

17 What you can do if you are at risk of flooding If your home or business is at risk of flooding, either now or in the future, there are lots of things you can do to help yourself, either individually or as a community. We provide a range of information and guidance: so that if flooding occurs your home or business will suffer the least amount of damage and be habitable quickly afterwards. During a flood how to stay safe during a flood and protect your property. After a flood advice on what to do to get back to normal as quickly as possible after a flood. They offer practical information including advice on home insurance, and how to form a community _ based flood action group. These groups help local residents and businesses find ways of minimising the effects of flooding and are very effective. There are a range of products and services on the market that can help prevent floodwater entering your property. The NFF publish a directory of these, known as The Blue Pages Directory. You can find out more on Floodline Warnings Direct a free service, where you can sign up for flood warnings sent direct to you by telephone, mobile, , SMS text message, fax or pager. This will help you know in advance when flooding is going to occur. Our local flood incident management teams also provide help and advice and will have a good understanding of your local area. Call our national Floodline ( ) and ask to be referred to your local team. Alternatively visit our website: agency.gov.uk Preparing for a flood practical information on topics such as making a personal flood plan for your home, making a community flood plan and creating a flood warden scheme. We also offer advice on how to help prevent, delay or limit the amount of floodwater entering your property. If your property is liable to flooding, follow our advice on how to arrange it The National Flood Forum The National Flood Forum (NFF) is a charity run by those who have experienced flooding. It provides support and advice to communities and individuals who have been flooded or are at risk of flooding. The NFF work closely with a range of agencies, including ourselves. 22 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset

18 Would you like to find out more about us, or about your environment? Then call us on * (Mon Fri 8 6) enquiries@environment agency.gov.uk or visit our website agency.gov.uk incident hotline (24hrs) floodline *Approximate call costs; 8p plus 6p per minute (standard landline). Please note charges will vary across telephone providers. GESW0111BTGO _ E _ P 24 Managing flood risk in the Severn Estuary South Gloucestershire to Hinkley Point, Somerset