Integrated flood management in the Hull catchment, England

Since the major flood event in 2007, RPS has been deeply involved in investigating, understanding and reducing flood risk across the Hull and Haltemprice catchment. RPS has developed and refined a complex integrated catchment model by combining Yorkshire Water's model of below-ground assets with data for the watercourses and overland flow paths obtained from the Environment Agency, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council. RPS used the model to identify major schemes, leading to the design of flood alleviation schemes at Willerby and Derringham, Anlaby and East Ella, and Cottingham and Orchard Park. With further enhancements, the model has been used to better understanding of the complex interactions between the various water systems and solutions are being identified for a long-term plan. Hull has many unique features, driven by its topography, geology and the historical developments of its sewerage network and waterways. These specific challenges require bespoke solutions and there is a clear desire among the partner organisations to work together to drive contemporary blue–green solutions. This requires multi-agency working and progressive thinking to deliver effective flood risk management. This paper reviews the challenges in understanding and resolving these issues.