The Environment Agency has completed the consultation on the environmental impact of the first phase of Exeter’s multi-million pound flood defence scheme.
The first phase works will begin in June this year ahead of the main scheme, which is designed to reduce flood risk to properties on both sides of the river throughout Exeter.
The first phase will include work to some of the existing flood defence structures and the Trew’s flood relief channel to increase flow capacity. The works are likely to take about one year to complete.
George Arnison, Partnerships and Strategic Overview Team Leader at the Environment Agency commented:
‘We recognise that this important work to reduce flood risk will cause some disruption while it is being carried out. We have already started talking to people about likely impacts and will be looking at how we can minimise this before work starts,’ said
The scheme is being jointly funded by the Environment Agency, Exeter City Council and Devon County Council, and ultimately will reduce the risk of flooding for over 3,200 homes and businesses across the city. It is planned to construct the scheme in two phases over the next four years.
The Environment Agency used the public consultation to assess the effects of the work on the environment and this helped inform their final decision about whether the work should proceed.
The Phase One works will include:
- Reducing the level of Trew’s side weir by 250mm to allow more floodwater into the flood relief channel
- Lowering the bed of the Trew’s Weir flood relief channel, and removal of the ‘check weir’ to increase the flow capacity through the channel
- A new meandering low flow channel through the centre of Trew’s flood relief channel. This will replace the two existing ditches. A series of backwaters either side of the new channel, will also be created. These will be planted with reeds and rushes.
- Two new fish passes, one on Trew’s Weir to replace the existing pass which is no longer suitable for fish passage, and one on the side weir.
- Removal and management of vegetation and trees under and next to Ducks Marsh Bridge.
- Creation of a two stage channel to reinstate flood flow capacity. The channel will be deepened to improve flows - due to take place in 2017.
- Removal and management of vegetation near Exe Railway Bridge (South of St David’s Station). This work will also happen in 2017.
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