Grontmij, as part of a multi-consultancy team, have recently been awarded the 2015 Sir John Fowler Award for excellence in civil engineering design works for work carried out in developing the River Hull Integrated Catchment Flood Strategy.

Grontmij developed an Infoworks Integrated Catchment Model (ICM), for the 980 km2 complex hydrological area, including a detailed hydraulic model of the River Hull and the main Internal Drainage Board watercourses (130 km), with Yorkshire Water sewer network models for Kingston-upon-Hull, Beverley, Driffield and other main towns. The River Hull ICM predicts flood risk from all sources affected by fluvial, pluvial and groundwater derived flows, in combination with extreme Humber Estuary tides, over several climate-change epochs.

The project required assessment of 18 catchment options for consideration, with 16 taken forward for further modelling, engineering, environmental and economic cost/benefit assessment. The final recommended combination included options for dredging, tidal barrier, increased capacity at pumping stations, raising of embankments, natural attenuation, maintenance/refurbishment of existing assets, as well as creation of a 40 ha sacrificial flood storage area beyond the eastern bank of the River Hull.

The recommendations from the strategy have now gone forward to the Large Projects Review Group of the Environment Agency for consideration on whether to implement the £46 million scheme. If progressed Grontmij would hope to contribute further to the design process.

Diary date: In partnership with the Environment Agency, the Flood Expo which takes place in London on 14^th 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.