Environment Agency – Reservoir research projects update, London

Overview

The presentation will be in three parts:

1. The strategy for reservoir safety research has recently been updated by the Environment Agency. The presentation will explain the process of review, consultation and engagement with the reservoir industry and universities through which new research proposals were identified and ranked. The presentation will summarise the research projects which are likely to be delivered over the next ten years and the mechanism by which these and emerging research needs will be delivered.
2. A new guide for the design, operation and maintenance of flood storage reservoirs has recently been published by the Environment Agency. The adaptation of existing reservoirs to provide storage for floodwater is also covered. The report is intended for use by a wide range of stakeholders including planners, developers, reservoir owners, asset managers, designers, contractors, regulatory engineers/advisors, environmentalists, educational institutions and the public. The presentation will provide an overview of the new guide.
3. A new guide to drawdown capacity for reservoir safety and emergency planning is due to be published in 2017. The guide will provide a consistent approach for assessing what constitutes an adequate drawdown capacity, i.e. the ability to lower a reservoir's water level at an appropriate rate in an emergency. The presentation will summarise key findings from research on the subject and will give an overview of the new guide.