Strategic Flood Risk Assessment - South Worcestershire ...

The design, construction and ongoing maintenance regime of such a scheme must be carefullydefined, and a clear and comprehensive understanding of the existing catchment hydrologicalprocesses and existing drainage arrangements is essential.For infiltration SUDS techniques it is imperative that the water table is low enough and a sitespecificinfiltration test is undertaken. Where sites lie within or close to groundwater protectionzones or aquifers further restrictions may be applicable, and guidance should be sought from theEnvironment Agency.There are many different SUDS techniques which can be implemented. The suitability of thetechniques will be dictated in part by the development proposal and site conditions. Advice onbest practice is available from the Environment Agency and the Construction Industry Researchand Information Association (CIRIA).SUDS TechniqueTable 8-1: Example SUDS TechniquesFloodReductionWater QualityTreatment &EnhancementLandscapeand WildlifeBenefitLiving roofs Basins and pondsConstructed wetlandsBalancing pondsDetention basinsRetention pondsFilter strips and swales Infiltration devicesSoakawaysInfiltration trenches and basinsPermeable surfaces and filterdrainsGravelled areasSolid paving blocksPorous pavementsTanked systemsOver-sized pipes/tanksStorm cellsThe inclusion of SUDS within developments should be seen as an opportunity to enhanceecological and amenity value, incorporating above ground facilities into the developmentlandscape strategy. SUDS must be considered at the outset, during preparation of the initial siteconceptual layout to ensure that enough land is given to design spaces that will be an asset tothe development rather than an after-thought. The future adoption and maintenance of SUDS,particularly those including swales, basins, ponds or reed beds, should be closely aligned withplans for the management of green infrastructure. The emerging Worcestershire GreenInfrastructure Strategy is being developed by the Worcestershire Green InfrastructurePartnership, which includes the South Worcestershire authorities.Under the Flood and Water Management Act, the SUDS Approval Body will be responsible forapproving, adopting and maintaining drainage plans and SUDS schemes that meet the NationalStandards for sustainable drainage.All new developments will require planning approval from both the SAB and the local planningauthority. The Environment Agency will be a statutory consultee when delivering SUDS for anyproposed discharge of surface water into a watercourse.2012s5947 S Worcestershire Level 2 SFRA Update FINAL Report v1.0.doc 175