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Flood Defences for Bradford on Tone

Where is Bradford on Tone?

Bradford on Tone is a small settlement on the River Tone. It is situated to the west of Taunton, and has a population of 622.

Where are the Flood Defences?

The below map shows the location of the flood defences (mapping under PMCL No. LAN1001865) :

flood defences bradford on tone

Are the Flood Defences Effective?

To a point. But they are not very good.

The defences are recorded as being in fai to good condition. The southern embankment has a crest level of 31.68mAOD, and this would be overtopped given a 1:20 year flood event. It provide protection against a 1:10 year event just.

These scenarios do not account for climate change that will increase flow volumes in this river by 4.7%.

A 1:100 year event is perhaps more appropriate level of defence, and cities such as London will for the most part have 1:1000 year protection.

1:10 Year Explanation

This last section made with gemini AI

A 1:10 flood event, also known as a 10-year flood, is a flood event that has a 1 in 10 chance (10% probability) of occurring in any given year. It’s important to understand that this does not mean the flood will occur exactly once every 10 years, nor does it guarantee that it won’t happen more frequently.  

Here’s what you need to know about 1:10 flood events:

  • Probability: A 1:10 flood has a 10% chance of occurring in any single year. This means that even if a 1:10 flood happened this year, there’s still a 10% chance it could happen again next year.  
  • Recurrence Interval: The “10-year” part refers to the average recurrence interval, which is the average time between events of a similar magnitude. However, this is just an average, and floods can occur more or less frequently due to natural variations in weather patterns.  
  • Flood Risk: 1:10 floods are considered relatively frequent events. They can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, and pose a risk to people’s safety. 

How Many Waste Exemptions are Registered in England?

Lots. There are Lots of Waste Exemptions are Registered in England?

There are 416,208 Waste Exemptions Registered in England as of 2024.

What is an Exemption?

A waste exemption in this context is a waste exemption from the Environmental Permitting Regulations. If you meet the requirements of an waste permit exemption then you will not have to undertake an environmental permit application. 

Show me Some Numbers!

OK, here you go . . . . (Summaries if you scroll down to next chapter).

Paragraph Not on a farm On a farm Total
D1               1,276     24,214        25,490
D2                     79           149             228
D3                   175        2,180          2,355
D4                   301        9,121          9,422
D5                   270           406             676
D6                   968        5,050          6,018
D7               6,225     37,746        43,971
D8                     69           274             343
S1               5,617        9,672        15,289
S2             12,009     14,930        26,939
S3                   302     26,935        27,237
T1                   589        6,772          7,361
T10               1,701        2,158          3,859
T11                   606               3             609
T12               1,157           824          1,981
T13                   325           920          1,245
T14                   188        2,530          2,718
T15                   615           507          1,122
T16                   188           223             411
T17                   147           314             461
T18                     80           170             250
T19                   107           324             431
T2                   494           237             731
T20                   210           253             463
T21                   469           253             722
T23               1,666        6,838          8,504
T24                     62           860             922
T25                     90           371             461
T26                   161           403             564
T27                     44           885             929
T28             12,748           349        13,097
T29                     60        1,017          1,077
T30                     79           136             215
T31                     50           115             165
T32                     78        2,452          2,530
T33                     57           218             275
T4               3,482        4,096          7,578
T5               1,868        3,659          5,527
T6               3,469     17,842        21,311
T8                   458           692          1,150
T9               2,590        4,160          6,750
U1             12,599     33,519        46,118
U10                   886     30,654        31,540
U11               1,422        2,647          4,069
U12               2,031        8,851        10,882
U13               1,452     14,791        16,243
U14                   481        8,181          8,662
U15                     79        2,979          3,058
U16                   381           990          1,371
U2                   243        2,278          2,521
U3                   338           540             878
U4               1,397     10,864        12,261
U5                   197        1,294          1,491
U6                   192           436             628
U7                     60           229             289
U8               1,634     21,083        22,717
U9                   722        1,371          2,093

Analysis

Over 2 thirds of these exemptions (330,000) are registered on Farms. (Please note this mean they are registered on a “holding” which may or may not be a working farm).

Roughly one third (164,000) are for the “use” of waste. Such as inert waste being used to build a track.

69,000 Approx are for the storage of waste.

Despite there being a wide variety of “T” class exemptions these only make up around 10% of the registered exemptions.

Roughly equal in there popularity exemptions D7 & U1 are by far the mostly popular. So what are they?

D7 Exemption  (44,000 Registrations)

D7 waste exemption: burning plant and untreated wood waste at place of production
The D7 exemption allows you to burn plant tissue and untreated wood waste from joinery or manufacturing in the open air.

U1 Exemption (46,000 Registrations)

U1 waste exemption: using waste in construction
The U1 exemption allows you to use suitable waste in construction as a waste recovery activity.

 

List of World Currency Codes

List of World Currency Codes

Please find below list of currency codes from around the world.

AED UAE Dirham
AFN Afghani
ALL Lek
AMD Armenian Dram
ANG Netherlands Antillean Guilder
AOA Kwanza
ARS Argentine Peso
AUD Australian Dollar
AWG Aruban Florin
AZN Azerbaijan Manat
BAM Convertible Mark
BBD Barbados Dollar
BDT Taka
BGN Bulgarian Lev
BHD Bahraini Dinar
BIF Burundi Franc
BMD Bermudian Dollar
BND Brunei Dollar
BOB Boliviano
BRL Brazilian Real
BSD Bahamian Dollar
BTN Ngultrum
BYN Belarusian Ruble
BZD Belize Dollar
CAD Canadian Dollar
CDF Congolese Franc
CHF Swiss Franc
CLP Chilean Peso
CNY Yuan Renminbi
COP Colombian Peso
CRC Costa Rican Colon
CUP Cuban Peso
CVE Cabo Verde Escudo
CZK Czech Koruna
DJF Djibouti Franc
DKK Danish Krone
DOP Dominican Peso
DZD Algerian Dinar
EGP Egyptian Pound
ERN Nakfa
ETB Ethiopian Birr
EUR Euro
FJD Fiji Dollar
FKP Falkland Islands Pound
GBP Pound Sterling
GEL Lari
GHS Ghana Cedi
GIP Gibraltar Pound
GMD Dalasi
GNF Guinean Franc
GTQ Quetzal
GYD Guyana Dollar
HKD Hong Kong Dollar
HNL Lempira
HTG Gourde
HUF Forint
IDR Rupiah
ILS New Israeli Sheqel
INR Indian Rupee
IQD Iraqi Dinar
IRR Iranian Rial
ISK Iceland Krona
JMD Jamaican Dollar
JOD Jordanian Dinar
JPY Yen
KES Kenyan Shilling
KGS Som
KHR Riel
KMF Comorian Franc
KRW Won
KWD Kuwaiti Dinar
KYD Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT Tenge
LAK Lao Kip
LBP Lebanese Pound
LKR Sri Lanka Rupee
LRD Liberian Dollar
LSL Loti
LYD Libyan Dinar
MAD Moroccan Dirham
MDL Moldovan Leu
MGA Malagasy Ariary
MKD Denar
MMK Kyat
MNT Tugrik
MOP Pataca
MRU Ouguiya
MUR Mauritius Rupee
MVR Rufiyaa
MWK Malawi Kwacha
MXN Mexican Peso
MYR Malaysian Ringgit
MZN Mozambique Metical
NAD Namibia Dollar
NGN Naira
NIO Cordoba Oro
NOK Norwegian Krone
NPR Nepalese Rupee
NZD New Zealand Dollar
OMR Rial Omani
PAB Balboa
PEN Sol
PHP Philippine Peso
PKR Pakistan Rupee
PLN Zloty
PYG Guarani
QAR Qatari Rial
RON Romanian Leu
RSD Serbian Dinar
RUB Russian Ruble
RWF Rwanda Franc
SAR Saudi Riyal
SBD Solomon Islands Dollar
SCR Seychelles Rupee
SDG Sudanese Pound
SEK Swedish Krona
SGD Singapore Dollar
SHP Saint Helena Pound
SLE Leone
SRD Surinam Dollar
SSP South Sudanese Pound
STN Dobra
SVC El Salvador Colon
SYP Syrian Pound
SZL Lilangeni
THB Baht
TJS Somoni
TMT Turkmenistan New Manat
TND Tunisian Dinar
TOP Pa’anga
TRY Turkish Lira
TTD Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TWD New Taiwan Dollar
TZS Tanzanian Shilling
UAH Hryvnia
UGX Uganda Shilling
USD US Dollar
UYU Peso Uruguayo
UZS Uzbekistan Sum
VES Bolivar Soberano
VND Dong
VUV Vatu
WST Tala
XAF CFA Franc BEAC
XCD East Caribbean Dollar
XOF CFA Franc BCEAO
XPF CFP Franc
YER Yemeni Rial
ZAR Rand
ZMW Zambian Kwacha
ZWL Zimbabwe Dollar

 

Extreme Weather and a Changing Climate

Extreme Weather and a Changing Climate

Extreme weather events are unfolding with increasing frequency and intensity. From raging wildfires that consume vast swathes of land to devastating floods that displace millions, the fingerprints of climate change are becoming undeniable. These extreme weather events are not isolated incidents; they are a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address the climate crisis.

Image: RCraig09 CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the most visible manifestations of extreme weather is the increase in heatwaves. Prolonged periods of abnormally high temperatures can have devastating consequences for human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Heatwaves can trigger wildfires, exacerbate drought conditions, and strain energy resources. In recent years, we’ve seen record-breaking heatwaves across the globe, from the Pacific Northwest to Europe and Asia, leading to thousands of deaths and widespread disruption.

Forest Fire Alberta Canada

Image: Cameron Strandberg from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada, CC BY 2.0

Another alarming trend is the intensification of hurricanes and tropical storms. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for these storms, leading to higher wind speeds, heavier rainfall, and increased storm surge. The devastating impact of hurricanes like Katrina, Harvey, and Maria serve as stark reminders of the destructive power of these storms. Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes, facing the risk of flooding, property damage, and displacement.

Extreme rainfall events are also on the rise, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture, resulting in heavier downpours. This can overwhelm drainage systems and cause rivers to overflow, inundating homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Photograph shows a man wearing a blue jacket cycling on a white mountain bike down a flooded Street in England the water is approximately 10 centimeters deep and the bike is being cycled through it the man is looking towards on the left hand side of the picture the shops are a cartridge World shop which likely sells computer ink cartridges and toner cartridges for photocopiers and most of the shops have advertising in the windows and announcing discounts and sales and other promotions above the shops are various types of buildings with two or three additional stories about the chops and the left of the picture there is a cast iron effect street lamp which is approximate the three stories high there's also a white van driving down the road through the flood water the car has a W reg number plate which suggests an age of approximately 25 years old as of 2024

The impacts of extreme weather events are not evenly distributed. Vulnerable populations, such as low-income communities, the elderly, and people with disabilities, are disproportionately affected. These communities often lack the resources to prepare for and recover from extreme weather events, making them more susceptible to the negative consequences.

The link between extreme weather and climate change is clear. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body for assessing the science related to climate change, has concluded that human activities are the main driver of observed warming.

The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing the planet to warm.

While the challenges are significant, there is still time to act. Transitioning to a clean energy economy, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and protecting and restoring natural ecosystems are crucial steps in mitigating the impacts of climate change. International cooperation and collective action are essential to address this global crisis.

Lux Contour Plan for Planning Application – Somerset (BS40)

Lux Contour Plan for Planning Application – Somerset (BS40)

We’ve recently carried out a lighting assessment and lux contour plan for a site in North Somerset.

Lux Contour Plan

The development was for a single dwelling within a village and included various external light fittings it was thought that these may impact on bat habitat around the circumference of the site and as such the planning officer asked for a lighting assessment to be carried out part of the lighting assessment involves reduction of a 3D computer model which is necessary in order to create a Lux contour plan.

The level intensity of light at the edge of the site should be below 0.2 Lux and we’re happy to report that this was the case at this site with use of light fittings that do not create a large amount of spill.

If you need a lighting assessment or lux contour plan, please contact us.

Planning Reports Can Southwest Environmental Do in Liverpool

Planning Reports Can Southwest Environmental Do in Liverpool

We have recently been asked to quote for for all of the reports we can to support a major application in Liverpool City.

Albert_Dock_Liverpool_7

Albert Dock Liverpool

We have gone through the validation checklist and and found that we are able to quote for the following reports:

  •  Air Quality Impact Assessment
  • Arboricultural Impact Assessment
  •  Archaeological Assessment
  • Biodiversity Checklist
  •  Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Assessment
  •  Biodiversity Survey and Report
  • Construction Management Plan (CMP) or Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)
  •  Daylight / Sunlight Assessment
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Required in compliance with the EIA Regulations)
  •  Flood Risk Assessment
  • Heritage Statement
  •   Land Contamination Assessment
  • Landfill and Waste Transfer Statement
  •  Landscaping Scheme
  • Lighting Assessment / Lux Contour Diagram
  •  Living Roof and Wall Details
  • Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment
  •  Habitats Regulations Assessment
  • Refuse & Recycling Storage Details (Waste Strategy)
  •  Sustainability Statement
  • Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment
  •  Transport Assessment (TA)
  • Travel Plan (Movement Strategy)
  •  Ventilation/Extract Statement
  •  Wind and Microclimate Assessment (Physical Impact Assessment)

If you would like quotes for any of the above then please do get in touch:

wt@southwest-environmental.co.uk

 

 

What are the Different Ways in which Humans Cause Pollution?

What are the Different Ways in which Humans Cause Pollution?

What are the different ways in which humans cause pollution? How many can you think of? Topics like climate change, and sewage spills get a lot of press, but what else is there and how do we measure it?

Plastic Pollution covering Accra beach – Muntaka Chasant

The Main Culprits

A quick enquiry on Google Gemini reveals the the top 3 most discussed enviromtal pollutant on the web, are:

  • Plastic Pollution: This is a major concern due to its persistence in the environment and its harmful effects on wildlife and ecosystems. Plastic pollution is often discussed in terms of microplastics, which are tiny pieces of plastic that can be ingested by animals and accumulate in the food chain.
  • Air Pollution: This is another major environmental concern, as it can have significant impacts on human health and the environment. Air quality is often discussed in terms of particulate matter, which can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems.
    Opens in a new window
  • Water Pollution: This is also a major concern, as water is essential for life. Water pollution can come from a variety of sources, such as industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage. Water pollution can contaminate drinking water and harm aquatic ecosystems.

These are quite generic categories, and certainly air and water pollution can occur via contamination with numerous substances, which can include . .  plastic.

So let’s break this down a bit:

A Long List of Negative Impacts

Below we have a list of impacts that are considered in life cycle assessment, but they are not pollutants. However, they do represent pollutants. For example ozone depletion, would take in to account release of CFCs or HCFCs when manufacturing a product.

Below list we look, at an actual ist of pollutants that we test for in water and soils samples.

  • ecotoxicity: freshwater
  • ozone depletion
  • acidification
  • eutrophication: marine (EP)
  • eutrophication: terrestrial (EP)
  • eutrophication: freshwater (EP)
  • human toxicity: non-carcinogenic
  • photochemical ozone formation: human health
  • human toxicity: carcinogenic
  • particulate matter formation
  • ionising radiation: human health
  • material resources: metals/minerals
  • energy resources: non-renewable
  • land use
  • water use (WDP)
  • climate change
  • climate change: fossil
  • climate change: land use and land use change
  • climate change: biogenic
  • biogenic carbon content in accompanying packaging
  • biogenic carbon content in product
  • Cumulative Energy Demand – non-renewable energy resources
  • Cumulative Energy Demand – renewable energy resources
  • exported energy – electricity
  • exported energy – heat
  • hazardous waste disposed
  • high-level radioactive waste disposed
  • intermediate and low-level radioactive waste disposed
  • materials for energy recovery
  • materials for recycling
  • non-hazardous waste disposed
  • PENRE (non-renewable primary energy as an energy carrier in a life cycle assessment)
  • PENRM (primary energy non-renewable, material)
  • PERE (
  • PERM
  • recovered energy
  • use of net fresh water
  • use of renewable secondary fuels
  • use of secondary material

A List of Actual Pollutants

So below are a list of pollutants, rather than the above list of impacts. You will note some of these are “famous” poisons.

Arsenic Popular with Unimaginative Murderers

So of the below pollutants are more nasty than others, there are some famous ones (if you read agatha Christie Novels)  such as Arsenic, but have you ever heard of Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene? The safe level of Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene in soil, is around 60 times lower than that for Arsenic. This does not mean it is 60 times more toxic, but it gives an idea of how nasty Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene is!

  • Boron (hot water soluble)
  • Sulfate (2:1 water soluble) as SO4
  • Sulfur (elemental)
  • Cyanide (free)
  • Cyanide (total)
  • Sulfide
  • Sulfate (total)
  • Arsenic
  • Cadmium
  •  Chromium
  • Copper
  • Mercury
  • Nickel
  • Lead
  • Selenium
  • Zinc
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • TPH >C6-C10
  • TPH >C10-C21
  • TPH >C21-C40
  • Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons
  • Naphthalene
  • Acenaphthylene
  • Acenaphthene
  • Fluorene
  • Phenanthrene
  • Anthracene
  • Fluoranthene
  • Pyrene
  • Benzo[a]anthracene
  • Chrysene
  • Benzo[b]fluoranthene
  • Benzo[k]fluoranthene
  • Benzo[a]pyrene
  • Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene
  • Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
  • Benzo[g,h,i]perylene
  • Total (of 16) PAHs
  • Benzene
  • Toluene
  • Ethyl benzene
  • m- & p-Xylene
  • o-Xylene
  • Phenols (total)
  • pH

Wonder Chemicals

One of humans’ favorite way of causing really bad pollution is with new wonder chemicals:

  • Asbestos
  • DDT
  • PCB
  • PFAS

In order of appearance the above short list of chemical has been released into the environment before anyone really understand them.

Asbestos was thought to be a very good flame / heat resistant material (which is was) but people overlooked (or ignored) it crystal structure and the effect that would have on delicate lung tissue. We are still cleaning up asbestos now, 40 years after is was passed out.

DDT & PCB are both very “persistent” chemicals they don’t break down, as so are prone to bioaccumulation. Which is why inuit mother’s breast milk has been found to be toxic, despite them living in a seemingly pristine environment.

Blood PCB levels in humans, observed across the Arctic – https://www.eea.europa.eu/

And more recently a group of chemical associated with fire retardation called PFAS or PFOS, are turning up absolutely everywhere, manufactures have been putting these forever chemicals in paper bags (for grease proofing) and as using them as flame retardants, and now guess what! They are turning up in people water supplies.

Conclusions

There are a mesmerising number of ways in which humans can pollute our environment. We can pollute the air, water and the soil. All things we rely on to exist.

There is also a mind boggling number of ways we can impact the planet, and and very long list of substances to do it with.

We are still learning about all of these interactions, and substances, and we are very prone to repeating mistakes.

The one to watch is plastic pollution . We each of us eat and drink 1000’s of particles a day, and that number will get higher, and subjectively speaking there is no way that can pan out well for humans (or the ecosphere) in the long run.

What does Nitrogen Dioxide do to Children’s Lungs?

What does Nitrogen Dioxide do to Children’s Lungs?

For those tempted by the populist media in to believing that ULEZ is a restriction on their freedoms, they must surely live in ignorance of the scientific evidence that proves how tailpipe emissions including nitrogen dioxide are permanently damaging children’s lungs.

Nitrogen Dioxide an Acid in the Making

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can contribute to the acidification of children’s lungs. Here’s how:

  • Formation of Nitric Acid: When NO2 interacts with moisture in the lungs, it can react to form nitric acid.
  • Acidic Environment: Nitric acid is a strong acid. Its presence in the lungs can disrupt the delicate balance of the lung’s environment, making it more acidic.

Why is lung acidification harmful?

  • Damage to Lung Tissue: An acidic environment can damage the delicate tissues of the lungs, leading to inflammation and irritation.
  • Impaired Lung Function: Acidification can interfere with the normal functioning of lung cells, affecting their ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide effectively.
  • Increased Susceptibility to Infections: An acidic environment can weaken the lung’s defenses against infections, making individuals more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.

How does acidification of the lung affect children?

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of a number of pollutants that can lower air quality harmful air pollutant that can have several negative effects on children’s lungs:

  • Respiratory Infections: NO2 can irritate the lungs and make children more susceptible to respiratory infections like colds, flu, and pneumonia.
  • Asthma: Children with asthma are particularly sensitive to NO2. Exposure can trigger asthma attacks, worsen symptoms, and even lead to the development of asthma in some cases.
  • Impaired Lung Development: Studies suggest that long-term exposure to NO2 may impair lung development in children, potentially leading to reduced lung function and increased respiratory problems later in life.
  • Increased Hospitalizations: Children exposed to high levels of NO2 are more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory problems.

So why do people object to ULEZ?

There various instance of Low Emission Zone expansion that have become very contentious across the country , but given the above evidence why is this the case? Surely protecting the health of children, particular given that residual effects of impaired lung development can last a lifetime?

This is down to the politicisation of issue, any populist will use a wedge issue such as this to drive division and hopefully pick up more votes in the process.

So my main two take outs from NO2 / Children’s lung post is a psychological / political ones, what is the depth of the cognitive dissonance in:

  • Our leaders (ex PM Sunak, Truss etc) that they can speak out against ULEZ, on economic grounds fueling the divided and playing into the hands of populist media.
  • The blinkered reader of the populist press. That they look at just one part of of the problem (ULEZ charge / Inconvenience) and via their sense of entitlement decry ULEZ as an attack on their freedoms, following the narrative of populist politician and media. . . . whilst ignoring the  very real and long lasting impacts that their driving habits have on the their children’s and grandchildren’s lungs!

References

Meta-analysis of the effects of indoor nitrogen dioxide and gas cooking on asthma and wheeze in children

Medical Management Guidelines for Nitrogen Oxides

The respiratory health effects of nitrogen dioxide in children with asthma

Lux Contour Map & Light Spill Assessment – Chelsea, London

Lux Contour Map & Light Spill Assessment – Chelsea, London

Earlier this month we were commissioned to write a light spill assessment for a residential project in Chelsea, London the project involved modeling a site that was undergoing refurbishment & redevelopment, and observing the light spill given a specific set of internal and external light fittings.

Image showing a 3D model of a building and the lights spill which is emanating from the glazed facade the spill is shown as contours labeled with Lux values and false Color has been applied to the contour lines in shades of pink purple and blue to share the intensity of the lights spill

Lux Contour Modelling

We were able to model a three-story building with extensive glazing overlooking a rear courtyard the internal lighting intensity was set an acceptable Lux level and the glazing apertures were accurately placed so as to show spill into the rear Courtyard they’re also some windows from Neighboring properties overlooking Courtyard.

We also created simple building layouts for these neighbouring buildings and examined the lights bill into the bedrooms assumed of these Neighboring properties we’re able to show with the model that the lights belt into the bedrooms was below one Lux which is considered a criteria for sleep disturbance.

Lighting design has advanced considerably in the last decade, and the variety of beam shapes available are mind boggling, with an asymmetric beam shape you can place fittings close to a boundary, and limit light spill into neighbouring property.

Some manufactures publish very detailed data for their light fitting which enable us to model them accurately. If you are looking for light fittings of a specific type then please ask us, as we have seen 100’s of types over the years, although for ecological lighting design we do have our favourites.

If you need a slight spill assessment or a lux contour plan (or both!) then please contact us for no-obligation chat, and fixed price quotation.

 

Incorrect Flood Zone 3b on Flood Mapping

Incorrect Flood Zone 3b on Flood Mapping

This is about as niche as it gets . . . . but here we go!

We have recently seen a couple of examples where Cornwall Council’s flood mapping (which is different to flood map for planning) gives some very strange results for Flood Zone 3b.

How Flood Zones Normally Appear

Perhaps the most familiar flood mapping for those “in the trade” is the flood map for planning. Typically we see the darker blue (more often flooding)  Flood Zone 3, fringed with lighter blue (less often flooding) Flood Zone 2.

screen shot from flood map for planning

Screen shot from flood map for planning.

In flood mapping it is always the cases that a “more often” flood outline (shaded area) never go outside of the “less often” flood outline. Look:

Flood Zones from Some Older Mapping

In the above slide the dark blue areas do not extend beyond the light blue areas. They can extend up to the edge, but not beyond.

Flood Zone 3b on Cornwall Council Flood Mapping

So when we first saw the mapping from Cornwall Councils’ own mapping service below we knew something was wrong with it. Apart from the strange colour scheme, you can see Flood Zone 3b Extends well beyond Flood Zones 2 and Flood Zone 3a.

So there is something wrong with the modelling of Flood Zone 3b at this site.

Incorrect Flood Zone 3b – Cornwall Mapping

The image below shows the beginning of our investigations in to the error. We made a detailed study of elevations in the vicinity for starters and then wrote a report to explain why the site in this instance should not be included in Flood Zone 3b.

Detailed Contour Zones on Google Satellite Images

And we are happy to say that the argument we politely put forward worked well, and the permissions was granted.

If you have issues with a site that appears to be included in FLood Zone 3b, when maybe you think it shouldn’t be then please do contact us and we will be glad to help. We can deal with this issue as part of a flood risk assessment or as a bolt on.

We have seen strange behaviour like this in Cornwall Council’s flood mapping, and also in Bristol City Council’s Flood Mapping.