THE SOLUTION

We know the flood defence walls of the Alde and Ore Estuary are in poor condition. The serious flood event of 2013 was caused by an east coast tidal surge. The walls were breached and damaged homes, businesses and wildlife habitats. This was a 1 in 17 year event which means that there is a nearly 6% probability of something like this happening in any given year. Experts estimate parts of the wall are vulnerable to a 1 in 5 year event, which means that the chances of this happening in any one year are 20%.

But the solution is easy. Make the defence walls wider, higher and more resilient.

THE WALL DESIGN

We know a lot more about the science of flooding now than we did in the Middle Ages. And while the basic concept stays the same, improved design will upgrade the walls so they can contain a 1 in 75 year flood event (1.33%chance) within the estuary channel and resist water levels forecast with climate change that would cause overtopping flows during a much rarer but potentially much more damaging 1:200 year event. The new resilient wall design with gentle back face slope will minimise impact and make sure defences will still be standing afterwards and not need complete rebuilding.

This is our preferred design. It has been approved by the Environment Agency (EA).

The new height of the walls will be 3.3 metres above sea level. And the width at the top is wider to allow access for machinery to monitor the state of the walls and to provide inclusive access for some of the footpaths that run along them.

Below are maps of the defences of the Upper Estuary. Lower Estuary maps to follow.

Location of Proposed Works1024_1.jpg
Location of Proposed Works1024_2.jpg
Location of Proposed Works1024_3.jpg

THE PEOPLE WE WORK WITH

 

  • We are lucky to be able to work with the ESWMB. They are an autonomous and democratically accountable public body that manages the water levels behind the river defence walls, known as internal drainage districts.

    We have chosen them because of their expertise and also because they are a non profit Risk Management Authority enabled to present a case for a government grant (Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management-Grant in Aid).

    We have funded their evaluation options and business case submissions to the Environment Agency.

    To learn more about East Suffolk WMB within the Water Management Alliance see www.wlma.org.uk

  • The CPE is the coastal management resources and expertise from Great Yarmouth Borough Council, North Norfolk District Council and East Suffolk Council.

    They work in partnership with the Environment Agency, the Water Management Alliance and community partnerships along the 173 km of coast in Norfolk and Suffolk.

    They have powers to manage the coastal erosion defences, monitor change and repair existing defences.

    To learn more about the CPE see www.coasteast.org.uk

  • The EA is committed to preserving the best of our environment and a nation resilient to climate change. For more information on the Environment Agency please click here.

  • The AOCP provides a voice for the local community. It involves each parish that borders the rivers with county and district councillors as well as local businesses and the ESWMB. The partnership works closely with the ESWMB and AOET.

  • The AOA is a charity dedicated to taking care of our rivers and landscape today and tomorrow.

    Click here to become a member of the AOA.