To receive an update from the Environment Agency.

There was no representative available from the Environment Agency (EA) to provide an update but, Brianne Vally had sent an update via email which Sue Fox, Principal Commissioning Officer (Highways & Transport) read out:

Lower Thames Modelling

The Lower River Thames model (Hambledon to Teddington), had been reviewed and approved. The Flood Zone 3 Section of the Flood Map for Planning (Rivers and Sea) had been updated using the data on their external website on 30 April 2018. It was now the best available data they had for fluvial flood risk in the area. The EA had engaged with the Royal Borough during the review of the modelled extents. The EA were continuing to work with the Royal borough to ensure both strategic planning decisions and advice provided by the EA in response to planning application was using the most up to date information.

Cookham Society and Maidenhead Waterways

A workshop was planning to take place on 23 April 2018 and was postponed due to operational requirements for Operation Lyceum. The EA were having an internal meeting on 6 July 2018 about resourcing and how the EA could best meet the needs of both the Cookham Society and Maidenhead Waterways.

Catchment Situation Report

River flows had continued to decrease over recent weeks to below normal conditions, in response to drier weather conditions. Due to the continuing warm and dry weather, the soil moisture deficits had increased, as the soil had dried, and were now above the end of June 2018 long term average.

Out of the 15 observed groundwater indicator sites, there were no sites at exceptionally low levels, no sites at notably low levels, no sites at below normal levels, 11 sites at normal levels, three sites at above normal level, one site at notably high and no sites at exceptionally high levels for the time of year. Groundwater levels rose at one of the indicator sites over the last week, and fell at 14 indicator sites.

For more detail on rainfall, river flows and groundwater levels Members could consult the EA’s water situation report at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/water-situation-local-area-reports

The Chairman stated the modelling had been sent to a number of Councillors on 4 May 2018 and that was the best available data the EA had. The EA were engaged with the borough and continued to work with the borough on planning applications as the EA were statutory consultees on planning matters.

Dick Scarff asked if the Parishes could have paper copies of flood maps circulated to them. The Principal Commissioning Officer (Highways & Transport) said she would ask the EA to provide paper maps to the Parishes.

v  Action – The Principal Commissioning Officer (Highways & Transport) to request large paper flood maps from the EA.

The Principal Commissioning Officer (Highways & Transport) stated she had asked the EA for a new date for the works in Cookham which had been postponed. Dick Scarff stated there was an informal get together with partners with Maidenhead Waterways pushing ahead for a Rivers Management Plan. Martin Coker stated there would also be a draft plan circulated for consultation in the near future. Dick Scarff stated Maidenhead Waterways had received money from Thames Water and they seemed to be spending it on improving streams but, for improvements had to go through the EA for approval so he was concerned. However, he said he would take that up with the EA.

Parish Councillor Margaret Lenton stated there were issues in Wraysbury with the flow of a river as there was a tree in the middle of it the EA were going to remove the tree but they then said they couldn’t due to the costs. The tree had a direct effect on flows with silt build-up. Councillor Lenton added the situation had been ongoing for some time and it was causing concern to residents.

Carolyn Richardson, Emergency Planning Manager stated she had been dealing with the EA in Hurley regarding the Bisham Ditch. The ditch was located by a main river and had a lot of clear water in it. it was currently two to three feet deep in the woods but, it was getting closer towards the houses. The water company had stopped pumping the water from the ditch which meant water levels continued to rise. There was no risk of flooding but, it should be highlighted to the EA.

Councillor Lenton stated there had not been an update on temporary flood defences. Councillor Grey responded areas had been identified and when they were needed, they would be deployed. Parish Councillor Lenton stated parishes needed to know as they had their flood plan but they did not know how the temporary flood defences fit into their plans. The Emergency Planning Manager confirmed a meeting with the EA had been arranged and she would ask about the temporary barriers and their locations.