Ketley flood alleviation project wins ICE sustainability award

A flood alleviation project which doubles up as a wildlife haven in Ketley, Shropshire, was recently named a sustainability champion at the 2016 Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) West Midlands Awards.

The Orchard Close Flood Alleviation Project, which has been described as a 'model of sustainable innovation', is managed by leading public service provider Amey on behalf of Severn Trent Water. The project team, which also includes GHD Livigunn and Telford & Wrekin Borough Council, received the award for its use of sustainable methods to mitigate the threat of sewer flooding for a number of homes and highways in the Ketley area.

The ICE judges commented, “This is an exceptional example of the role civil engineers play in society and the skills and knowledge they employ to benefit the wider community. We were particularly impressed with the approach to deliver a sustainable and effective solution to a long standing flooding issue.”

The £1m project features a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) that intercepts surface water run-off, in addition to new foul sewers and highway drainage improvements. Two detention ponds have also been built into the system, alongside micro-pools that are planted with soft rushes to provide future wetland habitats that are both visually attractive and encourage local wildlife.

“We are really proud of this achievement" said Claudia Sequeira, Programme Manager at Severn Trent Water. "The main objective of this project was to reduce the risk of sewer and surface water flooding for our customers living in the area. By working collaboratively with Telford and Wrekin Council, Amey and GHD Livigunn, we also managed to provide a solution that will improve the water quality, increase biodiversity and future-proof our network. As the pressure on urban drainage intensifies, resulting from increased development and climate change, we are committed to explore more opportunities to invest in these types of sustainable solutions.

Councillor Hilda Rhodes, Telford & Wrekin cabinet member for Public Protection, Safety & Enforcement, said, “This is a fantastic project which really highlights the importance of early inter-agency collaboration when dealing with flooding from multiple sources. The complexity of the problem was also hampered by the traffic constraints of the affected area meaning that a more catchment based approach was required.

“Through working collaboratively this feature provides surface water attenuation for the public network and an outfall for a future Council run sports facility. It has also provided a welcome opportunity for a water company who traditionally use hard engineering to take a more sustainable approach to surface water flooding.

“I would urge other Local Authorities to consider adopting this method of working with water companies early in their design process. Utilising Council owned public open space for surface water attenuation in the upper catchment can provide a massive benefit where conventional drainage improvement works are not possible.”

Peter Walsh, director of Amey's Severn Trent Water projects, said, "Widespread flooding in Ketley has historically forced a number of school and highway closures and seriously disrupted the lives of families on Waterloo Road and Orchard Close. Steep topography, the condition and incapacity of public sewers and highway drainage, and inadequate land drainage provisions were all principle causes.

"We're very proud to have had our innovative solution and hard work recognised by the ICE and would like to thank our colleagues and project partners for helping to make this project such a success."

Tom Mayell, Associate Director at GHD Livigunn, said, "From the outset we were extremely conscious of the part we felt natural solutions could play in managing the flood risk at Ketley. It is an honour to have the sustainable mindset of this project recognised by the ICE and showcases the diverse skills of the project team in delivering a scheme that not only stops local residents from feeling vulnerable during heavy rainfall, but also creates long lasting community and biodiversity benefits.”

Mark Downes, ICE West Midlands Chairman 2015-16, added, "This major event in the civil engineering calendar celebrates our profession, and the inspirational people and teams delivering projects. I am proud that the West Midlands continues to attract major investment, providing opportunities for future generations of civil engineers.

"My theme for the year is 'unsung and future engineers'. We are perfectly placed to support societies needs today and into the future, by delivering efficient, innovative and effective solutions and projects in a safe and sustainable manner. To achieve this we need to recognise the hard work of those in the engine room, who are often overlooked. We must also capture their knowledge and enthusiasm and share it to inspire the next generation of civil engineers."