A useful briefing prepared by local Environment Agency officers about the current situation with flood water on the Somerset Levels and Moors, following recent heavy rain. Includes background, current situation and outlook. "We, and our partners at the Somerset Rivers Authority, are well prepared should the weather get worse this winter."
A public drop-in session to let people know the latest news about the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier scheme is being held on Wednesday 30 November at St Mary's Church in Bridgwater.
Construction of the £100m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier has moved a step nearer. A Barrier will help to protect some 13,000 homes and businesses from flooding.
An updated version of the Environment Agency's guide to How the Somerset Moors work. It shows in detail how water is moved around the Moors when the River Parrett and the River Tone flood. Rivers, Moors, spillways, sluice gates and pumping stations interact in complex ways.
Two rivers are being made bigger this autumn to help reduce flood risks across 150 square miles of the Somerset Levels and Moors. The River Sowy-King’s Sedgemoor Drain Enhancements Scheme (Phase One) is being delivered for Somerset Rivers Authority by the Environment Agency. The scheme is being partly funded by Growth Deal money from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, as part of a wide-ranging programme of works spread over several years costing £7.2 million.
A new section of the River Parrett is to be dredged for Somerset Rivers Authority, to reduce flood risks to local people, properties, roads and land. Large quantities of silt will be removed from 1.37miles (2.2km) of the river between Moorland and the M5, to increase its capacity to carry flood water.
Three projects to reduce local flood risks and improve the environment have been carried out for Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) on the Somerset Levels. The works at Egypt’s Clyse on Othery Rhyne and on the Moorlinch and Westmoor Raised Water Level Areas are part of the SRA's overarching plan to enhance the River Sowy-King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) system. Sowy-KSD works are being delivered for the SRA by the Environment Agency.
People across Somerset are being offered free interactive online training between Tuesday 20 October and Thursday 22 October to help communities prepare for what could be a challenging winter. Subjects covered include recovering from crises, dealing with flooding and snow, and co-ordinating community volunteers. New short local films will also be shown.
A milestone has been reached with the River Sowy-King's Sedgemoor Drain (KSD) Enhancements Scheme, which is being delivered for Somerset Rivers Authority by the Environment Agency. The Environmental Statement for this scheme's first phase is out now for consultation until 13 September.
Membranes have been fitted for Somerset Rivers Authority near 39 water control structures at Moorlinch and Westmoor on the Somerset Levels. The membranes will - temporarily - stop vegetation growing and deter water voles, so the structures can be improved later this summer.