1st March 2021
- The EA together with our delivery partners, Contractors Kier and Engineering Consultants Atkins, continue to make progress with the Portreath Stream flood risk improvement project.
- Considerable effort has been put into completing the hydrology and hydraulic computer model of the Portreath Stream. The computer model has been updated with the latest hydrology and survey information and calibrated to best represent historic flood events. The Portreath catchment is extremely complex from a hydrology and hydraulic modelling perspective due to the influence that historic mining has had on how the water flows and therefore this exercise has been challenging. Final quality assurance checks on the model are currently being undertaken and this is to be completed during the next 2 weeks.
- In addition to the proposed perched channel improvements, we are also looking for opportunities to deliver environmental improvements and additional flood risk benefits. We have commenced a review of the wider Portreath catchment by using specialists in Natural Flood Management assessment. The aim is to use nature where possible to further reduce flood risk whilst also delivering environmental benefits. This can include influencing land use in the catchment so that there is more natural infiltration.
- As part of the next step, the completed hydraulic model will now enable us to progress and develop in more detail the designs for the perched channel improvements.
To read the Update from the Environment Agency dated 20th October 2020 CLICK HERE
28th February 2020
Today
Councillor’s hosted a meeting with MP George Eustice, Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, representatives from the Environment
Agency including Helen Dobby, Environment Agency Area
Director for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Kevin Bryant, Cornwall Council Head of Highways and
Infrastructure, Cornwall Councillor Duffin and representatives from the
Portreath Emergency Response team to hear the progress of the £4million flood
alleviation project for Portreath.
Councillors were pleased to hear the project was keeping on track and
that the business case would soon be presented. The group addressed potential
areas of concern and are working on solutions to over come these. The
Environment Agency confirmed that although the project had changed direction
from its conception that they were working on a hybrid of natural flood
attenuation and improvements to that channel through the village. Other areas
in the Parish where flooding is as issue were also discussed and working with
Cornwall Council and the Environment Agency these will also be addressed.
The Environment Agency informed the group that there would be
contractors surveying during the next week, you may be able to spot them
working!
The group will meet again prior to the business plan being submitted and
to confirm details a public information session which is being planned. Full
details will be advertised in due course.
For an
overview of the proposal click on the below link: