Leeds City Council has applied to the Environment Agency for a licence to obstruct or impede the flow of the River Aire to create a flood defence structure with two hydraulically operated gates.
The application to construct a flood storage reservoir (FSR) on the River Aire near Calverley part of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2. This will increase the standard of protection of downstream fluvial flood defences to 0.5% (1 in 200) AEP (annual exceedance probability) including a climate change allowance up to 2039.
The gates will operate when flows in the River Aire reach approximately 320 cubic metres per second. The impounded water will flood over floodplains at Calverley, creating a temporary flood storage area. The water will then be released back into the River Aire in a controlled manner. The flood storage area capacity at overflow level will be 273,000 cubic metres.
The impounding works are to provide a new actively controlled flood storage area consisting of:
- A reinforced concrete river control structure incorporating two rising gates within the River Aire and an access bridge above. The top of the gates (when fully raised) form the main overflow level
- Local diversion of the River Aire to accommodate the location of new river control structure
- Earthfill impounding embankments (3 sections) across the river valley and incorporating an overflow section
- Earthfill impounding embankment around an existing sewage pumping station
- Control building
- Access roads
The water flow will managed by raising the two in-river control gates. The new outlet control structure will be constructed on the north side of the River Aire.
The proposed structure will incorporate systems and access routes to allow for manual raising by the operators in the event of power or other failure of the automatic raising system.
Automatic control of the gates will be based upon the levels recorded at a new water level and flow gauging site at Calverley Bridge. Other identified gauges both upstream and downstream on the reach will be monitored with the intention of raising an alarm if outside of allowable tolerances.
During normal operation, water levels at the downstream face of Calverley Bridge will be continuously monitored using triple-validated radar level sensors used in combination with stilling tubes to minimise the effects of turbulence during significant flood events.
The BAM Nuttall/ Mott MacDonald BMM JV is carrying out the work on behalf of the Council, which has launched a consultation seeking comments on the application. Deadline to submit responses is 9th April 2021 - click here to access the consultation online.
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