Environmental impact assessments for flood defence schemes

Flood defence schemes, like most civil engineering infrastructure projects, can have a significant impact on the environment despite their intended benefits. Under the UK Environment Act 1995 and Land Drainage Act 1994, the Environment Agency, internal drainage boards and local authorities are required to contribute to the conservation of nature and heritage when carrying out their flood defence functions. Assessment of environmental implications is thus fundamental to design. Furthermore, environmental appraisal must also be carried out for all flood and coastal defence schemes undertaken with government grant-aid. This paper reviews the legislative framework and the processes for ensuring that flood defence schemes are sympathetic to their surrounding environment.