Floodupdate...News and information for Oxford residents

Autumn 2016

Welcome to the Twelfth issue of Flood Update, keeping you informed of how Oxford Area Flood Partnership is working with communities to reduce the risk of flooding.

The Oxford Area Flood Partnership would like to invite you to the 2016 OPEN FORUM on Tuesday 1st November 2016

The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:00pm in the Assembly Room at Town Hall

In line with the recent approval, Network Rail has now raised the track to reduce the flooding risk on the railway between Hinksey Drain and Hinksey Stream. Network Rail have completed the installation of the two culverts under the railway which saw a total of 64 precast concrete culverts lifted into place, 44 of which were done during a 16 day closure of the rail line. Temporary dams were erected in the water courses in order to create a dry space for the construction. In addition, Network Rail has raised the existing bridge deck at Stroud’s which increases the capacity of this opening under the railway.

Network Rail has also begun clearing out existing culverts and water courses on Network Rail land. These clearance activities are anticipated be complete prior to the start of the winter months.

Network Rail: Hinksey Culvert and Maintenance

Autumn is a good time to check your flood kit. Make sure it’s up to date and check your batteries.

Essential flood kit:• Keep a mobile phone loaded with important

contact numbers

• Your card “How to Prepare for Flooding”

• Working radio and torch spare batteries

• First aid kit

• Prescription for any medicines

• Copies of important documents in a durable and sealable plastic bag (including driver’s licence, insurance and bank/credit card information, family and other contact information)

• Warm clothing, sturdy shoes/boots and blankets

• Washbag and basic toiletries

• Comfort items for children (books, games and toys)

Flood news Autumn 2016.indd 1 30/09/2016 09:36

Thames Water Oxford catchment studyWe continue to progress the Oxford Catchment Study, and we are on track for completion next year.

The Oxford drainage system comprises, almost exclusively, separate foul water and surface water sewers. Despite this, we have observed storm responses within the foul network, suggesting that misconnections from the storm to foul network have occurred over time. We are working closely with the EA and the councils to understand and quantity the benefits of schemes that may impact on our network, such as the Marston FAS and Oxford FAS.

All survey data required to complete our hydraulic model of the catchment has been collected. This included approximately over 200 sewer and river flow monitors, asset surveys, CCTV surveys and impermeable area surveys. This data has been used to improve the hydraulic model of the Oxford drainage network. We are now using the model in order to quantify the level of service risk and appraise options to improve the performance of the network, and service to our customers.

We have combined our network model with the EA’s hydraulic model of the Thames through Oxford and enhanced it with the addition of a number of tributaries, to produce a single integrated model. This will allow us to understand

See the OFA website for further information www.oxfordfloodalliance.org.uk

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council (as the Lead Local Flood Authority) have been working to together on a number of flood schemes and projects, which are aimed at improving the current service and existing facilities for the community.

These include working together on the assessment of Planning Applications and Land Drainage Consents to ensure development within Oxford City is compliant with flood risk management strategies. This approach is aimed at reducing flood risk through new development, seeking opportunities for betterment where possible. This includes preventing inappropriate development in the floodplain, reducing the amount of built footprint in the floodplain and reducing surface water run-off from new developments through the implementation of appropriate sustainable drainage measures.

To assist further with this, City and County are currently jointly producing a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Evaluation Guide. The SuDS guide is aimed at providing easy to read, non-technical guidance for applicants who want to undertake development from minor extensions up to large scale developments. This is to ensure appropriate management of surface water run-off is achieved, as well as providing a better environment, improving biodiversity and water quality.

Oxfordshire County Council has been working closely with the City Council on the Northway and Marston Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS).

Both authorities have also worked together in relieving several flooding issues in the Headington Quarry area by constructing additional highway drainage systems as well as relieving localised highway flooding issues around the City.

The City and County are continuing to work together at a strategic level to identify areas requiring maintenance and flood protection in the future alongside other integral partners such as the EA and Thames Water.

County and City Working Together

A letter from theOxford Flood Alliance (OFA)The Planning applications for

phase 1 and phase 2 of the Northway and Marston Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) were approved with no objections at Oxford City Councils East Area Planning Committee on 6th July and 7th September.

The £2.2m FAS will reduce the flood risk to 110 properties in Northway and Marston, and works aim to commence on phase 1 in autumn 2016.

Northway and Marston wards have been hit by flash flooding in the past due to their close proximity to Peasmoor Brook and the Headington Hill Tributary. It can take as little as half an hour of torrential rain to cause flooding of properties.

Oxford City Council successfully gained funding from Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund (£600,000) and the Environment Agency (£1.6m) to deliver the project.

The work will include natural embankments being installed, the channel realigned and a wetland reserve created to use as temporary flood storage. Temporary storage means that when the area is hit with torrential rain, water is channelled to these specific areas, held there temporarily and then released into the drainage system and waterways at a pace they can cope with. This prevents flooding of homes and businesses, roads and pavements.

It is aimed for the work on both Phase 1 and Phase 2 to be completed by summer 2017. For more information please visit www.oxford.gov.uk/nandmfloodproject.

Northway and Marston Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 1 and Phase 2 planning applications unanimously approved

Temporary flood defence installed during the 2014 flood

Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS): As a sponsor of Oxford FAS we’re delighted by progress: after years of campaigning and working with the authorities to reduce flood risk in Oxford there’s now action on a major scheme to do just that and we’re excited with positive progress We’ve helped at public displays and meetings, and liaised with the project team. We’ve contributed to the assessment of the benefits of the scheme and thence to the Outline Business Case. We’ve been talking with environmental groups, including the Freshwater Habitats Trust, about maximising the scheme’s benefits for wildlife.

Maintenance: We have proposed that the future maintenance of Oxford FAS be overseen by a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO), composed of representatives from local landowners and stake holders. The body’s objectives would be to ensure that the scheme be maintained first and foremost for flood reduction, but also to achieve the best for public access and wildlife benefits.

This would have the advantages that• responsibilitywouldliewithlocalpeopleforthisassetsovitaltoOxford• thebodywouldbededicatedtothispurposealone• itwouldfosterjointworkingandstakeholdercooperation.

The modeling for the proposed scheme shows it should reduce Oxford’s risk without increasing flooding downstream. Oxford FAS will reduce the flood risk to people’s businesses and property as well as helping our wonderful city to thrive, even in the face of climate change.

Network Rail have recently completed their track raising, also installing an extra culvert under the railway for Oxford FAS. We undertook detailed scrutiny of the proposals, as a result of which two major revisions were required before they formed a proper basis for the planning decision.

Nine partners are working together to develop the Oxford FAS. The project, led by the Environment Agency, will involve deepening parts of Oxford’s floodplain and widening some of the rivers and streams that run through it, to make more space for water and reduce flood risk to the city. It will reduce flood risk to over 1,000 homes and businesses across Oxford, as well as major transport routes into the city.

Since the last Flood Forum, the scheme has progressed significantly. The project team used local knowledge and feedback from a series of events in summer 2015 to develop a series of options for the route of the channel. The options then went to public consultation in early 2016. The team used the results of the consultation along with technical data and evidence to determine the final route, which was shared in June this year.

Now that the route has been finalised, the team have started to work on the design. To do this they are carrying out a series of surveys and investigations to collect data to inform the design and construction. These include archaeological, ecological, topographical surveys and service investigations.

If you want to find out more about the scheme, visit: www.facebook.com/oxfordschmemewww.gov.uk/government/collections/reducing-flood-risk-in-oxford-and-abingdonOr contact the project team directly at oxfordscheme@environment-agency.gov.uk

the benefits of the Oxford FAS on Thames Water assets with respect to improved protection from fluvial flooding when compared to pre-scheme impacts.

Our current position with regards to the performance of the foul sewers is that broadly speaking, flooding is primarily a result of operational issues such as sewer blockages. However there are areas where our sewers are overloaded during significant rainfall events. We are investigating potential changes we can make to the network, to address flood risk in these area.

We are also undertaking a trunk sewer optimisation investigation that includes assessment of the impact of Littlemore SPS on the network. This aims to improve the performance of the pumping station and better utilise the capacity of the trunk sewers.

The study also aims to assess the impact of proposed future development trends (up to 2040) upon the performance of sewerage system, and identify measures to ensure that development does not increase flooding or pollution risk. On the 15th September 2016 we presented an update of the study to an Independent Advisory Group comprising two leading academics in the field of urban drainage, to review and challenge the plans as they develop.

We have continued to communicate with customers and other stakeholders throughout the process and have developed good relationships between the E.A., O.C.C. and other stakeholders including the O.F.A. The Oxford Catchment study will be completed early in 2017, when a drainage strategy for the catchment will be devised.

We surveyed Weirs Mill Stream with the Environment Agency. It has been identified that clearance is needed and funding is being sought.

An OFA member established the Earl Street Community Association which applied successfully to Scottish and Southern Energy’s Community Resilience Fund for a £20,000 flood pump. Earl Street residents are now secure in the knowledge that they have their own pump which can be deployed at the earliest opportunity.

In South Hinksey, work has started to prepare the ground for temporary barriers should flooding threaten. This follows campaigning by OFA and local people. Vale of White Horse District Council and the Environment Agency have risen to the challenge - for the first time since 2000, residents should be able to look to the winter with less foreboding.

Thank you to all concerned in these projects, your skill and hard work are much appreciated.

Flood news Autumn 2016.indd 2-3 30/09/2016 09:36

Thames Water Oxford catchment studyWe continue to progress the Oxford Catchment Study, and we are on track for completion next year.

The Oxford drainage system comprises, almost exclusively, separate foul water and surface water sewers. Despite this, we have observed storm responses within the foul network, suggesting that misconnections from the storm to foul network have occurred over time. We are working closely with the EA and the councils to understand and quantity the benefits of schemes that may impact on our network, such as the Marston FAS and Oxford FAS.

All survey data required to complete our hydraulic model of the catchment has been collected. This included approximately over 200 sewer and river flow monitors, asset surveys, CCTV surveys and impermeable area surveys. This data has been used to improve the hydraulic model of the Oxford drainage network. We are now using the model in order to quantify the level of service risk and appraise options to improve the performance of the network, and service to our customers.

We have combined our network model with the EA’s hydraulic model of the Thames through Oxford and enhanced it with the addition of a number of tributaries, to produce a single integrated model. This will allow us to understand

See the OFA website for further information www.oxfordfloodalliance.org.uk

Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council (as the Lead Local Flood Authority) have been working to together on a number of flood schemes and projects, which are aimed at improving the current service and existing facilities for the community.

These include working together on the assessment of Planning Applications and Land Drainage Consents to ensure development within Oxford City is compliant with flood risk management strategies. This approach is aimed at reducing flood risk through new development, seeking opportunities for betterment where possible. This includes preventing inappropriate development in the floodplain, reducing the amount of built footprint in the floodplain and reducing surface water run-off from new developments through the implementation of appropriate sustainable drainage measures.

To assist further with this, City and County are currently jointly producing a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Evaluation Guide. The SuDS guide is aimed at providing easy to read, non-technical guidance for applicants who want to undertake development from minor extensions up to large scale developments. This is to ensure appropriate management of surface water run-off is achieved, as well as providing a better environment, improving biodiversity and water quality.

Oxfordshire County Council has been working closely with the City Council on the Northway and Marston Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS).

Both authorities have also worked together in relieving several flooding issues in the Headington Quarry area by constructing additional highway drainage systems as well as relieving localised highway flooding issues around the City.

The City and County are continuing to work together at a strategic level to identify areas requiring maintenance and flood protection in the future alongside other integral partners such as the EA and Thames Water.

County and City Working Together

A letter from theOxford Flood Alliance (OFA)The Planning applications for

phase 1 and phase 2 of the Northway and Marston Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) were approved with no objections at Oxford City Councils East Area Planning Committee on 6th July and 7th September.

The £2.2m FAS will reduce the flood risk to 110 properties in Northway and Marston, and works aim to commence on phase 1 in autumn 2016.

Northway and Marston wards have been hit by flash flooding in the past due to their close proximity to Peasmoor Brook and the Headington Hill Tributary. It can take as little as half an hour of torrential rain to cause flooding of properties.

Oxford City Council successfully gained funding from Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund (£600,000) and the Environment Agency (£1.6m) to deliver the project.

The work will include natural embankments being installed, the channel realigned and a wetland reserve created to use as temporary flood storage. Temporary storage means that when the area is hit with torrential rain, water is channelled to these specific areas, held there temporarily and then released into the drainage system and waterways at a pace they can cope with. This prevents flooding of homes and businesses, roads and pavements.

It is aimed for the work on both Phase 1 and Phase 2 to be completed by summer 2017. For more information please visit www.oxford.gov.uk/nandmfloodproject.

Northway and Marston Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 1 and Phase 2 planning applications unanimously approved

Temporary flood defence installed during the 2014 flood

Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS): As a sponsor of Oxford FAS we’re delighted by progress: after years of campaigning and working with the authorities to reduce flood risk in Oxford there’s now action on a major scheme to do just that and we’re excited with positive progress We’ve helped at public displays and meetings, and liaised with the project team. We’ve contributed to the assessment of the benefits of the scheme and thence to the Outline Business Case. We’ve been talking with environmental groups, including the Freshwater Habitats Trust, about maximising the scheme’s benefits for wildlife.

Maintenance: We have proposed that the future maintenance of Oxford FAS be overseen by a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO), composed of representatives from local landowners and stake holders. The body’s objectives would be to ensure that the scheme be maintained first and foremost for flood reduction, but also to achieve the best for public access and wildlife benefits.

This would have the advantages that• responsibilitywouldliewithlocalpeopleforthisassetsovitaltoOxford• thebodywouldbededicatedtothispurposealone• itwouldfosterjointworkingandstakeholdercooperation.

The modeling for the proposed scheme shows it should reduce Oxford’s risk without increasing flooding downstream. Oxford FAS will reduce the flood risk to people’s businesses and property as well as helping our wonderful city to thrive, even in the face of climate change.

Network Rail have recently completed their track raising, also installing an extra culvert under the railway for Oxford FAS. We undertook detailed scrutiny of the proposals, as a result of which two major revisions were required before they formed a proper basis for the planning decision.

Nine partners are working together to develop the Oxford FAS. The project, led by the Environment Agency, will involve deepening parts of Oxford’s floodplain and widening some of the rivers and streams that run through it, to make more space for water and reduce flood risk to the city. It will reduce flood risk to over 1,000 homes and businesses across Oxford, as well as major transport routes into the city.

Since the last Flood Forum, the scheme has progressed significantly. The project team used local knowledge and feedback from a series of events in summer 2015 to develop a series of options for the route of the channel. The options then went to public consultation in early 2016. The team used the results of the consultation along with technical data and evidence to determine the final route, which was shared in June this year.

Now that the route has been finalised, the team have started to work on the design. To do this they are carrying out a series of surveys and investigations to collect data to inform the design and construction. These include archaeological, ecological, topographical surveys and service investigations.

If you want to find out more about the scheme, visit: www.facebook.com/oxfordschmemewww.gov.uk/government/collections/reducing-flood-risk-in-oxford-and-abingdonOr contact the project team directly at oxfordscheme@environment-agency.gov.uk

the benefits of the Oxford FAS on Thames Water assets with respect to improved protection from fluvial flooding when compared to pre-scheme impacts.

Our current position with regards to the performance of the foul sewers is that broadly speaking, flooding is primarily a result of operational issues such as sewer blockages. However there are areas where our sewers are overloaded during significant rainfall events. We are investigating potential changes we can make to the network, to address flood risk in these area.

We are also undertaking a trunk sewer optimisation investigation that includes assessment of the impact of Littlemore SPS on the network. This aims to improve the performance of the pumping station and better utilise the capacity of the trunk sewers.

The study also aims to assess the impact of proposed future development trends (up to 2040) upon the performance of sewerage system, and identify measures to ensure that development does not increase flooding or pollution risk. On the 15th September 2016 we presented an update of the study to an Independent Advisory Group comprising two leading academics in the field of urban drainage, to review and challenge the plans as they develop.

We have continued to communicate with customers and other stakeholders throughout the process and have developed good relationships between the E.A., O.C.C. and other stakeholders including the O.F.A. The Oxford Catchment study will be completed early in 2017, when a drainage strategy for the catchment will be devised.

We surveyed Weirs Mill Stream with the Environment Agency. It has been identified that clearance is needed and funding is being sought.

An OFA member established the Earl Street Community Association which applied successfully to Scottish and Southern Energy’s Community Resilience Fund for a £20,000 flood pump. Earl Street residents are now secure in the knowledge that they have their own pump which can be deployed at the earliest opportunity.

In South Hinksey, work has started to prepare the ground for temporary barriers should flooding threaten. This follows campaigning by OFA and local people. Vale of White Horse District Council and the Environment Agency have risen to the challenge - for the first time since 2000, residents should be able to look to the winter with less foreboding.

Thank you to all concerned in these projects, your skill and hard work are much appreciated.

Flood news Autumn 2016.indd 2-3 30/09/2016 09:36

Oxfordshire County Council Emergency Planning

Be PreparedThe Emergency Planning Team at Oxfordshire County Council is committed to increasing resilience within our communities. There are several actions you can take to prepare yourselves and your home from flooding this winter.

Minimise the impact of flooding by:

• Reportinganyblockeddrains,pipegrillsorgulliestotheHighwaysandTransport Drainage Team on 0845 310 1111.

• Clearinganydebrisfromditchesadjacenttoyourproperty.

• Ensuringanyvegetationonyourpropertyisneatlytrimmedtothebackof any path or away from the carriageway edge.

• Identifyingwhetheryouareariparianownerandifso,takingactionto maintain your watercourse, clearing any obstructions so the flow of water is not impeded.

•Toseewhichhouseholdfloodprotectionproducts,suchasairbrickcovers, could be suitable for your home, visit www.bluepages.org.uk for some examples, other sources of products are available.

• Preparingyouremergencygrabbagwithimportantitemssuchasinsurance documents, phone numbers, spare clothes, bottled water and any medication you may need.

• Preparingyourfloodplan–wherewouldyouandyourpetsgo?Doesyourinsurancecoveralternativeaccommodation?

For more information please visit the emergency planning pages on www.oxfordshire.gov.uk or contact the team on 01865 323765 or emergencyplanning@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Useful ContactsThames Water0800 316 9800www.thameswater.co.uk

Environment Agency Floodline (24 hrs)0345 988 1188*www.gov.uk/environment-agency*The cost of calling a phone number depends on the digits it starts with, your phone provider and whether you use a landline or mobile.

Oxford City Council Call Centre01865 249811www.oxford.gov.uk

Oxford Flood Allianceinfo@oxfordfloodalliance.org.ukwww.oxfordfloodalliance.org.uk

Oxfordshire County Council0845 310 1111www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

Canal and River Trust03030 40 40 400800 479 9947 (Out of hours)www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Network Rail03457 114 141www.networkrail.co.uk

National Flood Forum01299 403055www.floodforum.org.uk

Flood Protection Association033 33 238 701www.thefpa.org.uk

Residents of Oxford and the surrounding areas of Botley, South Hinksey, North Hinksey, Kennington and Wytham…

…are invited to The Oxford Area Flood Partnership 2016 OPEN FORUMOxford Town Hall Tuesday 1 November 2016, 7 – 9pm After a short presentation on the OAFP’s work, you will have the opportunity to put your questions to the Partners themselves: • Environment Agency• Oxfordshire County Council • Oxford City Council• Vale of White Horse District Council• Thames Water• Network RailFor more information email flooding@oxford.gov.uk

If you are at risk of flooding call Floodline on 0345 988 1188*

who will provide advice and also register you for automated flood warnings.

To find out if your property is in an area at risk of flooding visit the Environment

Agency’s website: www.gov.uk/environment-agency

and look for Flood map on the home and leisure page.

Flood news Autumn 2016.indd 4 30/09/2016 09:36