Expert says incinerator not likely to be at risk of flooding
Flood risks to the proposed incinerator site near the River Ouse were examined during evidence by Cory Wheelabrator’s expert Derek Armitage.
He had reviewed the technical information on the flood risk, hydrology and drainage matters submitted as part of the planning application to Norfolk County Council.
He said the Environment Agency flood maps depict “an overly onerous, highly precautionary flood risk scenario” taking no account of flood defences in the Lynn area.
Because of these defences, Mr Armitage said: “The likelihood of significant tidal inundation affecting the site and locale is considered to be extremely low.”
The site was not likely to be at risk of flooding over the lifetime of the incinerator, to 2090, based on data set out in West Norfolk Council’s flood risk assessment, he added.
Mr Armitage had also considered a “significant tidal inundation” that might occur if the flood defences were breached by a particularly high tide.
In this worst case scenario, he said flood risk would be “fully mitigated through the design and engineering of the facility” and the Environment Agency removed its holding objection to the proposal in February 2012 when it became satisfied it was “appropriate and sustainable in flood risk terms”.
The expert said the incinerator site would get at least 24 hours notice of significant tidal conditions that might lead to flooding, as happened during the North Sea tidal surge in November 2007.
This would allow adequate time for temporary barriers to be installed around the incinerator bottom ash storage bins to avoid washout of pollutants, controlled shutdown of the plant and evacuation.
He said the Environment Agency was clearly satisfied that there would be adequate controls and measures to avoid or minimise the risk of washout of pollutants during flooding as it had withdrawn its planning objection and granted an environmental permit for the proposal.
And it was “inconceivable” the flood defences would not remain because of their importance to the town, “an area historically blighted by tidal flooding”.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 25 May 2013
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