The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on a new vision for the future of flood risk management between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point on the Lincolnshire coast
Just over 45,000 people live in the Saltfleet to Gibraltar Point Strategy area, and each year a further 2.7 million people visit, generating almost £500 million a year for Lincolnshire’s coastal economy.
The Environment Agency’s work to manage flood risk in this area is absolutely vital for the continued success of Lincolnshire’s coastal communities, its thriving tourism industry and its strong agricultural sector.
To ensure that this remains the case, the Environment Agency has reviewed the way it currently manages flood risk in the area, and set out a vision for the way it will do so over the next 100 years.
Lincolnshire’s beaches suffer from sand losses due to natural processes like waves and tides which increases flood risk. To reduce this the Agency has replenished beaches between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point with sand on an annual basis since 1994. By restoring beach levels lost over the year, the EA protects its hard sea defences from the impact of waves and tides.
The Environment Agency has now said it recognises that this approach may not be sustainable in the future. With the effects of climate change, including sea level rise and increasingly frequent storms, more and more sand is likely to be needed each year to restore beaches to their appropriate sand levels. The overall cost as well as the carbon footprint of the beach nourishment works would increase significantly over time.
The draft strategy is designed to be sustainable and affordable, as well as take into account the effects of a changing climate. It will enable the Environment Agency to continue to provide and maintain coastal sea defences with healthy beaches for the enjoyment, wellbeing and prosperity of people visiting, working and living in Lincolnshire.
Deadline to submit responses to the consultation is 25 August 2019 – click here to access the consultation online.