Summary of Eathorpe flood level investigations

2004 Pre-Feasibility study

This explored several options in a desk-top exercise and concluded that the ‘do-minimum’ option was the most economic, other options were not and several would not affect flood level in any case.

However the report recommended that 2 of its options relating to a flood defence wall at the back of properties abutting the river could be eligible to be considered for a feasibility study.

The report did conclude that several options relating to the removal of weirs and other obstructions would have a positive environmental impact.

Despite correspondence and representation, the feasibility study was not undertaken, but in 2011 the Environment Agency agreed to investigate further.

2011 Hydromorphic Audit

This looked at how the river worked ‘mechanically’: how water flows, how fast, how high, effects of silt, rhythm of the river, effects of banks etc. The report used a combination of surveys, measurement, samples and modelling.

The report focussed on options for the full or partial removal of the two weirs.

The report concluded that partial or full removal of the weirs would have a positive affect on the hydromorphology of the river (it would flow more naturally) and this in turn would have positive environmental effects.

One option proved to have the best impact with minimum effect on river banks down stream and silting effects compared to the other options.

The detailed studies recorded in the report on pages 29 and 31 show that upstream of the weirs the flood risk levels will be reduced by a few inches, but downstream of the weir water levels will not be affected except a reduction in the mill race itself.

These results are shown below for a few key study points in the 2011 report and are probably why the EA see no merit in these options:

Study ref / Current/m (100yr) / Post/m (100yr) / Location / Effect on water level
L(B)22.8 / 60.448 / 60.488 / Main St/Penn Lane Jn / No impact
L19034.0 / 80.506 / 80.508 / Back of Mill House / No impact
L(B)103.1 / 60.775 / 60.731 / Mill race / 45mm reduction
L18734.8 / 60.211 / 60.211 / Road to pumping station / No impact
L1564.0 / 61.089 / 61.015 / Field upstream / Levels reduce by 75m

2012 Options report

This report looked at one option to remove the bridge and raise the road in Main Street.

Again it concludes that bridge removal and road raising will reduce flood levels above the bridge and have little affect downstream of the bridge.