Integrating environmental issues in estuary flood plans

Abstract

The Humber Estuary is designated at national and international levels on account of its importance for the conservation, among other things, of estuarine habitats and the wildlife these support. The estuary and its floodplain also contain major industry and ports, and important historic buildings, settlements, landscapes and archaeological sites. Since the mid-1990s the Environment Agency has been developing a strategy for managing the Humber Estuary's flood defences for the next 100 years, culminating in the publication in August 2005 of works proposed for the first five years of this period. Environmental considerations have been integrated into the decision making throughout this development process, from high-level strategy planning through to detailed selection of options at specific locations. This has been achieved by a series of ‘tiered’ environmental appraisals, with the type and level of analysis reflecting the stage of flood risk management. The flood risk management planning has been especially effective at integrating wildlife conservation within its development; indeed the impact on important natural habitats has been a major driver for the selection of the preferred approach. In future projects of this scale, a similar focus may be required on other aspects of the environment to ensure all aspects of sustainability are addressed.