Local Government Flood Forum (LGFF) Friday, 27 July 2012 Welcome & Introduction Chair: Laurie Thraves, LGiU Local Government Flood Forum (LGFF) Friday, 27 July 2012 Presentation by Ben Mitchell & Daniel Hayes, Peter Brett Associates LLP Opportunities and Challenges to the Delivery of SuDS Through Effective Partnerships Ben Mitchell and Dan Hayes SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges Presentation Content Part 1 What they are and why now. PBA advice to government Part 2 The process, the pitfalls and the potential problems Part 3 Questions SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges What are SuDS? Nothing new except the name since the word ‘sustainable’ became popular Focus used to be on flooding, now joint focus on water quality and flooding Not a panacea, just one tool in the box for the flood risk practionioner SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges What are SuDS? Main principle is to replicate the natural processes Blanket approach not always best for river management Hard and soft solutions available SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges Why SuDS Now? 2007 Floods Surface Water Flooding & Poor Management Sir Michael Pitt Review Flood and Water Management Act 2010 – Royal Assent April 2010 Defra and the PAB Consultation on draft Standards Implementation …? SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges Advice to Government (PBA/BPF) The concerns: SuDS appropriate profile Balanced approach Parallel system SAB resources Counter intuitive Capacity Limited Blanket Approach SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges Advice to Government – Blanket Approach SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges Risk in the Development Process Risk and Cost SuDS approval process risk Administrative burden could lead to delay Early consultation to mitigate? Consultation process could be unduly biased SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges Additional Pre-Application Investment More design and site investigation Investment in time and consultant / contractor fees Detailed design to demonstrate hierarchy choices Hierarchy requirements could lead to ineffective systems Counter productive in the context of affordability SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges Additional Pre-Application Investment National Standards (NS) for SuDS Part I – Principles Functionality • Surface Run-off is managed at source and on the surface where practicable • Public space is used and integrated where practicable. • Cost-effective to maintain over lifetime of development taking climate change into account Affordability • SuDS systems should not cost more than an equivalent traditional design. Part II – Design Hierarchies • • • Run-off Destination hierarchy - Building Regulations Run-off Rate and Volume hierarchy – CfSH + first 5mm retained on-site Water Quality hierarchy – treatment stages SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges Additional Pre-Application Investment SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges SAB Application Process What will the format of the application be? FRA in accordance with NPPF still required? Consistency and continuity of approach to approval process. FWMA states consent cannot be withheld if design in accordance with NS. Does the SAB need to consult? SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges SAB Operation and Approval Potential for non-determined applications SAB determination periods • 12 week determination period for major applications • 7 weeks for all others The Town & Country Planning appeals process SuDS – Opportunities and Challenges Adoption of SuDS No commuted sums payable for SuDS adoption Could SABs use S38 highway agreements? SAB have 8 weeks to ensure system is operating Automatic adoption point? Could SAB maintenance resources influence design? Local Government Flood Forum (LGFF) Friday, 27 July 2012 Presentation by Julian Hatherall, Earth Systems Andy Smith, WSP A Methodology to Assist Local Authorities and Developers in the Evaluation of Potential Groundwater Flooding Risk Resulting from Development. Julian Hatherall - Earth Systems Europe July 27th 2012 www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Structure • Overview of groundwater (GW) flooding • Groundwater flooding risk assessment process and supporting data Acknowledgements: • John Ashcroft at Sandwell Metropolitan BC for commissioning this study. • Ola Holmstrom and Andy Smith of WSP who I undertook this work with. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Why is this of importance? • EU Floods Directive and Flood & Water Management Act 2010 places greater responsibility on LLFA for GW flood risk management. The National Planning Policy Framework reiterates that all flooding sources require consideration.; • Groundwater Flooding not routinely assessed in SFRAs except for Clearwater Flooding – sometimes out of sight out of mind BUT can be an issue in certain circumstances and geographical areas.; • Increase in SuDS means a greater proportion of rainfall and runoff discharged to GW => higher GW flood risk.; • SuDS Approving Bodies (SABs) will require reassurance as to sustainability of SuDS on new developments. • Mapping, SuDS suitability, limitations. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Previous Work A number of past studies and reports have referred to groundwater flooding susceptibility and risk assessment methods – a few examples are: • • • • • Jacobs, 2004. Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management: Groundwater Flooding Scoping Study (LDS 23) Final Report Defra 2005. Making Space for Water: Taking forward a new Government strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management in England. JacobsGIBB, 2007. Making Space for Water: Groundwater Flooding Records Collation, Monitoring and Risk Assessment (ref HA5) Consolidated Report. Macdonald, D.M.J.; Bloomfield, J.P.; Hughes, A.G.; MacDonald, A.M.; Adams, B.; McKenzie, A.A.. 2008. Improving the understanding of the risk from groundwater flooding in the UK. In: FLOODrisk 2008, European Conference on Flood Risk Management, Oxford, UK, 30 Sept - 2 Oct 2008. The Netherlands, CRC Press. BSI, 2011. BS 8533:2011. Assessing and managing flood risk in development – Code of practice. As part of the current study, reference has been made to these and other reports where possible. This work develops a framework utilising and building on some of these ideas. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Groundwater Flooding Definitions Defra’s “Making Space for Water” (Holistic Approach 5 or HA5 (Defra, 2005)). “Caused by the emergence of water originating from sub-surface permeable strata”. British Geological Survey (Macdonald et al, 2008) “The emergence of groundwater at the ground surface away from perennial river channels, or the rising of groundwater into manmade ground under conditions where the ‘normal’ ranges of groundwater level and groundwater flow are exceeded”. This study considers flooding from subsurface permeable strata close to and away from surface water courses. It includes flooding of basements and infrastructure. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Groundwater Flooding Types There are generally 3 main types of groundwater flooding: 1. Clearwater Flooding 2. “Superficial Deposits Flooding” or “Persistent Shallow Groundwater” 3. Groundwater rebound following cessation of abstraction or mine/quarry or other dewatering www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Groundwater Flooding Situations 1. “Clearwater flooding” Groundwater flooding in an unconfined Principal Aquifer setting • Large changes in seasonal GW levels e.g. Chalk. Results in emergence at ground surface. • Extended period of impact. Courtesy: Macdonald, D.M.J.; Bloomfield, J.P.; Hughes, A.G.; MacDonald, A.M.; Adams, B.; McKenzie, A.A.. 2008. Improving the understanding of the risk from groundwater flooding in the UK. In: FLOODrisk 2008, European Conference on Flood Risk Management, Oxford, UK, 30 Sept - 2 Oct 2008. The Netherlands, CRC Press. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Groundwater Flooding Situations 2. “Superficial Deposits Flooding" or “Persistent Shallow Groundwater” Flooding primarily in shallow sedimentary aquifers or Made Ground • May occur as a result of: • Local connection to surface water; • Changes in shallow or perched groundwater levels from seasonal runoff and recharge; • Locally through infiltration from soakways or changes to ground conditions. • Generally shorter term and localised. Courtesy: Macdonald, D.M.J.; Bloomfield, J.P.; Hughes, A.G.; MacDonald, A.M.; Adams, B.; McKenzie, A.A.. 2008. Improving the understanding of the risk from groundwater flooding in the UK. In: FLOODrisk 2008, European Conference on Flood Risk Management, Oxford, UK, 30 Sept - 2 Oct 2008. The Netherlands, CRC Press. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Groundwater Flooding and Geology Approx. location of SMBC www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Assessment of risk – a framework 1. Use of BGS Susceptibility to Groundwater Flooding maps A screening tool. Does not indicate risk but susceptibility only. 2. Development of Methodology for Site Specific Assessment of Risk Uses a series of flow charts and a matrix with site and regional data for assessment. 3. Supporting Information Summary tables and details of local geological and hydrogeological conditions. The aim has been to design a methodology and process which is neither onerous or overly costly. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] 1. Susceptibility Mapping v. Risk • BGS produced data set on the susceptibility of GW flooding (50m2). Areas where geological conditions could enable GW flooding to occur. – Essentially the map equates areas of shallow groundwater to higher risk. – Map suitable for use for regional or national planning in conjunction with other relevant information to inform land-use planning decisions. – Local groundwater conditions likely to vary from the modelled data and therefore there is the need for caution. • To evaluate site specific risk of groundwater flooding requires understanding of the development proposals together with local geological, hydrogeological and hydrological conditions www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] 2. Assessment Methodology • Based around Five Planning Stages with appropriate technical assessment at each. Sufficient details need to be made available for Local Authority to make a decision using the framework. • Initial technical assessment “Screening” at Level 1. • Proposals discussed with LA and way forward agreed. • If all OK for LA then move to planning application or further assessment at Level 2 is required then submit. ALL AT PRE APPLICATION STAGE www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Methodology – Level 1 technical • Use of the flow chart, Susceptibility Mapping and “Decision Matrix” together with readily available information to help determine any issues and the degree of assessment required. • Collect available data from literature, websites, previous and current SIs. • Define conceptual model and assess the risk qualitatively or semiquantitatively. May require specialist input. • Once assessed complete short and concise report and discuss with LA. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Methodology – Decision Matrix DEVELOPMENT PROCESS CONSTRAINTS Within V. High and High Groundwater Flooding Susceptibility Area Within Moderate Groundwater Flooding Susceptibility Area Within Very Low or Low Groundwater Flooding Susceptibility Area Groundwater Flooding Susceptibility not Categorised (blank mapping) 1 Area of known or logged shallow groundwater (<2mbgl) including periodic seasonal variations 2 Area of historic groundwater flooding outside of the surface water flood plain 3 Development is on a site containing steep slopes 4 Development within proximity of a superficial or solid geological boundary 5 Development is within proximity of a surface water course 6 Development has existing spring lines on site or within close proximity of the boundary 7 Development is within an area of historically depressed groundwater levels 8 Significant seasonal groundwater level changes 9 Is the site within an area of Surface Water flooding KEY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS A Development lies within a Installation of basements mapped vulnerability zone or subsurface structures B Installation of features likely to alter groundwater flow C Lowering of existing ground levels by more than 1m D Installation of SUDS infiltration or unlined balancing infrastructure A Development lies within a Installation of basements mapped vulnerability zone or subsurface structures Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red CONSTRAINTS Cons i der the need for further Cons i der the need for further Cons i der the need for further Cons i der the need for further Cons i der the need for further a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng C Lowering of existing ground levels by more than 1m D Installation of SUDS infiltration or unlined balancing infrastructure Cons i der the need for further Cons i der the need for further Cons i der the need for further Cons i der the need for further Cons i der the need for further a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te a s s es s ment ba s ed on s i te s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts s peci fi c da ta i f thi s contra di cts vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng vul nera bi l i ty ma ppi ng 1 BGS da ta a s s umes l i ttl e to no cha nce of groundwa te fl oodi ng. As there wi l l be a l oca l va ri a bi l i ty a check s houl d be ma de to a s s es s i f there i s s ha l l ow groundwa ter a nd a ppropri a te a s s es s ment ma de a s requi red BGS da ta a s s umes l i ttl e to no cha nce of groundwa te fl oodi ng. As there wi l l be a l oca l va ri a bi l i ty a check s houl d be ma de to a s s es s i f there i s s ha l l ow groundwa ter a nd a ppropri a te a s s es s ment ma de a s requi red BGS da ta a s s umes l i ttl e to no cha nce of groundwa te fl oodi ng. As there wi l l be a l oca l va ri a bi l i ty a check s houl d be ma de to a s s es s i f there i s s ha l l ow groundwa ter a nd a ppropri a te a s s es s ment ma de a s requi red Area of known or logged shallow groundwater (<2mbgl) including periodic seasonal variations BGS da ta a s s umes l i ttl e to no cha nce of groundwa te fl oodi ng. As there wi l l be a l oca l va ri a bi l i ty a check s houl d be ma de to a s s es s i f there i s s ha l l ow groundwa ter a nd a ppropri a te a s s es s ment ma de a s requi red BGS da ta a s s umes l i ttl e to no cha nce of groundwa te fl oodi ng. As there wi l l be a l oca l va ri a bi l i ty a check s houl d be ma de to a s s es s i f there i s s ha l l ow groundwa ter a nd a ppropri a te a s s es s ment ma de a s requi red N/A N/A Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red N/A Check wi th the Envi ronment Agency a nd Loca l Authori ty on s peci fi c ri s ks a nd es ta bl i s h ri s k l oca l l y Check wi th the Envi ronment Agency a nd Loca l Authori ty on s peci fi c ri s ks a nd es ta bl i s h ri s k l oca l l y Check wi th the Envi ronment Agency a nd Loca l Authori ty on s peci fi c ri s ks a nd es ta bl i s h ri s k l oca l l y N/A Cons i der the ri s k i n conjuncti on wi th the geol ogy a nd groundwa ter condi ti ons . Ba cki ng up of groundwa ter pos s i bl e. Cons i der the ri s k i n conjuncti on wi th the geol ogy a nd groundwa ter condi ti ons . Ba cki ng up of groundwa ter pos s i bl e. Steep pos s i bl e groundwa ter Steep pos s i bl e groundwa ter ta bl e a nd cros s i ng of ta bl e a nd i ntercepti on of i nterforma ti ona l geol ogi ca l groundwa ter i s pos s i bl e bounda ri es i s pos s i bl e where where s ubs urfa ce fea tures a re cutti ng a nd pl a tform i ns ta l l ed devel opments a re propos ed 2 Area of historic groundwater flooding outside of the surface water flood plain N/A Cha nges to fl ow regi me a re Cha nges to fl ow regi me a re pos s i bl e cl os e to geol ogi ca l pos s i bl e cl os e to geol ogi ca l bounda ri es . Es ta bl i s h bounda ri es . Es ta bl i s h potenti a l of groundwa ter potenti a l of groundwa ter fl oodi ng from fl ow cha nges or fl oodi ng from fl ow cha nges or ba cki ng up of groundwa ter. ba cki ng up of groundwa ter. N/A Groundwa ter l evel cha nges Groundwa ter l evel cha nges Groundwa ter fl oodi ng to other Groundwa ter fl oodi ng through through ri ver i ntera cti on coul d through ri ver i ntera cti on coul d properti es through ri ver ri ver i ntera cti on coul d occur. occur i nunda ti ng l owered occur reduci ng SUDS i ntera cti on coul d occur. Es ta bl i s h groundwa ter/s urfa ce ground. Es ta bl i s h effecti venes s . Es ta bl i s h Es ta bl i s h groundwa ter/s urfa ce wa ter i ntera cti on a nd a s s es s groundwa ter/s urfa ce wa ter groundwa ter/s urfa ce wa ter wa ter i ntera cti on a nd a s s es s further a s neces s a ry. i ntera cti on a nd a s s es s further i ntera cti on a nd a s s es s further further a s neces s a ry. a s neces s a ry. a s neces s a ry. N/A Deroga ti on of protected ri ghts Deroga ti on of protected ri ghts (e.g. a bs tra cti ons ) i s pos s i bl e, (e.g. a bs tra cti ons ) i s pos s i bl e, a s i s cha nge i n fl ow pa tterns . a s i s cha nge i n fl ow pa tterns . As s es s thes e i s s ues . As s es s thes e i s s ues . Ma y not ca us e ma jor i s s ues . Cons i der the need for further a s s es s ment ba s ed on conceptua l model i f s peci fi c ri s ks a re cons i dered to a ppl y. Increa s ed i nfi l tra ti on ma y not be a bl e to di s cha rge cl os e to geol ogi ca l bounda ri es a nd i ncrea s e the potenti a l of groundwa ter fl oodi ng. N/A Check wi th the Envi ronment Agency a nd Loca l Authori ty on s peci fi c ri s ks a nd es tabl i s h ri s k l oca l l y Check wi th the Envi ronment Agency a nd Loca l Authori ty on s peci fi c ri s ks a nd es tabl i s h ri s k l oca l l y Check wi th the Envi ronment Agency a nd Loca l Authori ty on s peci fi c ri s ks a nd es tabl i s h ri s k l oca l l y Cons i der the ri s k i n conjunction wi th the geol ogy a nd groundwa ter condi tions . Ba cki ng up of groundwa ter pos s i bl e. Cons i der the ri s k i n conjunction wi th the geol ogy a nd groundwa ter condi tions . Ba cki ng up of groundwa ter pos s i bl e. Steep pos s i bl e groundwa ter Steep pos s i bl e groundwa ter tabl e a nd cros s i ng of tabl e a nd i nterception of i nterforma tiona l geol ogi ca l groundwa ter i s pos s i bl e bounda ri es i s pos s i bl e where where s ubs urfa ce fea tures a re cutti ng a nd pl a tform i ns tal l ed devel opments a re propos ed Ma y not ca us e ma jor i s s ues . Increa s ed groundwa ter fl ow to Cons i der the need for further s pri ngs coul d occur through a s s es s ment ba s ed on SUDS us e or di vert thi s a wa y . conceptua l model i f s peci fi c Es ta bl i s h cri ti ca l na ture a nd ri s ks a re cons i dered to a ppl y. a s s es s further a s neces s a ry. N/A Thi s i s unl i kel y to be pres ent Thi s i s unl i kel y to be pres ent Thi s i s unl i kel y to be pres ent Thi s i s unl i kel y to be pres ent i n Sa ndwel l but i t i s i n Sa ndwel l but i t i s i n Sa ndwel l but i t i s i n Sa ndwel l but i t i s recommended tha t the current recommended tha t the current recommended tha t the current recommended tha t the current s ta tus of rebound i s checked s ta tus of rebound i s checked s ta tus of rebound i s checked s ta tus of rebound i s checked wi th the Envi ronment Agency wi th the Envi ronment Agency wi th the Envi ronment Agency wi th the Envi ronment Agency a nd ri s k es ta bl i s hed. a nd ri s k es ta bl i s hed. a nd ri s k es ta bl i s hed. a nd ri s k es ta bl i s hed. N/A Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red N/A Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red Deta i l ed a s s es s ment requi red 3 Development is on a site containing steep slopes 4 Development within proximity of a superficial or solid geological boundary N/A Loweroverall risk is considered to apply but there consideration of the potential impact is required. A robust justification for not assessing the risk would be required. N/A Generally low risk likely but a degree of consideration of the specific risks is required depending on the site conditions and development proposals. The scale of this will be dependant on site conditions and the scale and type of development proposals. Not applicable Detai l ed a s s es s ment requi red Detai l ed a s s es s ment requi red Detai l ed a s s es s ment requi red Detai l ed a s s es s ment requi red Check wi th the Envi ronment Agency a nd Loca l Authori ty on s peci fi c ri s ks a nd es ta bl i s h ri s k l oca l l y Detailed assessment required as potential groundwater flooding risk is considered to be significant but is dependant on site conditions and the scale and type of development proposals. N/A B Installation of features likely to alter groundwater flow Cha nges to fl ow regi me a re Cha nges to fl ow regi me a re pos s i bl e cl os e to geol ogi ca l pos s i bl e cl os e to geol ogi ca l bounda ri es . Es tabl i s h bounda ri es . Es tabl i s h potentia l of groundwa ter potentia l of groundwa ter fl oodi ng from fl ow cha nges or fl oodi ng from fl ow cha nges or ba cki ng up of groundwa ter. ba cki ng up of groundwa ter. Ma y not ca us e ma jor i s s ues . Cons i der the need for further a s s es s ment ba s ed on conceptua l model i f s peci fi c ri s ks a re cons i dered to a ppl y. Check wi th the Envi ronment Agency a nd Loca l Authori ty on s peci fi c ri s ks a nd es tabl i s h ri s k l oca l l y Increa s ed i nfi l tra tion ma y not be a bl e to di s cha rge cl os e to geol ogi ca l bounda ri es a nd i ncrea s e the potentia l of groundwa ter fl oodi ng. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Methodology - Questionnaire www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Methodology - Level 2 technical • If required, further detailed assessment should be performed at Level 2. • More data, calculations or modelling may be required at this stage.and may require specialist input. • Model and modify proposals until flood risk can be suitably reduced or mitigated. • Once completed the full assessment is submitted at planning application stage for assessment and a decision on the application. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Supporting Info – Geo & Hydrogeo To aid the assessment details of the specific geological and hydrogeological conditions have been outlined. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Supporting Info – Constraints and Processes An importance ranking is given for constraints and development processes against formation – it is a guide and not definitive. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Supporting Info – Mitigation Outline guidance on mitigation is provided. Similar framework is used for surface water. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Assessing and understanding the groundwater flood risk Avoiding the risk Substitution Flood control and groundwater management Resistant and resilient building techniques www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Summary 1. Groundwater flooding is the emergence of water originating from sub-surface permeable strata and is not restricted to areas of “Clearwater Flooding”. 2. Groundwater can be a potentially significant source of flooding. 3. Groundwater flooding susceptibility is not groundwater flood risk. 4. BGS GW Flooding susceptibility mapping has been used to help in screening the risk but the framework uses flow charts and matrix to determine level of assessment required but professional judgment needed on a site specific basis. 5. Specific local data has been developed and the method can be adapted for other geographical areas as well as for those with a specific portfolio of sites. 6. Tools such as the new BGS SuDS Suitability mapping is useful but likely to require further site specific assessment. 7. Within SMBC the highest risk is posed by development in areas of superficial deposits and across the significant areas of Made and Worked Ground and/or “Persistent Shallow Groundwater”. When in doubt – assess the risk. www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Thank You Contact Details: Julian Hatherall • Principal Hydrogeologist, Earth Systems Europe • Chartered Geologist • • Tel: 0117 373 6155 or 07972 877519 [email protected] • www.earthsystemseurope.com www.earthsystemseurope.com [email protected] Local Government Flood Forum (LGFF) Friday, 27 July 2012 LUNCH Local Government Flood Forum (LGFF) Friday, 27 July 2012 Presentation by Susana Ochoa-Rodriguez Imperial College London Urban Pluvial Flood Modelling, Forecasting and Warning Challenges, on-going work, discussion Susana Ochoa Rodriguez, Imperial College London WSP Group, Birmingham, 27th July 2012 CONTENTS 1. Urban pluvial flooding: what are the challenges? why is it so difficult to model and forecast? 2. The RainGain Project: tackling the challenges 3. Discussion: needs, expectations, potential solutions for enhanced urban pluvial flood forecasting, warning and event management 1. URBAN PLUVIAL FLOODING Extreme rainfall events exceed the capacity of the drainage system 1. URBAN PLUVIAL FLOODING • Insufficient capacity of sewer system • Surface flow (overland system) • Dynamic interactions between the two systems • It’s localised and happens quickly – “flash floods” Model Assembly for Pluvial Flood Modelling, Forecasting and Management Rainfall Estimation / Forecasting Flood Modelling / Forecasting Management (urban planning, emergency) Same “framework” as other types of flooding, but for urban pluvial flooding each step is a bit more complex Rainfall Estimation / Forecasting Flood Modelling / Forecasting Management (urban planning, emergency) • The rainfall events which generate pluvial flooding are often associated with thunderstorms of small spatial scale (~ 10 km), whose magnitude and spatial distribution are difficult to monitor and predict (also: lead time vs. accuracy) • Rainfall estimates/forecasts with fine spatial and temporal resolution required Rainfall Estimation / Forecasting • • • • Flood Modelling / Forecasting Management (urban planning, emergency) Urban “jungle” is complex Interaction of sewer and overland systems Since flooding is localised, models must have fine spatio-temporal resolution Model detail vs. Runtime Effective rainfall Bi-directional interaction Surface component Sub-surface component Sewer flow Rainfall Estimation / Forecasting Flood Modelling / Forecasting Management (urban planning, emergency) • Urban catchments change constantly • Complete flood records for calibration and verification are seldom available • High uncertainty in boundary conditions • High operational uncertainty (blockages, pipe burst, pump failure, change in geometry of roads and other channels, etc.) • Individual sources of uncertainty are magnified by small scale Rainfall Estimation / Forecasting • • • • • • Flood Modelling / Forecasting Management (urban planning, emergency) Uncertainty in modelling and forecasting hinders decision making Low awareness Given rapid onset and short forecasting lead-times, the public become the principal responders, but they are not so willing to respond Lack of coordination between stakeholders involved Budgetary cuts … 2. Tackling challenges: RainGain Project Advanced observation and rainfall prediction for urban pluvial flood management (Sep 2011 – Jul 2015) RAINGAIN Project Objective To improve fine-scale measurement and prediction of rainfall and to enhance urban pluvial flood prediction in order to enable urban water managers to adequately cope with intense storms, so that the vulnerability of populations and critical infrastructure can be reduced. Project Partners 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) TU Delft (NL) Zuid-Holland Province (NL) Gemeentewerken Rotterdam (NL) KU Leuven (B) Aquafin NV (B) Ecole des Ponts ParisTech (F) Marne-la-Vallée (F) Seine-St.-Denis (F) Météo France (F) Imperial College London (UK) Met Office (UK) Local Government Flood Forum (UK) Véolia (F) Work Packages • WP1: Acquisition, installation and testing of X-band radars and highquality radar protocols in pilot locations. Lead: ParisTech, Daniel Schertzer • WP2: Acquisition of rainfall data at the detailed time and spatial scales that are essential for urban rainfall and flooding prediction Lead: KU Leuven, Patrick Willems • WP3: Implementation of rainfall data in existing urban water models to enhance short term pluvial flood modelling and prediction Lead: Imperial College of London, Cedo Maksimovic • WP4: Implementation of detailed rainfall data and flood modelling results into enhanced urban water management strategies at the short and long term Lead: TU Delft, Marie-claire ten Veldhuis Pilot Sites Leuven (BE) Rotterdam (NL) Marne-la-Vallée (FR) Seine-St.-Denis (FR) Croydon (UK) Redbridge (UK) Torbay (UK) Cooperative Work • Knowledge exchange between partners • Field visits pilot locations • Workshops on development of common methods and training for practical application • Demonstration tools (radar, flood model), applications (radar results, model results), solutions (early warning systems, operational control, storage basins) to other partners • Sharing of experiences in FRM Rainfall Estimation / Forecasting • • • • • Management Flood Modelling / Forecasting Acquisition and testing of X-band radars Development and testing of rainfall downscaling techniques Improved radar signal processing Meteorological Radar Numerical Weather Prediction: UM/MM5 10 - 30 km Merging of rainfall data from different sources (e.g. X-band and C-band radars and raingauges) Testing of different nowcasting techniques (urban planning, emergency) C-Band 1 - 2 km 1 km STATISTICALLY DOWNSCALING i T = Current T = Future t 100-500 m 1 km Spatial i Temporal X-Band CALIBRATION t Ground Raingauge Network Benefits of gauge-based rainfall adjustment for flow simulation Benefits of gauge-based rainfall adjustment for flow simulation Rainfall Estimation / Forecasting • Monitoring of case studies • Setup of 1D/2D and 1D/1D models • Development of hybrid models Flood Modelling / Forecasting Management (urban planning, emergency) Rainfall Estimation / Forecasting Flood Modelling / Forecasting • Overall uncertainty analysis and risk-based model calibration • Analysis and definition of local pluvial flood triggers (for translating rainfall alerts into flooding for a given area) • Setup and testing of pilot forecasting systems Management (urban planning, emergency) Forecasting - Workflow Rainfall Estimation / Forecasting Flood Modelling / Forecasting Management (urban planning, emergency) • The modelling and forecasting tools will support decision making • A number of FR reduction measures will be analysed/tested for the case studies (including RT control, SUDS/source control, pathway control, etc.) • Development of generic workshop pack for ranking of alternatives in flood risk management (for awareness raising and collaborative FRM) • Regular meetings with a variety of stakeholders to discuss developments, communicate results and enhance uptake of results • Recommendations for pluvial flood modelling, forecasting and management based on results and sharing of experiences amongst project partners Mitigation solutions? Improved Forecasting and Event Management Advanced (Water Sensitive) Urban Planning + Improved Management 3. DISCUSSION • I’d like to focus on urban pluvial flood forecasting • I’d like to know your views, needs and expectations on this matter, staring from your perception of the currently available Extreme Rainfall Alerts (ERA) ERAs: Extreme Rainfall Alerts • State of the art tool for predicting extreme rainfall events at county level likely to lead to SWFs; however, it does not provide specific SWF warnings. • Alerts will be issued when there is a 20% or greater probability of the following thresholds being exceeded: – ƒ30mm per hour – ƒ40mm in three hours or – ƒ50mm in six hours • Based on averages of FEH storms with 1 in 30 yr probability for rainfall values for 1, 3 and 6 hours in eight UK cities (it is assumed that 1:30 yr design rainfall intensities is likely to overload urban drainage systems). Topics for discussion • In general, do you find the ERAs useful? If not, why? – Is it because of the large uncertainty associated to them? – Because they are not “local” enough? – Or because the notice is too short to react? – Anything else? • Do you currently take any actions upon receipt of an ERA? If so, what actions? Do you have a clear action plan? Topics for discussion • Currently, do you communicate ERAs to any community members, such as flood wardens? • Do you think the current ERAs should/could be communicated to the general public? • Does your response to ERAs vary according to the probability associated to it? • Is it clear to you and other responders in your area how the ERA translates into a potential flood? Topics for discussion • If more localised warnings were available, what levels of uncertainty would you tolerate: – What’s the minimum level of confidence/reliability of the forecast required for you to take action upon receipt of a rainfall alert? – What’s the minimum level of reliability/confidence of the forecast before warnings can be communicated to the public? How should it be communicated? Topics for discussion • What’s the minimum lead time that would enable you to take actions? • In your local area, does the location of flooding change significantly from event to event? • Would you like to see rainfall thresholds linked to local runoff models? Would knowing the relationship between rainfall and runoff thresholds change the way in which you react to warnings? • Inform about previous flood events, insurers. • Who would provide this forecast? LAs? EA? How to warn? • Public engagement is critical Topics for discussion In general, there are 3 options through which rainfall thresholds are related to flooding thresholds and impact: 1. Rainfall-based alerts based on either nationally set or locally set rainfall thresholds 2. Rainfall-based alerts using locally specific runoff thresholds 3. Flood warnings linked to runoff and local drainage Considering criteria such as feasibility, uncertainty, effect of spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall on flooding, etc. which option do you consider most suitable for implementation of surface water flood warnings? Thank you Susana Ochoa Rodriguez [email protected] Local Government Flood Forum (LGFF) Friday, 27 July 2012 Presentation by Tim Farr Midlands regional Flood & Coastal Committee Thank you
© Copyright 2024