River management

Question 1

In what 6 ways is the River Nene managed?

Answer 1

1. In 2002, a flood embankment was built across the river valley at Weedon. This raised the level of the land by 10 m. In times of flood, water can be stored behind the bank.
2. The river channel capacity at Upton was increased by building earth embankments set back 10 m from the river.
3. In 2007, work began to build defences in the Upton area. These defences cost £8 million. The aim of the works is to create a area, called a wash land, where up to 1.2 million m3 of water can be stored during times of flood.
4. Major roads in this area such as the A45 are on embankments up to 6 m high. This means tat communications will not be disrupted even if the river does flood.
5. At Foot Meadow 4 m high flood walls have been installed to protect the railway station, housing, industry and the Castle Inn. This has created an open area of land onto which the river can flood.
6. The areas at risk of flooding are covered by the Environment Agency;s flood warning service, which aims to give 2 hours’ notice of the possible onset of flooding. This gives the local people time to prepare and if need be evacuate their house. The flood warning system was upgraded in 2003. Testing of the system took place in the Far Cotton area of Northampton.