There is a growing evidence base that implementing natural flood management (NFM) measures can deliver multiple benefits. However, sufficient confidence that measures can be designed to adequately manage flood risk and deliver these benefits throughout their life still needs to be cultivated. As a result, NFM solutions are not being promoted or adopted as widely as they should be.
A simple design framework that includes principles, design criteria and technical information which is both collaborative and consensus- based is needed in order to mainstream NFM. AECOM’s Graham Knott, Regional Director, is chairing the Project Steering Group for a CIRIA project that will prepare guidance on the planning, design, construction and maintenance of NFM measures and promote the wider adoption of sustainable flood management solutions.
The aim of the guide is to support the delivery of NFM solutions by producing accessible and helpful guidance on the delivery of NFM schemes. The guidance will focus on four prioritised measures including runoff management, specifically flow path interception, storing water and leaky barriers, and river and floodplain management, which also involves floodplain restoration.
Key stakeholders include the Environment Agency, Highways England and Network Rail, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), DOI (Northern Ireland) and several water companies. The project is being delivered by a team led by Mott Macdonald.
The guidance includes design objectives and criteria to maximise the flood risk management, health and wellbeing and wider benefits these solutions can offer, which in return can unlock various funding sources.
The report is expected to be published in 2021. More information can be found here.