Client Name: Environment Agency
Location: UK, Yorkshire (North-East Hub)
Services: Project and programme management, risk and opportunity management
Project Description: The £2M Hebble Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme is a critical part of the Calderdale Flood Action Plan and is being progressed by the Environment Agency as part of their current capital works programme to alleviate flood risk in Wheatley, Halifax. Through the Client Support Framework, AECOM has seconded in a Project Manager to support the Environment Agency project team to manage and deliver the project and to work collaboratively alongside the consultant design team, key external stakeholders, and community groups to deliver wider biodiversity net gain, potential net zero carbon benefits and wider community benefits. As well as realignment of the Hebble Brook watercourse, the project will also provide the council with the potential to create a park for the local community post completion and a wetland habitat for wildlife.
Added value: The AECOM Project Manager optimised the project’s outcomes, utilising partnership working to get best value from the money invested. This ensured that wider biodiversity and net zero carbon benefits could be capitalised upon as part of the design evolution – the project design has achieved a biodiversity net gain of 30% and is on target to achieve a reduction in carbon production of at least 80% from the preferred option at strategic outline case stage whilst still providing the same flood alleviation protection to residential properties. Sustainable solutions, such as reprofiling the land to create a more natural channel, creation of a wetland area and habitat creation surrounding the project site; use of welfare solar panels and biofuel; and only using one office across the wider projects in the valley, to minimise carbon output. In addition, the project has approval for advanced works prior to full business case to allow the delivery team to avoid working in wet and icy conditions through the winter months therefore providing safer conditions and a reduced risk of abortive work.