Dam Breach Risk Assessment

Acquiring planning permission can be tough, especially when dealing with the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). In a recent project we were approached by an agricultural client to assist in gaining the necessary planning permission for winter storage reservoirs, to capture rainwater for summer irrigation. 

The LLFA raised concerns regarding the potential impact downstream, in the unlikely event of a breach of the reservoirs. Our surface water team developed a 2D hydraulic model to analyse and provide a detailed understanding of flow pathways and potential flood extents. The complex numerical analysis was presented in a simple way that all stakeholders could understand. 

The team’s innovative techniques to work within a short timescale, in combination with providing a strong evidence base allowed the development to successfully progress through the planning process. Find out exactly how we did it below.