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Consultation: Ministerial direction for reservoir flood plans

Ref: 02/10

Issued: Issue date 2010-01-12
 Consultation starts: Open date 2010-01-12
 Consultation closes: Close date 2010-04-06

Summary

Reservoirs present a potential flood risk to the downstream area.  England and Wales has an ageing stock of reservoirs, but little is known about the long term strength of these structures. Reservoir failure is a very rare event, although each year there are a number of ‘near misses’ which could have resulted in more serious consequences.

The most prominent recent incident at the Ulley reservoir near Rotherham, South Yorkshire demonstrated the potential impact of a reservoir failure. As a precaution, the M1 motorway was closed and nearby communities evacuated. However, as there was no emergency plan for the reservoir, emergency responders had to act using a river flood map. This reinforced the need for site specific reservoir flood maps and co-ordinated reservoir flood plans which in extreme circumstances could save lives.

This consultation will primarily be relevant to “reservoir undertakers” (owners or operators).  It seeks views on the scope and content of a Ministerial direction requiring reservoir undertakers to prepare a reservoir flood plan

Consultation documents

Related information

How to respond

Name: Matthew Hampshire

Address: Defra, Area 2D, Ergon House, Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 2AL

Email: reservoirs.direction@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Page last modified: Page modified 2010-01-28
Page published: Issue date 2010-01-12

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