The Environment Agency has this week set out a number of options on proposals for flood management in the Black Sluice area - refurbishment of the Black Sluice pumping station could cost between £15 million to £20 million.
The Black Sluice catchment covers the area of land emptying into the South Forty Foot Drain, which extends from Boston across the South Lincolnshire fens. The Environment Agency manages flood risk within the South Forty Foot Drain and through the Black Sluice pumping station and sluices in Boston, where the water discharges into the Haven.
Environment Agency project team members presented options for Swaton, Billingborough and areas around the South Forty Foot Drain at two separate public events this week. There is a history of flooding in the area – mostly from rivers, but also from surface, ground and tidal waters.
The pumping station was flooded and three pumps were damaged during the tidal surge of December 2013. The remaining two pumps are 50 years old and near the end of their operational life.
Kevin Abbott, Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Advisor for the Environment Agency, said:
“We do annual maintenance in this area to reduce the risk of flooding, but the Black Sluice pumping station is now in need of significant investment.”
“To provide value for money and find the best solution, we are looking at a variety of options across the whole catchment – and we’d like to take your opinions into account when making a decision.”
Date for your diary: In partnership with the Environment Agency, the Flood Expo which takes place in London on 14th and 15th October presents solutions to widespread flooding problems from the UK’s leading flood prevention companies, alongside an extensive seminar and workshop schedule highlighting new, cost-effective ways to prevent and manage floods. Click here for more information.
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