On Saturday the 3rd of June 2000 there had been torrential rain in County Durham, in fact three inches the equivalent to one months normal rainfall. 

Heavy rain the previous week meant that the ground was already waterlogged causing the rain to drain into the River Gaunless quickly which could not cope with 70 tonnes a second and thus burst its banks flooding 133 houses in West and 194 in south Church.

The Oakley Beck also in West flooded an additional 33 homes. This flooding was worse than those of 1924 and 1979 where the river rose 10 feet above normal.
Since then temporary flood defences have been installed, and decisions have been made on the final flood defence scheme which will be a reservoir located at spring gardens. The storage reservoir will consist of a 15 metre high earth dam approximately 250 metres wide. It will hold 1 million tonnes of water during the 200/1-chance flood

Above : Temporary mud wall defence located behind the manor house extending along the river bank to spring gardens. Below : 3D map of West Auckland and spring gardens storage reservoir (Fylands storage believed not to be going ahead if you know different let me know)  Above Right :  temporary defences along river behind the Nursery.  Right : completed flood defence behind nursery

Work on the storage reservoir will begin in September 2002 West Auckland web will keep you updated with the progress made. 

Below is the local area where the reservoir is to be built.

Find below the Flood defence updates issued by the environmental agency

 

Update Number 18 July 2004 River Gaunless

River Gaunless Flood Alleviation Scheme

The Works at Spring gardens are progressing well. Over 90,000 cubic metres of clay has been formed and compacted into the dam itself. The material was excavated from on site borrow pits and have been completed just last week.

The next section of works will include construction of the spillway, this can be seen in the photo as a low spot over 150m long in the middle of the dam. Works are ongoing at the bottom of the spillway placing concrete on the right of the picture. 

New access roads will be created around the dam for use during maintenance and telemetry will be installed to monitor water levels.

The photo shows the dam looking West along the crest of the dam which is over 300m long and up to 15m high. 

 

Spring 2004 Number 3 River Gaulness

Interserve Project Services Ltd, Site Office Spring Gardens Off the A68 Etherley Bank West Auckland Co. Durham DL14  0LG Tel: 01388 833569

Interserve Project Manager:  Stewart Robertson

Environment Agency Ridings Area Office Phoenix House Global Avenue Leeds, LS11 8PG Tel: 0113 213 4600

Environment Agency Project Manager:  Don Robinson

Major work on Spring Gardens Dam has progressed well during the winter months. The concrete headwall structures at the inlet and outlet are complete and twin 2.6 m diameter pipes have been installed. Recycled material from the site was used to backfill the pipes. Once this culvert  work was competed, the river was diverted into new river channels at the culvert entrance and exit. These channels have been designed to redirect the flow of river water through the pipes. A low flow channel has been created in the river bed to allow the passage of migratory fish such as salmon and sea trout when river levels are low. The new riverbanks have been protected using recycled rock and hessian matting. This will reduce erosion by preventing soil washing away before any grass has grown. Along side the headwall of the dam an access track has been created with gabions (rock filled baskets) acting as a retaining wall. Four concrete trash poles (pictured) have been built, to catch large debris such as tree branches and stop it reaching the culvert and causing problems. Construction of the dam itself has started on site, with the preparation of the land and the installation of special equipment to monitor settlement. Main building works are due to start shortly with the extraction of materials from borrow pits on the site to be used in the construction of the dam. It is anticipated that the dam will be operational in October. Along with local defences, the dam will help to protect 600 properties downstream that are at risk from flooding

CONCERN LEADS TO DESIGN RETHINK

Flood Alleviation works to be carried out at Gaunless Terrace have been redesigned to reduce their impact to the public in the area.
The original plans would have seen the road closed for several weeks whilst Interserve built 50 metres of steel sheet piled wall. But, due to anticipated public concerns about the lengthy closure of the road, it was back to the drawing board for scheme designers. This section of the defences has now been redesigned and will consist of a ‘gabion’ (stone filled baskets) alongside the river embankment. A reinforced concrete wall will then be built behind the gabions to act as a flood defence for the area. Interserve Project Manager, Stewart Robertson said: “This section of the works was obviously going to result in considerable disruption for local residents, which is something Interserve try to avoid if at all possible. “By working with interested parties, the Environment Agency and the Highways Agency we have come up with a satisfactory alternative which minimises disruption and still provides an excellent flood defence.”

South Church Defences completes

If you have any queries about the River Gaunless Flood Alleviation Scheme and its impact on your area please call the Environment Agency Supervisor on 01388 833569

Oakley Cross Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme

 Following the June 2000 floods the Environment Agency has been working on improving the flood defences on the river Gaunless. The works include a flood storage reservoir at Spring Gardens with local flood defences at West Auckland and South Church. These are due to be completed by November 2004. With these defences in place 61 residential properties are still at risk from flooding from the Oakley Cross Beck.  

A study has been ongoing to look at ways of reducing the risk of flooding to houses along the Oakley Cross Beck. The study has now finished looking at several options and following consultation with affected landowners, Local, County, District and Parish Councils, we are designing the preferred option. Once built the defences will reduce the risk of flooding to the 0.5% annual exceedance probability, (1 in 200yr return period) the defences will meet the same standard of defence as those on the river Gaunless.

 All schemes are assessed according to Defra procedures to ensure best use of public money. It is for this reason that new defences will not extend as far down as Oakley Green to protect the few properties at risk in this area. It is anticipated that The Environment Agency will undertake some heavy maintenance in this area later this year to improve the situation.

 Following the detailed design and the necessary approvals, Interserve Project Services Ltd, the contractor working on the main Gaunless  Flood Alleviation Scheme will undertake the works.

 Current Position

The detailed design of the preferred option is being completed. Environmental improvements such as tree and shrub planting are being incorporated to enhance the design. Improvements are planned for West Auckland County School, the play area, and within the grounds of Oakley Cross Beck School. It is hoped the local primary school children will assist with the planting schemes. The flood defence works will start in July and be complete by December 2004.

 Local Defences

Local defences are planned at the following locations:

·         Upstream of Staindrop road bridge on either side of the Beck.

·         From the play area to downstream of Oakley Cross Beck School.

·         Within the grounds of Oakley Cross Beck School

The new defences will consist of 300m of walls and 260m of earth embankments. Access ramps over the defences will be constructed where necessary. The locations of the defences are shown overleaf.

 Floodwarning  

A new flood warning service will be available later this year for residents who are at risk from flooding from the Oakley Cross Beck. Those at risk will have received letters by now asking them to join the scheme.

 Defences upstream of Staindrop Road bridge

Defences alongside play area and Oakley Cross Beck School

 

Update Number 1 October  2003 Oakley Beck

INTRODUCTION

Following the June 2000 floods the Environment Agency has been working on improving the flood defences on the river Gaunless. The works include a flood storage reservoir at Spring Gardens with local flood defences at West Auckland and South Church. With these defences in place properties are still at risk from flooding from the Oakley Cross Beck. Earlier this year the Oakley Cross beck was "enmained" to Acrum Lodge which gives the Environment Agency powers to undertake channel maintenance and build new flood defences.

To reduce the risk of flooding from the Oakley Cross beck, Halcrow Group have been appointed to undertake a feasibility study, this will look at various options to improve the flood defences along the beck. This study will consider the technical viability, economics and environmental issues of the options. Following this, the preferred option is chosen and outline designs progressed.

All schemes are assessed according to Defra procedures to ensure best use of public money. Following detailed design and the necessary approvals a contractor is appointed for construction of the works.

 Current Position

The environmental surveys, including habitat and species surveys, are continuing. These surveys include studies of water vole, otter, bats, badger, fish, birds and other flora and fauna. The completion of the surveys and the ground investigation will allow the costs and design to be accurately assessed.

 We are currently examining several options for flood defence.

  Upstream Storage

This option provides a flood storage reservoir that stores any floodwater upstream of West Auckland. The reservoir would normally be empty and would only fill if the river flow exceeds a certain amount, the reservoir would then drain at a controlled rate over several days, with this option flood defences would still be needed downstream.

 ·         Local Defences

This option provides flood defence embankments and walls along the riverbank to help protect some of the areas that are prone to flooding. With local defences there would be visible embankments and walls along much of the riverbank. 

·         Channel Improvements

This may include widening the channel and removing obstructions to flow. This option would still require flood defences.

 PUBLIC DISPLAY

 You are invited to a public display on 21^st October at St Paulinus Church Hall, West Auckland between 1.30pm and 6.30pm. At the display will be details of the various options under consideration on which we welcome your feedback. There will also be information on the main Gaunless Flood Alleviation Scheme and information on Flood Awareness.

RIVER GAUNLESS FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME

THE CURRENT POSITION

Site Investigation works continued in South Church and West Auckland this month. When the results of these tests are known, detailed design of the new flood defences will start.

 PROGRESS

 Since the last newsletter the scheme has received planning permission from:

• ·         Teesdale District Council in March

• ·        Wear Valley District Councils  also in March

• ·        Durham County Council in May

 The scheme is currently awaiting approval from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs [DEFRA].

 TIMING OF THE WORKS

 Construction of the new defences at South Church and West Auckland will start in September, prior to this the contractor will be on site preparing site compounds and other works in readiness for the main works.

 Works on the dam at Spring Gardens will start with construction of the culvert this winter with the earthworks starting with better ground conditions in April 2003.

The storage reservoir will consist of a 15 metre high earth dam approximately 250 metres wide. It will hold 1 million tonnes of water during the 200/1-chance flood.

 ENHANCEMENTS- Accessing Wetlands and Beyond

 This project has been developed to complement the habitat creation and other enhancements that will be undertaken as part of Gaunless Flood Alleviation Scheme.  The lead partner in the project is the Environment Agency along with Durham County Council and Durham Biodiversity Partnership.

 The aim is to create an area of high amenity and wildlife value freely accessible to the public.

 The proposals include:

• ·     a multi-user off road route linking West Auckland and Ramshaw.

• ·     provision of a series of benches to provide resting points for users on foot and areas to enjoy the view across the newly created wetlands in the valley floor.

• ·     interpretation of wildlife and heritage at suitable locations along the route.

• ·     provision of a leaflet promoting the route.

• ·     creation of supplementary wetland habitat in the Spring Gardens area (additional to the mosaic already provided within the flood defence scheme).

 This project forms part of a much bigger project for the Wear Valley and West Durham.  The application is being forwarded to the Heritage Lottery Fund and a decision on whether we are successful will be made later in the year.

CONSULTATION

 Landowners directly affected by the new defences will be contacted over the next few months to arrange meetings to discuss further the works involved.  

 DISPLAYS AND FURTHER INFORMATION

 It is intended to hold a further display in autumn; details will be circulated at a later date.

FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME- WEST AUCKLAND update no. 5

  PROGRESS  

The Foot and Mouth outbreak has severely restricted access to the River Gaunless and surrounding area preventing access to site for approximately 5 months. There have been 26 farms within 3km of the river with confirmed cases. As the farms are disinfected and access restrictions are relaxed the site surveys are restarting with the appropriate approvals and disinfectant procedures.

The ground investigations restarted on 11^th July and the Environmental Surveys began on 23^rd July.

A Reservoir specialist (Panel Engineer) responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of dams appointed by the Secretary of State has recently visited the site of the reservoir option, initial feedback has been positive.

The Contractor Tilbury Douglas was appointed and will be working closely with Babtie Consultant during the forthcoming design stages.

  Current Position

The environmental surveys, including habitat and species surveys, are continuing. These surveys include studies of water vole, otter, bats, badger, fish, birds and other flora and fauna. The completion of the surveys and the ground investigation will allow the costs and design to be accurately assessed. This is programmed to produce a single "preferred option" by October.

We are currently examining two options for flood defence.

     Upstream Storage

This option provides a reservoir that stores any floodwater upstream of both West Auckland and South Church (at Spring Gardens).  Properties at Ramshaw Mill are also protected from the backwater effects of the reservoir. 

The reservoir would normally be empty and would only fill if the river flow exceeds a certain amount (it is estimated that partial filling would occur once every 18 months), the reservoir would then drain at a controlled rate over 2 – 3 days. During operation the flow through the reservoir would be small enough to ensure the river remained within its banks.

This option provides an equal level of protection to all flood affected properties downstream in West Auckland and South Church.  The standard of defence would be to the 1in 100 year level.

There would be only a small section of new flood embankment visible in South Church, the rest of the river would remain as it is with no visible differences.

  Local Defences

This option provides flood defence embankments and concrete walls along the riverbank to protect some of the areas that are prone to flooding.  The defence levels are set by the cost to benefit ratio (cost of defences versus benefits from reduced flooding).  The relative defence levels vary with: West Auckland defences having a 1in 50 year standard: South Church varying between 1in 50 and 1in 100; With local defences there would be visible embankments and walls along much of the riverbank through both towns.

  Future Work

An application for formal planning permission is programmed for November 2001 together with submission of the Environmental report.

Further consultation with residents affected by the local defences will be carried out as part of the planning process during August / September. Although the long delays experienced because of F&M have postponed starting works on site until April/May 2002, the completion date is still 2003 as originally programmed.

  TEMPORARY DEFENCES

  The temporary defences currently offer protection to roughly the 1 in 25 year event but are not designed for the long term. It is likely the temporary defences will be reformed and landscaped should the storage option proceed.

  FLOOD WARNING

  The West Auckland flood warning has been amended. This modification has increased the threshold before upstream levels trigger warnings.

  Residents within this area have been invited to accept a personal warning by the Agency's automated voice messaging telephone system.

  Residents need to send back the requested information

  It is our aim to minimise the distress caused by false alarms, but also to give as much notice as possible of flooding.  

 FLOOD DEFENCE SCHEME STUDY

 Initial Results 

The Agency has recently received a major report on the flood defence scheme from the Consultants. This report has looked at the hydrology of the Gaunless and a hydraulic model has been prepared.  In conjunction with the initial ground investigation results and topographical surveys the Agency consultants have ranked a range of flood defence solutions.  The rankings were dependent on the schemes effectiveness, environmental impact (including local concerns) and cost. Two schemes have been carried forward:

Storage of floodwater

  One or more reservoir(s) would be constructed upstream of the areas that are at risk of flooding. During heavy storms the floodwater would be stored in the reservoir(s) and then released at a controlled rate after the storm had finished. The reservoir(s) would be built upstream of West Auckland and possibly between West Auckland and South Church. The sites identified are at Spring Gardens and Fylands. With this option local defences would still be needed, but built to a lower height.

Local defences

A selection of local defences would be constructed along the banks of the river and around areas at risk of flooding. These defences would include flood walls and earth banks.

 Current Position

 As explained above, the pre-feasibility study has been completed and two possible schemes have been selected. Further detailed work is now being carried out including outline design, surveys and environmental assessments to highlight the preferred option.  This work is expected to be complete early in the summer.

 In tandem with this, the scheme is currently out to tender and a contractor will be appointed during May.  Employing the contractor early in the design process allows him to assist with the development of the design and ensures that the scheme is as efficient as possible.  This will help to minimise any disturbance caused by the site works.

 Future Works

 Planning application preparations and consultations with interested parties are now underway. This includes preparation of environmental plans, surveys of habitats, visual intrusion surveys, archaeological studies and liaison with landowners and residents along the route.  This process should be completed by August.  The ‘fast-track’ programme is based on site works starting this winter, probably in 2002.

Foot and Mouth

 The outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease is causing problems to the project.  West Auckland and the surrounding countryside is designated a ‘controlled area’.  This means that any of our work that requires access to rural areas is currently suspended including the ground investigation, the topographical survey, the visual impact assessment and the various environmental surveys.  We are obviously doing all we can to progress the study however, work is being increasingly delayed as the outbreak continues.

 Local Issues

 The temporary defences have been constructed at Toadpool to prevent flooding to properties in the area, It is known the closure of the footpaths is an issue for residents of Grasmere Ave. The footpath currently has a 6 month closure order to allow sufficient time for grass to grow which will offer the new bank some protection from walkers. Please be aware that the paths are also closed due to Foot and Mouth disease and should not be entered.

 FLOOD WARNING 

With the historic experience gained from flood events since June and the installing of temporary defences, The flood warning trigger levels have been raised.  This will mean that during flood events, river levels at West Auckland will be higher before any flood warnings are issued, and will reduce the amount of flood warnings residents receive. It is our aim to minimise the distress caused by false alarms, but also to give as much notice as possible of flooding occurring.

Residents need to plan for any necessary action to protect themselves, their family and their property, and should take action as soon as they receive a warning.

RECENT FLOODS

The recent flooding was one of the worst seen across the region with the River Ouse in York having the highest levels in 400 years. Although the Southern part of the region bore the brunt of the damage, there was severe flooding in Ponteland with 125 properties flooded. Flooding was widespread within the Northumbria area with the Agency emergency workforce very stretched, The Agency Emergency workforce responded with pumps and sandbags to many places such as Rothbury,  Ponteland,  Chester Le St,  Morpeth,  Gosforth and Blackhall Mill  on the River Derwent.  Within the Northumbria area approximately 210 properties were flooded.

In the Gaunless catchment the rainfall gauge at Copley from 28^th Oct to 7^th November recorded 175 mm of rain which mainly fell on 4 particular days. Some houses flooded from drainage but fortunately for many at South Church and West Auckland the River Gaunless was mostly contained within the river channel. Many more properties would have flooded without the direct action of the residents along with the Agency, Police, Wear Valley District Council (WVDC) and Durham County Council (DCC)  placing sandbags.

EMERGENCY WORKS

The Agency with DCC and WVDC have been constructing emergency temporary works that will provide some increased protection until the permanent flood defence scheme is in place. Although we cannot prevent flooding, flood defences reduce the risk of flooding, and the temporary defences are therefore an important development.

South Church

During the floods DCC placed a clay bank at Henknowle school. WVDC placed a clay bank at St Chads Close which has now been extended past St Wilfreds Walk to South Church bridge and in front of Gaunless Terrace. The Agency is currently raising low spots in the ground levels at the rear of Appleby Street, this is due to be completed before Christmas.

West Auckland

The Agency have started constructing embankment works at Toadpool to reduce the occurrence of the river coming out of bank and flooding onto the A68 and flooding houses at Toadpool and Eden Grove. Further Agency emergency work is underway at The Nursery to be completed by Christmas. WVDC are considering works to the area around River Walk.  

  Ramshaw Mill

There will be some floodbank maintenance works by the Agency and construction of a diversion channel in the New Year.

Butterknowle

A short length of bank raising is to be completed in the New Year by the Agency.

CONSULTANTS STUDY

The preliminary report has been received which has costed various feasible options. The next stage is to complete consultation and Environmental Assessment of all options. Site Investigation works for each option are planned for January and February. When the preferred option is decided planning permission will be required and it is anticipated this will be applied for in June.

FLOODWARNING

The new flood warning service was used for the first time on the River Gaunless with approximately 200 residents receiving telephone warnings sent out for the floods on Nov 2nd, 6th and 7th. Some warnings were not received due to some properties not being occupied and engaged lines.

Warnings were received in good time by those who had requested to receive them, although thankfully the river peaked before serious flooding occured. Flood warning is not a precise science and the warning system will be developed as experience is gained over the winter as more information on flood flows is obtained.