Agenda item

To receive a presentation from Mr. Steven Howell from United Utilities in relation to the measure in place to mitigate flooding across the Borough of Sefton including why certain areas across the Borough had not been included in any future plans.

Further to Minute No. 40, Recommendation (3) – Work Programme and Key Decision Forward Plan – 1 February – 31 May 2016 of the meeting of the Committee held on 19 January 2016, the Committee considered a presentation from Mr. Steven Howell, representative from United Utilities in relation to flooding across the Borough of Sefton.

The following headlines were presented:-

·       United Utilities provided water and wastewater services to a population of approximately 7 million people in the North West of England, stretching from Carlisle to North Shropshire including 48 individual District Councils.

·       United Utilities collected a total of approximately 1,271 million litres of wastewater each day in the North West, transporting it along 72,000 kilometres of pipes and sewers to over 580 wastewater treatment works.

·       United Utilities prepared 5 yearly Asset Management Plans that included Performance Metrics, Customer Promises and Outcome Delivery.

·       Flooding and the boundary responsibilities of land owners/privately owned properties and the boundary responsibilities of the water and sewerage company. 

·       That United Utilities were not responsible for Highway drains or roadside gullies; Land drains or run-off from fields; Streams and rivers; Culverts and private drains and sewers. 

·       That there were two main types of sewer system; “Combined” which included both foul and surface water conveyed in the same pipe; and “Separate” whereby foul water and surface water would be conveyed in separate pipes.

·       That there were two main types of sewer flooding: Operational problems such as blockages, collapses and equipment failure; and Hydraulic problems such as sewers overloaded due to capacity problem; and surface water.  It was reported that in Sefton 70% of flooding results from operational problems and 75% of all flooding problems result in external flooding.

·       That there were two elements to Strategic Flood Planning: Reactive, responding to a problem as and when its reported; and Proactive, planned maintenance; CCTV; desilting and root cutting; Hotspotting and thematic mapping; and predictive analysis – analysing trends and problem types.

Mr. Howell reported on the following outcome target of the Asset Management Plan 6:

·       Derived from an index score that equated to an overall reduction of approximately 40% of internal flooding; 15% of external flooding and repeat flooding by 45%.

·       The index being accordingly weighted to favour resolution to internal flooding; and

·       An overall reduction in risk to future flooding because of new development.

Mr. Howell reported that the targets would be achieved by:

·     Prioritising investment for example flood mitigation to internal flooding.

·     Targetting local improvements to sewers.

·     The removal of surface water (highway drains)

·     Partnership working (Fouracres and Formby model)

·     Keeping further surface water out of sewerage system.

Mr Howell reported on the following ways in which the impact of new developments could be addressed by:-

·       The Surface Water Hierarchy being included in Sefton’s Planning Policy;

·       United Utilities continue to be consulted upon and advise on preferential areas for development;

·       Developers be advised to consult United Utilities on proposals of new developments, offering free pre-application advice;

·       United Utilities confirming that planning conditions are in place and adhered to.

·       Modelling the potential impact of a significant sewer problem and assess for investment;

Mr Howell concluded his presentation by reporting on the following key messages and implications for Sefton:-

·       That the key was to keep surface water from new developments out of the sewerage system.

-        Seek betterment wherever possible (Sefton’s Planning Policy does comply)

-        The Planning Committee should set conditions/stipulations at the planning application stage with regards surface water disposal.

-        Continue with and review programmed/pro-active work.

·       Target Prioritised Investment

-        Particularly protect properties from internal flooding – mitigation

-        Review installation of flap valves on sewerage systems entering watercourses.

·       Continued Partnership Working with Sefton and Environment Agency

-        Potential surface water removal in Southport

-        Work with Sefton MBC on development of Formby model

-        On-going review of Boxing Day event

-        Engage with local flood action groups

·       Influence AMP 6 & AMP 7 investment

Members raised the following questions and observations:

·       How often do United Utilities inspect drains?  Response: United Utilities do not pro-actively inspect sewer systems.  United Utilities react to problems as they are reported.

·       If United Utilities are not responsible for surface water then why are households charged?  Response: If a household is connected to a surface water drain then a charge will apply.

·       When an Estate is built where does the water go?  Response: The drains would be connected to existing drains this would be a matter determined at the planning application stage.

·       Do United Utilities undertake proactive publicity campaigns to educate individuals about what shouldn’t be flushed down a toilet?  Response:  United Utilities do undertake publicity campaigns by way of leaflet drops, through the press, television and radio.  United Utilities also work with the manufacturers of products that are advertised as flushable products.

RESOLVED:

That Mr. Steven Howell be thanked for his informative presentation.