UWE PROJECTS UPDATE – NOTE OF MEETING HELD 22 SEPTEMBER 2016

Present: Prof. Nevil Quinn, Mike Curtis, Alex Easton, Phillip Hales

Further modelling of Chew Valley Lake

Prof. Quinn said there were difficulties in transposing The Environment Agency (EA) (JBA derived) model into Flood Modeller Pro and some unresolved instabilities in the model related to assumptions about inflows from Chew Valley Lake. He explained that no additional modelling had been possible due the instability in the ported model regarding the Lake; the quality of some of the information; and uncertainties regarding assumptions. The modelling of the Lake seems simplistic. UWE has been unable to persuade the EA and JBA to provide answers to their questions – as the EA says this would require funding. UWE has managed to obtain a “User Report” from the EA which provided some more detail, but still insufficient to progress the modelling of the Lake, and consequently also of the confluence of the Winford Brook and the River Chew.

Prof. Quinn suggested we take a different approach, focusing on inflows into/outflows out of the Lake and Bristol Water’s management operations and decision making. A new simulation of the hydraulics of the Lake was needed. This could be a project for an MEng student. Nevil will contact two consulting engineering firms – CH2M (developers a computer programme called Flood Modeller Pro) and Edenvale Young (specialist hydraulic modellers) - to see if they can provide any advice/help/pro bono work. The CVFF Co-Chairs will contact Prof. Paul Bates head of Bristol University’s School of Geographical Sciences to explore the possibility of a student project. UWE would look to share the JBA/EA model with Bristol University - if the EA agrees.

Water storage/retention in the catchment area

Prof. Quinn provided maps compiled by UWE of the soil storage potential/geological permeability in the catchment area, which indicate which areas might provide opportunities for retaining storm water. These are a useful starting point for investigation of Natural Flood Management (NFM) measures. The CVFF Secretary will provide to Prof. Quinn information about the NFM initiative currently being developed by Chris Head WERN, who chairs the Chew Valley Area Forum for Parish Councils and who is also a member of the Bristol and Avon Catchment Partnership. Prof. Quinn will discuss the possible NFM initiative with Jim McEwen B&NES Drainage and Flooding, with a view to UWE’s Centre for Floods, Communities and Resilience becoming a partner in any pilot project. Prof. Quinn has a Masters student (Environmental Studies) who may be interested in Flood Management as a study area, and who could contribute to defining the aims, objectives and requirements of a NFM project. He also undertook to keep an eye out for any post-graduate looking for a job, who might be suitable to project manage such a NFM project. The CVFF Secretary will keep Prof. Quinn abreast of developments on the NFM pilot project. He will also copy to Prof. Quinn the recent approach from Bath Spa University regarding an International Research Bid on Flood Resilience.

Surface Water

Prof. Quinn pointed out that there was a lack of information regarding the behaviour of surface water/run-off within the villages. Mike Curtis undertook to try to engage the CVFF in compiling some simple information regarding water flows and pooling in the built environment.

Phillip Hales

Secretary Chew Valley Flood Forum22 September 2016