As part of a £7 million joint flood reduction scheme started by Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency in October 2014, the River Ouseburn was diverted yesterday to reduce flood risk.
The work on the Brunton Park scheme, which will reduce the risk of flooding to more than 100 properties, has involved installing 380 metres of new river channel to divert the flow of the Ouseburn from the estate, constructing 650 metres of flood defences (walls and earth embankment) and installing two kilometres of new sewer pipe and a new storage tank, which will hold up to 450,000 litres of water.
The current section of Ouseburn river channel and a new storage basin have also been used to drain and store more than seven million litres of surface water. The newly created river channel and storage basin, known as SuDS (sustainable urban drainage system), will also create additional water dependent habitat for wildlife, and a Kingfisher nest and perch will be installed.
Paul Davison, Northumbrian Water’s project manager, said:
“We know that being flooded is a truly awful experience for our customers and reducing the risk of flooding to homes and businesses is our top priority.”
“It is the first time that Northumbrian Water has worked on a scheme which has involved creating a section of new river channel so that the current channel can be used for storage. This is an innovative and creative solution which will enable us to manage surface water in the natural environment.”
Partnership vital to holistic and sustainable approach
He added that a partnership approach, which has also involved working closely with Newcastle City Council, has been vital to ensure a holistic, sustainable and efficient approach to tackle flooding in the area.
Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager for the North East, Phil Welton, commented:
“Diverting the river channel further west into the golf course is a major part of this vital scheme to protect homes in Brunton Park, and turning the flow from the old channel to new marks a key moment.”
“This project is a great example of how working in partnership brings integrated and sustainable solutions to life, achieving better outcomes for local residents and ensuring projects are delivered with better value for money.”
Remaining work, which will be completed in July, will involve completing the construction of the flood defence embankment and walls; diversion and construction of surface water outfalls which will discharge surface water from the sewer network into the SuDS basin; creation of the storage basin alongside the existing river channel and reinstatement and landscaping work.
Mick Murphy Director of Communities at Newcastle City Council, said:
“The City Council has been pleased to contribute towards the cost of this project, and we are grateful for the significant investment made by both the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water to reduce the flood risk for residents of Brunton Park.”
Click here for more information on next week's Floodex conference in Peterborough
Waterbriefing is media partner with the Institution of Civil Engineers keynote Flooding and Water Management Conference 2016 taking place in London on Thursday 30th June. Click here for more information about the conference.
Click here to join the Waterbriefing UK Flood Risk Management Discussion Group on Linkedin