UK: Flood defence

United Kingdom

The Environment Agency has funded the publication of new guidelines, “Assessment and Planning of Estuary Barrages”, addressing many controversial issues surrounding the siting, design and operation of barrages. The guidelines are aimed at assisting local authorities, development corporations, contracting engineers and agency staff by providing solutions to overcome or mitigate environmental issues in accordance with sustainable development principles. Barrages, although essential for flood defence, can have a considerable impact on the existing estuary environment, notably on fisheries because of the physical obstruction of the fish’s passage. The guidelines provide a planning framework for the approval process surrounding barrage construction and contain guidance on the level of environmental investigation required at each planning stage.
(EA News Release, 13 September 1999)