Following an extensive investigation into the flooding which took place in Goole on 3 August 2011, East Riding of Yorkshire Council has made a number of recommendations to mitigate future rainfall events in the town.
As the lead local flood authority (LLFA), the council used powers under the Flood & Water Management Act 2010 to investigate the circumstances of the flooding, which included data gathering from numerous agencies, interviewing residents and relevant staff to establish a timeline, inspection of facilities in the area and analysis of the information received.
From the available data, the council concluded that in excess of 32mm and probably in excess of 64mm of rain fell between 4.30-5.30pm on 3 August. Even the lower estimate is in excess of the design standards applied to drainage systems and therefore it is likely that even if the drainage system was ‘as new’ and operated to full capacity, there would’ve been significant areas of flooding.
Nigel Leighton, director of environment and neighbourhood services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The rainfall that caused the August flooding was without doubt very exceptional.
“As a result of the resident survey, the council has become aware of areas where, even during significantly less intense storms, localised flooding occurs on a regular basis. While these in the normal course of events do not affect properties internally, they are an inconvenience to some residents and the council will investigate these and ensure appropriate remedial action is taken by the relevant body concerned.
“The town of Goole is situated on the edge of the Humberhead Level flood plain in an identified flood zone and is bordered by three major rivers, The Ouse to the east, The Aire to the north and The Don to the south.
“Given the complexity of the Goole sewer system, the degree of interaction between systems and the limited and unverified rainfall data available, it is not possible to definitively state a single cause of the flooding.
“The investigation has recommended a series of proposed actions for the consideration of a number of agencies and for approval by cabinet, including an overhaul of communication and incident response procedures, remedial and improvement works and further investigations with other flood risk management agencies in order to mitigate and reduce the affects of future incidents in the area.
“The council would like to thank members of the Goole community, Yorkshire Water Services Limited, The Environment Agency and the Goole and Airmyn Internal Drainage Board for their assistance in this investigation.”
Councillor Chris Matthews, cabinet portfolio holder for highways and emergency planning at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, who also represents the authority on the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee, said: “As a result of the changes in legislation, this is the first time the council has had the authority to investigate and make recommendations to other flood risk management agencies about mitigating flooding in specific localities.
“The council takes flood prevention very seriously and, where necessary, will use these powers again in the future to help tackle flooding in the East Riding.”
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