Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy

Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy
Name	Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy
Region	Humber Estuary, England
Authority	Environment Agency
Start	2013
Status	Active
Focus	Coastal defence, tidal surge management, habitat restoration

Humber Flood Risk Management Strategy is a regional plan addressing tidal and fluvial flood risk around the Humber Estuary, encompassing coordinated actions for coastal defence, habitat restoration, and community resilience. It integrates priorities from national frameworks such as the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, regional bodies like the Environment Agency, and local authorities including East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Lincolnshire Council, and North East Lincolnshire Council. The strategy aligns with international initiatives represented by the Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar Convention, and principles promoted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Overview

The strategy sets out long-term objectives for protecting population centres such as Hull, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, and Beverley from tidal surges and river flooding, coordinating investments across agencies including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Natural England, and Local Government Association. It prioritises infrastructure projects near landmark sites like the Humber Bridge, the Port of Immingham, and the Spurn Head peninsula while integrating managed realignment near designated areas such as Humber Estuary Special Protection Area, Humber Estuary Ramsar site, and Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes National Nature Reserve. The strategy references scientific inputs from institutions like the Met Office, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, University of Hull, Cefas, and Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

Background and Rationale

Historically, the estuary has been shaped by events such as major storm surges and high tides affecting communities along the River Humber, River Ouse, River Trent, and River Ancholme. The rationale draws on precedents including the response to the North Sea flood of 1953, lessons from flood risk planning in the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan, and adaptations developed after winter storms like Storm Desmond. Increased flood exposure is attributed to projections by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, regional sea-level scenarios published by the UK Climate Projections (UKCP), and coastal process studies by the National Oceanography Centre and British Geological Survey. Socioeconomic context references assets such as the Humber Ports, ABP Humber, and industrial zones in South Killingholme and Immingham Power Station.

Strategy Components

Key components include engineered defences (sea walls, tidal barriers), nature-based solutions (saltmarsh restoration, managed realignment), and sustainable drainage systems around urban centres like Kingston upon Hull and Brigg. Structural measures draw on design standards from the Institution of Civil Engineers and guidance by the Association of British Insurers, while habitat measures replicate projects in the Medmerry Managed Realignment and restoration approaches used at Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve. Flood forecasting and warning systems integrate services by the Met Office Flood Forecasting Centre, National Flood Forum, and operational partners such as Humber Local Resilience Forum and Civil Contingencies Secretariat. Strategic land-use planning interfaces with policies from East Riding Local Plan, North Lincolnshire Local Plan, and the National Planning Policy Framework.

Implementation and Governance

Governance arrangements assign lead roles to the Environment Agency with partnership delivery involving Local Enterprise Partnerships, shoreline management plans, and statutory consultees like Historic England when defences intersect heritage sites such as Burton Constable Hall and Howden Minster. Funding mechanisms combine central grants from DEFRA Flood Defence Grants, contributions via Local Levy arrangements, and capital from major infrastructure investors including Associated British Ports and private sector stakeholders at industrial complexes like Humber Refinery. Project implementation has involved contractors and engineering firms experienced in coastal works referenced through procurement frameworks of the Crown Commercial Service and design input from university research groups at University of Leeds and Newcastle University.

Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts

Actions affect protected designations including Humber Estuary Special Area of Conservation and migratory bird populations monitored under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Nature-based adaptation enhances carbon sequestration in saltmarshes and peatlands following approaches trialled by Natural England and RSPB, while engineered defences protect critical infrastructure including the DNV GL-serviced ports and energy sites like Easington Gas Terminal. Economic assessments reference regional employment in sectors represented by Humber LEP, freight throughput at the Port of Grimsby and Port of Hull, and insurance considerations highlighted by the Association of British Insurers. Cultural heritage impacts are considered for sites such as Spurn Point and archaeological interests curated by the Museums Association.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Adaptation

Performance monitoring uses metrics from the Environment Agency’s asset management frameworks and scientific monitoring by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and University of Hull tidal models. Evaluation cycles follow periodic reviews similar to those used in the Thames Estuary 2100 process, incorporating adaptive management to respond to updated projections from the Met Office Hadley Centre and guidance from the Committee on Climate Change. Data sharing occurs through platforms like UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology repositories and regional GIS coordinated with county councils including East Riding of Yorkshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council.

Stakeholder Engagement and Funding

Stakeholder engagement involves statutory partners (Environment Agency, DEFRA, Natural England), local authorities, parish councils, port operators such as Associated British Ports, conservation NGOs including the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts, and community groups linked to the National Flood Forum. Funding streams combine central government programmes, local levy contributions, private sector investment from entities like Centrica and SSE plc where relevant, and European funding precedents such as projects previously supported by the European Regional Development Fund. Public consultation processes reference engagement models used by Local Government Association and deliberative formats consistent with Planning Advisory Service guidance.

Category:Flood control in England Category:Humber