The Government is failing to take a lead to ensure the speedy implementation of Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations on flooding following 2007’s disastrous floods, industry experts have warned. In particular it needs to take decisive action to empower local authorities to implement surface water management plans and to resolve once and for all who should be responsible for the control and maintenance of sustainable drainage systems (SUDS).

That was the conclusion of leading industry experts, including CIWEM President Alistair Moseley and Sheffield University Professor Richard Ashley, who joined a panel of experts at Hydro International’s second national SUDS ‘n’ Floods Conference of the year, to urge the Government to take action, rather than engage in further consultation.

Alex Stephenson, director of Stormwater for Hydro International, said; “There is still too much confusion over which organisations are responsible for owning and maintaining SUDS schemes and for developing ‘joined-up’ surface water management plans.

“There seems to be a vacuum forming in the wake of the Pitt Report and the feeling of frustration amongst conference delegates was palpable.

“Whilst DEFRA aims to consult on a draft Floods and Water Bill in Spring 2009 to introduce necessary legislation there was a strong feeling of the need for greater urgency and clarification on the roles of agencies.

“The necessary expertise and technical know-how already exists, between central and local government agencies and the water companies.  It is simply a matter of political will and financial assistance to give local authorities the tools they need to start to implement the changes.

“So much local knowledge and expertise has been lost as bodies such as the drainage boards were dispersed, it will take time to build it up. That’s why we need to start now, rather than next year or the year after.”

The summer 2007 floods have been described as the biggest civil emergency in British history. Two thirds of the floods were the result of the failure of the surface water infrastructure. Sir Michael Pitt called for greater use of SUDS techniques, and there have even been industry calls for SUDS to be a standard ‘default’ planning requirement.

“Resolving the appropriate use of SUDS must be a key outcome of the Pitt Review,” adds Alex Stephenson.

“Many planners, developers and even some water companies tend to interpret SUDS as ‘natural’ above-ground solutions such as swales or ponds.   But, these natural solutions can have economic limitations for developers in terms of space required, and can often lead to health and safety concerns whether real or perceived.

“For SUDS principles to be truly adopted requires a ‘best management’ approach using the full SUDS ‘toolbox’ of techniques selected from both natural methods and proprietary technologies, including underground infiltration, storage and attenuation devices. “

The conference was chaired by Alistair Moseley, UK Water Sector Director, WSP Group and President of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.  The keynote speech was given by Professor Richard Ashley, who was a member of the Science and Engineering Panel advising Sir Michael Pitt. Other speakers included Dave Bayliss, Sewerage Manager of Dwr Cymru, Welsh Water, Jonathan Hunt, Policy Advisor of the Environment Agency, Aidan Millerick Managing Director of Micro Drainage and Mark Bottomley of Thames Water.

To see copies of the papers delivered by the speakers call 0800 269371.