OREANDA-NEWS. The Environment Agency (England) recently awarded CH2M two significant flood defence projects, Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Appraisal and conducting the Avonmouth-Severnside Enterprise Area Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence study.

“These contracts build on CH2M’s strong relationship with the Environment Agency and our extensive portfolio in UK flood risk management,” said Peter Nicol, CH2M Global Water Business Group President. “We have a long history of working with the Environment Agency on successful projects to protect local communities from flooding and natural disasters, and these new projects will continue to enhance the region’s resiliency towards future events.”

Under the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier contract, CH2M will appraise design options and develop the business case for a tidal surge barrier that will provide a long-term solution for the protection of approximately 8,500 properties and more than 600 businesses, in Bridgwater and surrounding communities, for the next 100 years. Looking at a range of possible locations, gate arrangement and operating regimes for a barrier, CH2M will conduct an 18-month study to evaluate water levels, silt and navigation; assess the environmental benefits and impacts of the scheme; and evaluate opportunities to maximize benefits to the local community through regeneration. Following the study, CH2M will assist in the development of the Transport and Works Act Order to achieve UK Government approval to enable construction of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier by 2024, in alignment with the Somerset Levels and Moors 20 Year Flood Action Plan.  

Additionally, CH2M will lead the Avonmouth-Severnside Enterprise Area Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project to evaluate a holistic and comprehensive approach to flood risk and ecological mitigation in the Avonmouth-Severnside Enterprise Area in the West of England, which lies within the tidal and fluvial flood plain of the Severn Estuary, the River Avon and various other minor watercourses. With significant economic growth expected over the next few decades, the area’s future economic development potential relies on a comprehensive approach to flood risk which will not only benefit local, regional and national businesses but also improve protection for up to 3,500 properties located in the flood plain.