The Environment Agency is carrying out detailed engineering and structural investigations into the condition of tidal flood defences in London and the Thames estuary via its Thames Estuary Asset Management 2100 programme (TEAM2100).

The Agency inspects all defences in London and the Thames estuary at least annually and in most cases twice a year. To make the most efficient use of its 10-year work programme, the Agency said it now needs to carry out more detailed investigations into the condition of some of these defences.

The defences include the Thames Barrier and 350 kilometres of flood walls and embankments, smaller barriers, pumping stations and flood gates. This system of defences protects 1.25 million people and £200 billion worth of property.

Many of the defences are over 30 years old, and in some cases over 100 years old. The investigations will provide information about the condition of individual defences and about the system as a whole.

The TEAM2100 work began in March 2015 and will be largely complete by March 2016. The Agency said that what it learns from the investigations will inform both its 10-year work programme of refurbishment and replacement and its management of the system of defences over the next 100 years.

TEAM2100 will carry out the first part of the Environment Agency’s Thames Estuary 2100 Plan, which sets out how to manage tidal flood risk in the Thames estuary throughout the 21st century. TEAM2100 will improve tidal flood defences in London, Kent and Essex from 2015 to 2025.

For TEAM2100, the Environment Agency has formed an integrated team with engineering and programme management firm CH2MHill, construction partner Balfour Beatty and other specialist contractors.

Click here for more information on the upcoming Flood Defence and Prevention Expo and conference in London on 14th and 15th October.