Ø  Flood risk prioritisation and identification of synergies for partnership working

Ø  Bin it, don’t block it campaign

Ø  Ham Island

Ø  Little Marlow STW

Ø  Slough STW

Ø  Update on any recent significant operational issues

(20 mins)

Flood risk prioritisation and identification of synergies for partnership working

·        TW were working on their strategy and developing their next business plan covering 2020 – 2025

·        Over the next five years, TW’s Twenty 4 Twenty initiative will see at least 20 hectares of hard, impermeable surfaces – an area equivalent to 30 football pitches – transformed into sustainable drainage projects, slowing rain water down before it enters the sewers or letting it drain away naturally into the ground. By easing pressure on the sewer network, the work will help reduce the risk of sewer flooding and pollution following heavy rainfall. TW felt it was good to use this forum to identify needs.

·        TW are alsolooking at a wider programme of work with all partners such as the EA

·        TW want to explore joint funding of schemes, if allowed by OFWAT, and are looking to obtain information from partners. They may be able to invest in schemes with partners that may be too expensive to carry out alone.

·        A number of hotspots have been identified that would not generate sufficient benefits to warrant the necessary investment. TW are therefore looking at areas where smarter solutions could be implemented.

·         TW will be contacting Parish Councils and will be more proactive in seeking their input.

·         TW will meet with flood risk managers at the Local Authority. This will take time and they will feedback to Parish councils.

·         TW had £20m investment for 2015-2020 and had identified areas of surface water flooding to be addressed in Swindon.

·        Sustainable drainage measures had been adopted in London, with surface water runoff being diverted into park land. The park floods and then slowly feeds water into the surface water drainage system. This has saved residential areas from surface water flooding.

Bin it, don’t block it

·         TW had a campaign running from mid March 2016 with posters and letters going to all residents and adverts going in the local press encouraging people not to dispose of materials likely to cause blockages of the sewer system down their sinks and toilets.

·         By not disposing of such materials down sinks and toilets, it can save many man hours and keeps the sewers clear and free flowing.

·         Residents received a box so they can dispose of fat and oil safely and not down the sink.

·         TW will look at combining waste with recycling of food waste.

·         An extra print run was being done so Parish Councils or visitor centres could have the leaflets too.

Little Marlow STW

·         With the Flood Liaison Group seeking to operate at a more strategic level it was decided to remove this update from the agenda.

·         TWnow has a rolling programme of works at this treatment works and members can request an update at any time if they want to.

Ham Island

·         Only routine works being undertaken.

·         Investigations at the bridge are ongoing and the road was closed last night to allow an inspection to be undertaken. Strengthening works are planned later in the year and  residents are being kept informed of progress / planned activities.

Sough STW

·         Onlyroutine works are being undertaken and are being discussed at the Eton Wick Flood Forum.

The Chairman requested feedback on the Eton Wick Flood Forum from Simon Lavin.

TW stated that all issues should be reported via the customer centre (0800 316 9800) so that they are properly logged and can be tracked and reviewed.