YORC York Ouse Rehabilitation Commission Final Consultative Report on Water Management Issue in York
Part of LAB 5 | Water in Built Environment NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences March 2018
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YORC York-Ouse Rehabilitation Commission Final Consultative Report a part of LAB5: Water in the Built Environment Jenna Aho //174042 Marija Satibaldijeva // 162086 Alek Zahariev // 163902 Robjan Scmidt // 162203 Adriansyah Yasin Sulaeman // 161087
NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences
International Spatial Development, Year 2, Trimester 2 Marcel van Wietingen, Robert van Dongen March 2018
PREFACE
We are a group of the second year students studying International Spatial Development in the NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences. We are currently doing our second trimester which is mainly focused on the water management, which also is the part of this report. During the course of LAB 5 Water & Built Environment, our group, consisting of Marija Satibaldijeva, Alek Zahariev, Robjan Schmidt, Adriansyah Yasin Sulaeman and Jenna Aho, investigated the problem of flooding in the River Ouse catchment area, particularly around York, England. The aim of this LAB is to investigate the problem of flooding in Yorkshire, make an analysis of the causes, come up with solutions and design a plan of implementation. The project will take place in three different phases; Orientation and Investigation, Integration and Design and the final step is Implementation. The report is meant for everybody who wants to gain knowledge about the water management and for all kind of different solutions to prevent floods, and how those can be implemented. It is shown within the example of combining knowledge and ideas for the LAB 5 assignment – the implementation plan for flood prevention and protection in city of York. We are really grateful that we had the opportunity to work together on this project. We want to thank our coordinators Marcel van Wietingen and Robert van Dongen for the help and support they gave us through the whole course and writing of this report.
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SUMMARY
During the course of LAB 5, the group was assigned to investigate the problem of flooding in the River Ouse catchment area, particularly around York, England. The aim was to investigate and make analysis of the causes and solutions, and finally based in these results, deliver the plan of implementation in the end of the process. The plan of implementation will be based on the integration of the team’s 5 individual reports with findings and analysis. The final report consists of analyses like individual research summaries, interviews, SWOT and stakeholder participation. Finally there are the solutions and implementation plan made based on these analysis. The main focus is to get all stakeholders work together with an aim to prevent and reduce flood hazards. Different solutions will not work if people are not aware of them and if people are aware of flooding situation but there are no measures, that won’t save the city. For that reason raising awareness is really important. There are different ways to get people involved and these solutions are divided with H-O-S methodology. H-O-S methodology helped to find solutions for the problems in York and was integrated in the implementation program YORC ( York - Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign). The program includes different approaches in order to raise awareness and get stakeholders involved by involving nd committing stakeholders in the flood protection & prevention in York. The report includes the description of YORC with all proposed measures and conclusions.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
PREFACE 4 SUMMARY 5 1. INTRODUCTION 10 1.1 Introduction to the project 10 1.2 Introduction to York 11 1.3 Introduction to the problem 12 2. INVESTIGATION 14 2.1 Climate 14 2.2 Physical geography 14 2.3 Human geography 16 2.4 Measures 18
2.5 Excursion and Interviews 19
3.ANALYSIS 22 3.1 SWOT 22 3.2 Stakeholders 24 4. PROPOSED PLAN 30
4.1 YORC (York Ouse Rehabilitation Commission)
30
4.2 Aim and Task 32 4.3 Program 33 5. CONCLUSION 58 6. BIBLIOGRAPHY 59 7. APPENDICES 62
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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Steps taken during the process 10 Figure 4: Downtown York and River Ouse 11 Figure 3: Location of York and River Ouse Catchment Area within England and Yorkshire 11 Figure 5: York during 2015 floods. 12 Figure 7: York within River Ouse Catchment area and their main rivers 14 Figure 6: York average temprature and precipitation 14 Figure 9: Ouse Catchment Area by elevation 15 Figure 10: Elevation drop from the Pennines in the uplands to Humber Estuary 15 Figure 8: Ouse Catchment Area River Network 15 Figure 11: Ouse Catchment Area Soil Condition 16 Figure 13: Most populated areas in York 17 Figure 12: Population diagram of York 17 Figure 14: Differences between good and bad soil 19 Figure 15: Example of water storage 19 Figure 16. Respondents by Gender 20 Figure 18 . Respondents by Residency 20 Figure 17. Respondents by Age 20 Figure 19. Respondents by their experience with flooding 20 Figure 20: SWOT in a table 22 Figure 21: Stakeholder analysis 24 Figure 22: YORC Logo 30 Figure 23: York-Ouse Rehabilitation Commission Structure Diagram 31 Table 1- Hardware measures 33 Table 2- Orgware measures 34 Table 3- Software measures 34 Figure 24: York-Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign Logo 35 Figure 25: Map of YORC Planned Measures 36 Figure 26: Timeline of YORC Program 36 Figure 27: Location of FAP, shown in dashed blue 37 Figure 28: Cross section of the FAP scheme 37 Figure 29: River Normalization Scheme 38 Figure 30: River Meandering Scheme 38 Figure 32: Process of Oxbow Lake Creation 39 Figure 31: River Meandering Process 39 Figure 34: How do Washlands and Reservoir functions 40 Figure 33: Washlands and Reservoir Dam Scheme 40 Figure 36: The concept “Turbulent Hydro” Mini Hydro Electric Plant 41 Figure 35: “Turbulent Hydro” Mini Hydro Electric Plant 41 Figure 37: Suggested route for the Foss Dike Diversion Canal 42 Figure 38: Current condition of Foss Dike 43 Figure 39: Rendering on Foss Dike after the Diversion Canal Development 43 Figure 40: A beaver. 44 Figure 41: Location where Beaver area can be established, shown in dashed red. 45 Figure 42: A beaver dam 45 Figure 43: An illustration on how the beaver dam could work. 46 Figure 44: The concept of Floating Houses by BACA Architects 47 Figure 45: The concept of Floating Houses by BACA Architects 48 Figure 46: Areas around Vale of York where Reforestation could be implemented, shown in dashed green 49 Figure 47: Difference between forested and deforested area. 49 Figure 48: How trees affects runoff 50
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Figure 49: Public campaign by placing advertisement around the city of York 51 Figure 50: Public campaigns can also be initiated with early education to the young 51 Figure 51: York Flood Festival Logo 54 Figure 52: Ezera skaņas in Latvia, a concept for the York Flood Festival 54 Figure 53: Proposed location for the York Flood Festival 54 Figure 54: Ezera skaņas in Latvia, a concept for the York Flood Festival 55 Figure 55: NOAQ Boxwall 56 Figure 56: NOAQ Tubewall 56 Figure 57: Flood Warning Application 57
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Chapter
1
Introduction
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1. INTRODUCTION
During the last 150 years the climate is changing rapidly, we have to face waving changes and anomalies to the global weather. Over all that leads to a constant global warming and an increase of world wides temperature. As a result, ice caps of the north and south pole, mountain ranges and glaciers all over the world are melting in a very alarming rate. During the last decades rainfalls has increased substantially and sea levels are rising steadily. With the decrease of natural conservation due to the human development, natural drainage systems shrunk. This leads to incapabilities of natural drainage in parts of the earth. The objective is to gain an understanding of multiple aspects concerning the water management and flood protection of the project area.
1.1 Introduction to the project This report is part of the last phase of a three phase project meant to research and find solutions for the water problems of the city of York in the United Kingdom. The two first phases are Orientation and Investigation, Integration and Design and the last phase Implementation. In the first phase planning and the inventory analysis were made. To make the inventory analysis, every group member had to write an analysis report on a specific topic. Two topics were about Geography, one about Climate and two more about Solutions for flood management. The second phase was about combining all findings from the previous phase in one story. Based on the conclusions of the analysis the group made an integral plan for the entire area concerning prevention and control of floods. Moreover, a field trip to York was held to increase the group’s knowledge about the site. The third phase is the current phase where all the work done in the first six weeks comes together. Based on the integral plan and stakeholder analysis from the phase two, this report was formed. The group will choose one or a limited number of aspects of the plan and produce a detailed implementation plan.
Geography P.O.A.
Investigation
Climate
Individual report
Excursion
Solutions Investigation review
Implementation Plan
Integral Plan
Research results
Conclusions
Figure 1: Steps taken during the process
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Analysis
1.2 Introduction to York
Figure 2: Flag and Coat of Arms of York
The city of York is located in the Yorkshire and the Humber region which locates in North-western England. The region borders North Sea to the east, East Midlands region to the south, North West region to the west and to the north it borders the North East region. The city itself lies in the Vale of York, a flat area of fertile arable land bordered by the Pennines, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds. The city was built at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss on a terminal moraine left by the last Ice Age. The reason for the city to be build there was the marshy land surrounded by two rivers which made the land easy to defend during Roman times. This location might have been a good idea in the past, but today the city is prone to flooding from the River Ouse, and that requires an expensive and extensive network of flood defenses with walls along the river, and a lifetable barrier across the River Foss
Figure 3: Location of York and River Ouse Catchment Area within England and Yorkshire
where it joins the Ouse at the ‘Blue Bridge’. Even though some measures against flooding have been taken, the city have still suffered some big floods. In the late Autumn in 2000 the city experienced the worst flooding in the past 375 years. There were more than 300 homes flooded. Another big flood happened in December 2015. This flooding was even greater and caused major disruption. The flood was big - scaled and caused big damages that it led to a personal visit by Prime Minister David Cameron. Huge amounts of land inside the city and in its surroundings are on flood plains which is too flood-prone for development, other than agriculture. As it can be seen, this decision centuries ago to locate the city on the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss leads to a huge flooding problem.
Figure 4: Downtown York and River Ouse
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1.3 Introduction to the problem As stated before the city of York is located in a problematic location at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss. The most natural thing for these rivers is to flood, but in the case of York, they have a really narrow passage through the city and they do not have space where to flood. This results in large amounts of water leaving the basin of the rivers and covering the ground of the city. Furthermore, when the bad location is added to the climate change the situation becomes even worse. The first serious problem that the climate change brings is the rise of the sea level. The second problem is even more serious - precipitation. Rainfall is increasing and, moreover, it is falling more concentrated. This means that in a short period of time large amounts of water falls on the ground with no place to drain and that leads to flooding in the city of York. The existing solutions for preventing the floods do not work anymore in York. A perfect example for this is the huge flood that happened in December 2015. New solutions have to be implemented in order to store and slow down the water. This way there will be a control of the amount of water entering the city and keeping the environment livable.
Figure 5: York during 2015 floods.
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Chapter
2
Investigation
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2. INVESTIGATION
To understand the problems that York and its surroundings have in the subject of water management, firstly, it is important to go in depth into the current situation which influences the water flow and the severity of the flood risks in the area. Several aspects influence the current condition of water management in York or the River Ouse catchment area; this includes geography (which includes climate) and technical and environmental solutions. A separate investigation on each of the aspects is done in relation to the topic. In this chapter the researches are summarized. Also short description of the excursion and interviews are mentioned in this chapter.
2.1 Climate The climate change is a fact documented by statistics many places on earth will suffer from it and will have to deal with the changes of weather conditions in different ways. The climate of York compared to other locations in the UK is quite mild, the precipitation is not as high. The main problem is the rain from higher located areas and rivers. The River Ouse is flooding as a consequence of river flows from surrounded areas towards the lower located York. With the change of climate the water supply rises and subsequently the River Ouse is flooding more often. Figure 6: York average temprature and precipitation The river will influence the lives of its inhabitants through its vulnerability towards flooding due to exceeded capacities. Mitigation can be used in everyone’s way of life as a long term solution. The inhabitants of York, as well as people from all over the world, need to become more aware of why climate change is such a big problem, more aware of the current situation and more aware of the risks of climate change in the future, and start thinking and living more sustainably. To ensure the effect of sustainable lifestyles and thinking, climate change and sustainable lifestyle must be more promoted. Everyone has to work together and communicate. On a long term basis, a focus should be set on educating younger generations about climate change. The way of adaptation is mainly an environmental challenge - the aim is to manage the high amount of water supplied through heavy rain or long periods of precipitations in order to slow down the process of water reaching the valley of York. This must be done especially in the higher surroundings of York, which supplies high amounts of water. The combination of environmental and technical solutions, in consideration of geographical circumstances, will help York to cope with the conditions that climate change brings.
2.2 Physical geography York is located in the confluence of River Ouse and Foss, and it is located within the River Ouse Catchment Area, a basin with an area of roughly 10,000 km². Several features of the physical geography aspect of the area influences the risks of floods in the city, which includes the morphology, the river network, soil and geology condition, alongside with vegetation in the area, and also human influence into the features of the physical geography. Figure 7: York within River Ouse Catchment area and their main rivers
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Looking at the river network map, York lies in the area where the entire river network leads into the River Ouse which brings substantial amount of water flow into the city. River flow in the catchment area also varies seasonally with the winter months having a substantially higher river flows than in the summer, where River Ouse discharges roughly 125 cumecs (m3 of water/second) compared to 25 cumecs in summer; which gives reason for flood risks being higher in the winter times.
Figure 8: Ouse Catchment Area River Network
Figure 9: Ouse Catchment Area by elevation
Figure 10: Elevation drop from the Pennines in the uplands to Humber Estuary
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Relief of the area also influences the river flow, as the vast catchment area comprises of hilly highland of the Pennines in the northwest and North York Moors in the northeast, in which all river network originates from, and with the steep slopes that lead the river downstream to reach the lowlands of the Vale of York river velocity became higher, causing the rivers to reach York fast. Soil conditions in the area also helps water to run-off easily towards York from the highlands, especially in winter times. Looking at the river network map, York lies in the area where the entire river network leads into the River Ouse which brings substantial amount of water flow into the city. River flow in the catchment area also varies seasonally with the winter months having a substantially higher river flows than in the summer, where River Ouse
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Figure 11: Ouse Catchment Area Soil Condition
discharges roughly 125 cumecs (m3 of water/second) compared to 25 cumecs in summer; which gives reason for flood risks being higher in the winter times. The Pennines consist of peat soil in which can absorb large quantities of water in the summer but this ability decreases in winter, which led to precipitation to runoff directly through the rivers. Soil downstream which consist mainly of clay which usually waterlogged also affects the water being instead runoff through the rivers, leading to York. Vegetation around the area works as a flood risk reducer as they function as interceptors to storage rainfall, so the water would not precipitate further into the ground; in case of the river Ouse catchment area, most of the upland area is moorlands with not much woodlands. Therefore, most water that fall in the area would directly go to the ground. Adding this to the soil condition it would run-off directly on the rivers, adding volumes and river flows that go all the way to the Ouse and eventually pass the city of York. Furthermore, this conditions greatly affect flood risks around York and should be taken into account in any decisions regarding water management.
2.3 Human geography York’s history is know to start in 71 AD when Romans marched in the area and built a fortress. Fortress was built in a spot where river Ouse and river Foss met. Location was good for defence and it allowed good connection to North Sea. Residents living in York are mostly born in UK. Language is not a problem to understand guides or news about flooding and it may be concerned that people living in York also know the situation. Since if something happens, it will be on news all over England, or just in York, but people can read about it. If York would have lot of non-English speaking residents, they might not be aware of the situation since they could not understand the language. When looking at York’s population diagram, (Photo6: Population diagram of York) a spike in age from 21 to 25 can be noticed. York is a student city. It has two universities which explains this spike. Young people, students, work a lot with social media and they are keen to keep updated. Many of these young people may not even know about the flooding situation. This can be a reason to raise awareness about flooding situation.
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The densest areas in York are stated by address and they are YO31 9, YO24 4 where are more than 4000 residents and YO31 7,YO10 3, YO 6 and 9 are areas where live more than 5000 residents. 95% of the Ouse catchment area forms of agricultural land. The grasses of what the cattle etc. feed upon, offer little interception. Drainage of the uplands also speeds water into tributaries. Over-deepening of the gripsin 1960’s and -70’s led to erosion on some moors, an increased silting of watercourses downstream. Urban land use occupies 2.2 % of the catchment area. Human has influenced in river Ouse flooding by farming, forestry and making new house areas. The gripping that has been done has lowered the water table and has lead to larger peak flows downstream. Management of soils in the lower parts of the basin increase infiltration. Agriculture has been the main reason why forests have been cut down. This increase interception and reduce discharges. Now government has policy which is protecting woods in specific areas. Work with landowners and other organizations is the key figure for government. Government is very specific how the land is used in Ouse catchment area. The influences of land use have been monitored so there will be no misuse. There are many policies made for preventing flooding. Government has published in their website a guide what to take into account when moving in a flooding area.
Figure 12: Population diagram of York
Figure 13: Most populated areas in York
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2.4 Measures 2.4.1. Technical York has already implemented a lot of technical measures in the city, but they are not efficient because they cannot prevent flooding in the city entirely. The need for change is more than evident, because floods can become even worse within the world’s main issue – global warming. It makes necessary to plan years ahead for solutions how the city of York can deal with flooding. For city of York it would be not the right solution to build walls on all river sides, which will make the river inaccessible for people. Implementation plan would be effective by mixing all types of technical measures, for flood control, mitigation and adaptation. As floods in York are not avoidable, people could try to adapt to them using spaces on the water surface. As York is considered as a historical and attractive city for tourists, it would be a good opportunity to use technical elements to adapt with the river level. To conclude, the implementation plan for flood prevention should primarily improve the situation in the interaction of Ouse and Foss rivers, because it is usually flooded in winter period due to the snowmelt and significant amount of rainfall in a short amount of time. The city of York must offer solutions which will be permanent and working in a long-term period and mobile technical elements for flood mitigation have to be taken into account as well. However, the right plan can be proposed when the whole situation of York is investigated, as the geography, demography, climate and environmental solutions for the flood control. 2.4.2 Environmental The hazard associated with small floods in small catchments may be significantly reduced by Natural Flood Solutions although the evidence does not suggest that this type of interventions will have a major effect on the most extreme events. Large fluvial floods are caused primarily by heavy rainfall on wet, frozen or impermeable ground. It is possible that a flood, which is so extreme, will occur that it will overwhelm any risk management measures of flood defences, natural or otherwise.For city of York it would be not the right solution to build walls on all river sides, which will make the river inaccessible for people. Implementation plan would be effective by mixing all types of technical measures, for flood control, mitigation and adaptation. As floods in York are not avoidable, people could try to adapt to them using spaces on the water surface. As York is considered as a historical and attractive city for tourists, it would be a good opportunity to use technical elements to adapt with the river level. Land-use and channel form influence the severity of these floods in a fairly subtle way. The effectiveness of Natural Flood Measures varies with the severity of the event—for example, tree shelterbelts or drain blocking may offer mitigation against small floods, but are likely to be less effective during extremely intense or prolonged high rainfalls. Actions that provide small-scale local benefits have not been shown to provide significant benefits at the spatial scale of a larger catchment. Although a simple extrapolation would imply that many small interventions (each creating local benefits) should combine to create large
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benefits at large scale, this is not always the case because (1) local benefits are attenuated downstream by the channel network, and (2) interactions among local events mean that slowing water flow in one catchment can make a flood worse further downstream when waters from several catchments meet. Where multiple interventions have taken place it can be difficult to disentangle the effects of an individual intervention, the effect of which depends upon catchment properties (in particular size, shape, topography, geology, soils, and both hydrological and sediment connectivity) and the extent and location of the intervention within the catchment . With the current state of scientific knowledge, it is not possible to state unequivocally whether the lack of demonstrable effect at large scale is because noticeable flood mitigation could not be achieved in a large catchment, or because a sufficiently large-scale set of interventions have not yet been implemented. The larger the catchment and the larger the flood, the smaller is the scope for slowing the flood or storing the floodwater to reduce the flood hazard. The following are the main conclusions. Interventions that increase the ability of soils to absorb and retain water (through changes to land cover and land management) are at their most effective in smaller floods and at smaller scales. Once soils become saturated the effect is no longer noticeable. Storage (from distributed micro-ponds, through natural floodplains, to large detention basins) can be effective in reducing flood risk, depending on how much storage is
Figure 14: Differences between good and bad soil
Figure 15: Example of water storage
provided, where it is located, and how and when it is used; Increasing the cross-sectional area of floodplains by setting back flood defences that have disconnected areas of the floodplain from the river can reduce peak river flows and flood water levels.
2.5 Excursion and Interviews On January 2018, a field survey to York was initiated with the aim to have an opportunity to look around in the city of York and get concrete and broader information of the flooding situation. During the trip it was possible to see what the government has done already; all the defences and other solutions that are helping to prevent flooding. To achieve broader knowledge of flooding and its affection to the city and people living in the area, project group interviewed the residents of York. The group came up with the questions by themselves in the way that answers could be used in the final phase.The questions of the interview can be found in attachments. The group interview at total 18 people. The interviewees were selected randomly from the passing people on the streets.
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Figure 16. Respondents by Gender
Figure 17. Respondents by Age
Figure 18 . Respondents by Residency
Figure 19. Respondents by their experience with flooding
An important factor for the quality of this research was the current residence of the interviewees. The group came across of several people not living in York, but the majority were at that moment living there. The group made an unexpected and an interested discovery when they questioned the interviewees if they were affected by the floods. The majority of the interviewed people were not affected by the flood, because they live out of the city center. Most of them knew someone who was affected in a way. And the stories they told led to the conclusion that even if a person is affected by the floods, they still do not mind it. The insurance companies cover most of the damages caused from York’s floorings. A person from London was interviewed. He was working in a shop right next to the river. According to his words for the six month he had been living and working in York he heard about a flood twice and did not encounter even once. Conversations like this lead to the conclusion that people are not aware of the problem. Furthermore, people were asked who is responsible for the floods, there was not a single answer saying - “the people”. Answers like “the government” and “the rain” were the most common answers. A man even said that it is not really that big of a problem and it does not need fixing. Based on interviews it can be concluded that the most important task for solving the flood problem in York is by raising the awareness.This is also mentioned in next chapter which is about stakeholders and their interest and power towards the topic, and our suggested solutions.
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Chapter
3
Analysis
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3.ANALYSIS
In this chapter one can find analysis about SWOT and stakeholders. SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) methodology is being used to analyse York’s situation, which can be the driving force for implementing change. Stakeholder analysis is conducted in order to find out who needs to be considered in achieving project goals and whose participation and support are crucial in the project’s realization.
3.1 SWOT In order to determine the current situation, a closer look into strong and weak points of the current situation is done. Furthermore, chances, but also threats are analyzed.
Figure 20: SWOT in a table
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3.1.2 Weaknesses In the history of York, no exact data about floods were documented and therefore there is a lack of information. It hardly can be found how often floods happened in the past and what the amounts of damages were. Another weakness is that people are aware in some extent of the problem, but aren’t acting to do anything against it. Rather more people are moving to the flood area and the density is rising. The fact of deforestation in the surroundings worsens the situation, especially because there are higher rainfalls in shorter periods caused by the climate change. In addition to that in winter the peat soils upstream can’t absorb water. After each time the city is being flooded, households and other establishments are damaged and had to be restored which is a lot of costs in the time following the flood event.
3.1.3 Threats One of the most serious problems humans have to face in the future is climate change. The biggest problem of climate change in York is the rising water supply by rain and therefore even higher river flow. Rivers might flood more, if no measurements and implementations are introduced. In combination with the trend of a higher population along the river Ouse in York, the costs of damaged households will be even more. Working on the situation many stakeholders are involved. The more stakeholders are involved, the longer the debates and the subsequent implementations take. Overlapping responsibilities are always a challenge in such big projects. Another threat in and around York is the farmers and their cattles with their excessive farming activities that could result in overgrazing of the lands which will creates the soil less permeable. This would rise the risks of soil erosion and an apparent land degradation in the area.
3.1.4 Strengths The city of York is rich of history and profits economically from its tourists. This can be maintained since the Government is rich of knowledge – different plans and measures are created to avoid flooding. Soil conditions are advocating natural solutions, since it has relatively high capacities of carrying water. Furthermore, data is available online and therefore accessible for most of York’s inhabitants. Everyone is able to gain knowledge to participate in working against the flooding.
3.1.5 Opportunities In combination with existing soil conditions and the space upstream, there are a lot of opportunities to implement different kind of measures. Above all, a focus should be set on natural solutions since they are practical and economically efficient. Inhabitants are aware of the fact of flooding and this must be used by encouraging people to take action, especially the young population is aimed to be taught about a sustainable lifestyle and their abilities in acting against flooding.
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3.2 Stakeholders Stakeholder analysis is done to show decision’s impact on relevant parties. This information is used to assess how the interests of those stakeholders should be addressed in a project plan, policy, program, or other action. Stakeholders are placed in a table below based on how much they have interest and power.
Figure 21: Stakeholder analysis
The main stakeholders in the project process are the River Trust, North Yorkshire County and Environmental Agency. Residents play the most important part of who the solutions are going to be affected for. Stakeholders are analyzed according to their status further in the document.
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3.2.1 Political Stakeholders 3.2.1.1 EU Government As it can be seen on the graph above, the European Union is the strongest and most influential stakeholder in this project. They have regulations for all of Europe that are mandatory to be followed. They have high interest in good water management for all of Europe, but they are hardly interested in specific small project, as the one in York. Another problem with this stakeholder is that the UK is leaving the EU in two years time, if everything goes according to the plan. After that their regulations will no longer apply for York. Until then, they have to be taken into account and their regulations have to be followed.
3.2.1.1 UK Government Similarly to the EU, the UK government has a lot of power over this project, but their interest is quite low. They have less power than the EU, but their interest is definitely higher. But a big difference between the two is the fact that the UK Government will be a stakeholder through the whole project. Also National Government should always be taken seriously, because they can easily overrule decisions taken by Regional and City government and this is why their regulations should be followed strictly. The UK Government can also give money for the project if approached the right way.
3.2.1.2 North Yorkshire Government The North Yorkshire Government (NYG) and the City Government are two most important political parties that will need to be encountered during this project. The NYG has lower power than the EU and the UK government and the have to follow their regulations, but they have higher interest in the problem and there are directly connected to it. For this project the NYG will be needed a lot for the work upstream from York. They are going to approve or not approve the measures that are planned for the area upstream from York. They can provide financial help for the project as well.
3.2.1.3 City Government The City Government as really similar to the NYG. The main difference is that they are going to be needed for work done in the borders of York. And also the City Government are the ones that affected the most from this problem and that is why they have the highest interest in the project.
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3.2.2 Non-political Stakeholders 3.2.2.1 Environmental Agency The Environmental Agency is the most important stakeholder in this project. They have high interest and power in the water management of York. They are the ones that are doing all the work for stopping the floods in York. Their main goal is to stop floods in York, which is why a close contact should be kept with them through the projects. They also can start or sponsor different campaigns which is in great importance for this project.
3.2.2.2 River Trust The River Trust is similar to the Environmental Agency- relatively high interest and power. They are working to protect, promote and enhance our freshwater ecosystems for both people and wildlife. Their help in this project will help a lot with dealing with the problems upstream from York and implementing new measures there.
3.2.2.3 Regional Planning Bodies Regional planning bodies have high interest and power in fixing this problem. That is why they should be contacted for this project. They have to be consulted before and during the project, so the project does not interfere with their plans.
3.2.3 Other Stakeholders 3.2.3.1 Residents After a research was held in York, the residents were interviewed, an interesting and unexpected conclusion was reached- the residents have no interest in the problem. Some of the residents where not even aware that there was a problem. Even though they are a big part of the stakeholders, they have no interest and no power. But the fact that they are not interested is part of the problem and that is why awareness campaigns have to be made.
3.2.3.2 Land owners Land owners have high interest in the problem, but they have hardly any power. They are the ones that have their property damaged and that is why it is in their best interest to have the flooding problem fixed.
3.2.3.3 Farmers Similar to the Land Owners, Farmers also have high interest, but low power, but compared to them, the farmers are more powerful with less interest. The farmers can
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be paid to use their land in why that it will help with the water management. Farmers a really important stakeholder that can help with dealing with the problem upstream from York.
3.2.3.4 Local Businesses Local Businesses are in similar position as the farmers and land owners, they have big interest, but low power. But they will profit from fixing the flood problem, because the floods can damage their property and harm their business.
3.2.3.5 Logistic companies Logistic companies have interest in the problem being fixed, but they do not have much power. They have a problem every time a road is closed, because of a flood and dealing with this problem costs money. This is why logistics companies can only profit from having the problem fixed.
3.2.3.6 Insurance companies Insurance companies are one of the most important stakeholders that this project will have to deal with. They may not have that much power, but definitely their interest is high. Every time a flood happens they are the ones who pay for the damages. And they are one of the reasons for the residents being not interested in the problem. When the residents have everything covered by their insurance and they do not have to worry about money, they become not interested. That is why insurance companies have interest in stopping the floods, which will lead to less expenses for them.
3.2.3.7 NHTV Students ISD students from NHTV University of Applied Sciences have extremely high interest in the problem, because their future depends on this project, but they have no power at all. They can only contribute by providing good ideas for fixing the problem.
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Chapter
4
Proposed Plan
29
4. PROPOSED PLAN
After analyzing the situation in York (individual analyzes, SWOT and stakeholders), an essential issue was revealed. The discovered concern is lack of cooperation between different stakeholders. After interviews it became clear that York residents, who are one of the biggest and most important bodies in stakeholder matrix, are aware of the flooding situation, but unknowing how to influence towards it. As a deduction, raising the public interest as a main goal makes it more important than just discovering and implementing technical solutions. To improve communication and in order to boost public participation between different stakeholders, a result is creating innovating partnerships to engage stakeholders across sectors. This kind of partnership is formed by merging Environmental agency, River Trust and North- Yorkshire county together with York. These parties represent different participation levels as national (Environmental Agency), regional (River Trust) and public (North Yorkshire- county and York) bodies. The name that organization will hold control is “YORC” which is an acronym and comes from the words: York-Ouse Rehabilitation Commission.
4.1 YORC (York Ouse Rehabilitation Commission) Solving problems from today and confront with issues of tomorrow, it is required to have adaptive, active and flexible facilities at different levels paired with a clear understanding of available capacity to manage the risks of flooding (having too much water) and to cope with current and future challenges. Organization is the main Figure 22: YORC Logo body to involve people. York-Ouse Rehabilitation Commission (YORC) is proposed to oversee the entire implementation of flood protection and prevention measures, including the public awareness campaigns. The purpose of the YORC is to integrate multiple stakeholder to have a central organization that focus on the whole implementation and management of the water/river network in the Ouse catchment area, in which the governance (EU, UK etc.) framework can be adjusted to be fitted in the future. YORC will be organization which takes care of participation of different bodies to contributing economic growth, environmental sustainability and social welfare. Organization focuses on the interaction between different stakeholders, both now and in a future. It outlines a plan for future actions in York, which can improve York’s capacity to cope with future trends. These trends may be driven by climate change, economic growth and demographic patterns. York-Ouse Rehabilitation Commission provides tools and indicators to diagnose and overcome major communication gaps between stakeholders. Not only integrating the communication and coordination process between different stakeholder, YORC is also proposed to be the leading source of information to the public and will the main organizer for public awareness events for issues about water management alongside with flood protection and prevention measures in the area.
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Figure 23: York-Ouse Rehabilitation Commission Structure Diagram
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4.2 Aim and Task Based on the observation and analysis of the current condition in York and around the River Ouse Catchment area, York-Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign (YORC) Program emphasizes on three main aims and tasks, which are:
1. Raising Public Awareness Towards Flood Protection and Prevention in York One of the most important aspect on creating any measures taken for tackling water management issues in York, is to ensure that all of the public realm in the city actually acknowledges the problems and are open to possibilities to take part in the flood protection and prevention measures. This aim focuses mostly on empowerment of people of York, in which YORC will be tasked to organize public campaigns through education and lifestyle socialization.
2. Enabling Multiple Stakeholders to Take Part in the Flood Protection and Prevention Measures in York Enabling multiple stakeholders that are concerned in the issue of water management around York to take part in planning, decision, and execution process is important to actualize measures that are meant for the people in the city. This aim focuses mostly on infrastructural measures with an emphasize on approach to multi-stakeholder collaboration such as government to public/private. YORC will serve as a body to facilitate and consult multiple stakeholders on the implementation of the planned measures.
3. Ensuring Commitment of All Stakeholders to Take Part in the Flood Prevention and Protection Measures in York To ensure the sustainability of the measures, commitment from all stakeholders is important. Public participation and a constant communication between various stakeholders is beneficial in order to keep the measures and the implementation supported and that these will be done efficiently. This aim will focus on how the organization can create and embrace values that will motivate the public to take part in the flood prevention and protection measures, in which YORC will be tasked to maintain public support, commitment, and contribution to the planned measures.
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4.3 Program 4.3.1 Approach (H-O-S Methodology) The aim for the flood prevention and protection cannot be delivered only with a help of the technical (hardware) measures. The project has more chance to be realized when H-O-S methodology is being used, which focuses on distinguishing the implementation program in three categories: hardware, software and orgware Within these themes, solutions will be faced on different levels with various approaches. Furthermore, the team provides a time frame which determines when certain actions are planned to be done.
4.3.1.1 Hardware Measures that are focused on installing physical elements. These are infrastructural projects which, when implemented, tend to exist for a long- time and can only change relatively slow so after implementing measures, the results cannot be seen right away. GOAL
ACTION STEP
TARGET GROUP
TIME FRAME FOR REALIZATION
More space for river to meander
River naturalization
City of York Farmers
Long-term
Construction of reservoirs and dams
City of York
Long-term
Washlands
City of York Farmers
Long-term
Water level decrease in downstream
Diversion canal
City of York
Long-term
Prevention of overcrowding and adaptation of living in flood risk areas
Construction of floating houses
Residents of York
Long-term
Prevention of flood risk
Natural Solution and Intervention with the help of beavers
City of York
Short-term
Excess water facilitation in the flood season
Table 1- Hardware measures
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4.3.1.2 Orgware Measures that involve re-organization or establishing social networks and institutions. This is a framework of authority that allocates and protects aimed programs which are focused on public participation and communication program. GOAL
ACTION STEP
TARGET GROUP
TIME FRAME FOR REALIZATION
Interest commitment in flood protection from the residents in York
Rewarding system
Residents of York
Short-term
Awareness of floods
Organization of York Flood Festival
Residents of York and tourists
Short-term
Table 2- Orgware measures
4.3.1.3 Software Measures that involve the transfer of knowledge and practice including aspects of awareness-raising, education and program and these are proposed as campaigns. GOAL
ACTION STEP
TARGET GROUP
TIME FRAME FOR REALIZATION
Awareness of floods
Deliver information to public in posters on stands in York
Residents of York and tourists
Short-term
Early education
Educate students about climate change in primary schools by taking on excursions and planting trees
Primary school students
Short-term
Table 3- Software measures
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4.3.2 Planned Measures
York Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign Figure 24: York-Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign Logo
York With the HOS approachOuse and the aim to aware, enable, and create a commitment for the public to participate in the flood protection and prevention measures in York Rehabilitation and around River Ouse catchment area, the proposed York-Ouse Rehabilitation Commission will initiate the York-Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign, an integrated Commission program to combine different measures that covers different aspects of flood prevention, protection and awareness issue. York-Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign will have measures grouped specifically to reach the aim to raise public awareness, enabling multiple stakeholders to take part in the planned measures, and create values that will motivate the public of York committed to support the measures to reduce flood risks in the area. By area, York-Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign implementation is divided into three areas. First is the city of York, second around the Vale of York, and third is within the uplands in the Pennines. Most infrastructural measures will be implemented outside of York as areas uplands are available for large-scale and long-term projects, but nevertheless possibilities of implementing infrastructural measures in York is also possible but it would have more constrictions in time, financial investment and support as it might interfere with more obstacles and activities of the people living in the city. York-Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign will be a program with a short to long term implementation scheme with a timeframe of within 2019 to 2025, with the initial implementation would start possibly in 2019 mostly with software measures such as public events and short term mitigation plans in order to gain public awareness and support of the planned measures. Larger projects such as river naturalization and diversion canal would be implemented in the long term as it would need a more support in terms of finance and commitment to ensure that the projects would actually be feasible to be implemented in the area.
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Photo 11: implementations Figure 25: Map of suggested YORC Planned Measures
Figure Timeline offor YORC Program program Photo26: 12:Timeline the suggested
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4.3.2.1 Flood Assistance Program As part of the YORC plans to enable the public to participate in the flood protection and prevention measures, a set of proposed government-private cooperation is set to enable the public, specifically farmers to contribute to the plans to reduce flood
4.3.2.1 Flood Assistance Program (FAP)
risks uplands north of York. Through the Flood Assistance Program (FAP), farmers
As part of the YORC plans to enable the public to participate in the flood protection and prevention measures, a set of proposed government-private cooperation set to enable the to spare who own land along the riverbed areas will cooperate withis the government public, specifically farmers to contribute to the plans to reduce flood risks uplands north of and widen areas of the Ouse/Ure riverfarmers boundary give the riverthe more room to flood York. Through the Flood Assistance Program (FAP), who to own land along riverbed areas will cooperate with the government to spare and widen areas of the Ouse/Ure river in winter times, and more space for the river to naturalize its flow. boundary to give the river more room to flood in winter times, and more space for the river to naturalize its flow.
reduce risks of flooding in the area by giving more room to the river, and the
Figure 27: Location of FAP, shown in dashed blue
have the freedom to manage the land, enabling the owners to contribute themse
Photo 13: Where flood assistance program will take place
With this scheme, farm or landin owners the effort to reduce the flood risk. would still own the land used to widen the river boundary. The government will take With this farmtoor land owners would still own the land used to widen charge in the lowering of scheme, the river bed give more space for the water and also the the river boundary. The government will take charge in the lowering of the river bed widening of the river boundary, and the landowners will be given the for responsibility to give more space the water and also the widening of the river boundary, and the to manage and preserve the land, especially landowners theis responsibility to manage and preserve the land, during summer months will wherebe thegiven river flow lower. The government will provide incentive especially during summer months where the river flow is lower. The government will and subsidies to the land owners as long as the expanded areas are managed to to the land owners as long as the expanded areas provide incentive and properly subsidies avoid overgrazing or any obstruction to the managed properly to owners avoid overgrazing or any obstruction to the river flow during river floware during flood times. Land along the river will be given workshops flood times. Land owners and knowledge to furthermore givingalong them the river will be given workshops and knowledge to information on how important it is information for the furthermore giving them on howGiving important itfor is the for river the environment and to room of in farmlands cross section Figure 14: 28: Cross section the FAP scheme environment and to reduce risks of flooding Photo With more room for the river, there are several ways or options that are possib
reduce flooding risks in the winter. One option is by letting the river to mea naturally or artificially engineer the flow in order to reduce the velocity of the
flow going towards York. Building washlands and reservoirs are also possib order to increase the capacity of the river and to contain excess water. Page | 37
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in the area by giving more room to the river, and they will have the freedom to manage the land, enabling the owners to contribute themselves in the effort to reduce the flood risk. With more room for the river, there are several ways or options that are possible to reduce flooding risks in the winter. One option is by letting the river meander Photo 14:toGiving room naturally for the riveror inartificially farmlands cross section engineer the flow in order to reduce the velocity of the river flow going towards York. Building With more room for the river, there are several ways or options that are possible to washlands and reservoirs are also possible in order to increase the capacity of the river and to reduce flooding risks in the winter. One option is by letting the river to meander contain excess water. 4.3.2.1.1 River Normalization
naturally or artificially engineer the flow in order to reduce the velocity of the river
flow going towards York. Building washlands and reservoirs are also possible in
One option to be used for the extra order to increase the capacity of the river and to contain excess water. room that is provided after the river boundary is expanded and the floodplain is lowered 4.3.2.1.1 River Normalization is to leave the river flow as is. This solution would still give the river an extra space to flood during winter months and therefore could reducing flood risks to a certain amount. However, this would not help reduce or slow down the water velocity downstream as the river would still go straight rather than meandering it. One option to be used for the extra room that is provided after the river boundary is This option is favourable towards farmers who own the land within the alteredexpanded and the floodplain is lowered is to leave the river flow as is. This solution river bank and floodplains as it is easier forwould still give the river an extra space to flood during winter months and therefore Photo15: Giving room for the river in farmlands shown above them to manage the land rather than havingcould reducing risks to a certain amount. However, this would not help reduce Figure 29:flood River Normalization Scheme a meandering river which will give constantor slow down the water velocity downstream as the river would still go straight rather risk of erosion. Deepening the river bed than meandering it. along this part would also be possible to give This option is favourable towards farmers who own the land within the altered the river extra capacity and further reducing river bank and floodplains as it is easier for them to manage the land rather than risks of overflowing. having a meandering river which will give constant risk of erosion. Deepening the
4.3.2.1.2 River Meandering
river bed along this part would also be possible to give the river extra capacity and further reducing risks of overflowing.
Another option to reduce flood risks along river Ouse or Ure upstream is to meander4.3.2.1.2 Meandering the river and manipulate the stream of a straight river. A straight river result in a fast flow of high volumes of water and therefore create strong streams in the middle course of the river. As a result, the river lateral erosions are widening the river channel which in turn increases the flow stream. This can be avoided by disturbing the river flow through creating curves, also known as meandering. Meandering can happen naturally through Photo16: Natural way to make river meander Figure 30: River Meandering Scheme collapsing animal burrows which would Photo 17: How the river starts to meander change the direction of the water flow or artificially, through implementing obstaclesAnother option to reduce flood risks along river Ouse or Ure upstream is to meander the river and manipulate the stream of a straight river. A straight river result in a fast
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flow of high volumes of water and therefore
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create strong streams in the middle course
Photo16: Natural way to make river meander which in turn increases the flow stream. This can be avoided by disturbing the river Photo 17: How the river starts to meander flow through creating curves, also known as meandering.
Another option to reduce flood risks along
Meandering can happen like planting trees or placing different naturally through collapsing animal burrows which river Ouse or like Ureboulders. upstream is to meander obstacles would change the direction of the water flow or artificially, through implementing In doing this, the river bank widens the river and manipulate the stream a different obstacles like boulders. on the outside, either right or left, continues obstacles like planting trees orof placing to the contrary side and forms serpentine straight river. straight river result a fast In of doing this, the inriver bank widens on the outside, either right or left, lines. TheAprocess the river developing large bends and loops is called meanders. continues of to water the contrary side and forms serpentine lines. The process of the river flow ofOver hightime volumes and therefore the loops become wider till the streaks join eachin other cut-off from developing large bends andcourse loops is called meanders. Over time the loops become createriver strong streams theand middle the main channel. This cut-off loop is called wider till the river streaks join each other and cut-off from the main channel. This of theoxbow river.lake. As a result, the river lateral cut-off loop is called oxbow lake.
erosions are widening the river channel
Figure 31: River Meandering Process
Figure 32: Process of Oxbow Lake Creation
Photo 18: How cut- off loop is being created As the river through, for example a flood when thea river a higher energy, the Asbreaks the river breaks through,during for example during floodhas when the level riverand hasmore a higher ends join. The loop is cut-off from the main channel and stands for itself. The cut-off loop is called an oxbow level more the ends join. The loop is cut-off from the main channel and lake and is alsoand capable toenergy, store water. This option can effectively reduce flood risks as the flow of water will be reduced greatly, thus giving stands fortoitself. is called oxbow lakeactivity and ismore alsocomplicated capable to store the flow more time reachThe York,cut-off but thisloop option would an make farming and farmers have to also see the constant risk of erosion in the long run, but this problem can be mitigated by building water. vegetation along the banks.
This option can effectively reduce flood risks as the flow of water will be
reduced greatly, thus giving the flow more time to reach York, but this option would make farming activity more complicated and farmers have to also see the constant risk of erosion in the long run, but this problem can be mitigated by building vegetation along the banks. 4.3.2.1.3 Washlands, Reservoirs and Dams
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Upstream of River Ouse has space for big-scale solutions. Upstream could be used in water storage where the water could flow when water level rises. Washland is an area of land adjacent to rivers which are deliberately flooded at times when the rivers are high, to avoid flooding in residential or important agricultural areas. They often provide for overwintering wildfowl, and several include 4.3.2.1.3 Washlands, important nature Resevoirs, reserves. and Dams
Washlands or so called offline storage ponds are located around rivers and
Upstream of River Ouse has space for big-scale solutions. could be used their purposeUpstream is in case of flood, part of the water to redirected to them for temporary in water storage where the water could flow storage. when water levelThis rises.may not be all environmental measure as the others mentioned in the report, Washland an area land to adjacent butisthey areofhere show how working with natural processes (floodplain to rivers which are deliberately flooded storage), than are restoring natural conditions, can also provide at times when rather the rivers high, unconstrained to avoid sustainable flooding in flood residential or important risk management. agricultural areas. They often provide for flood water hasinclude entered the river, no matter from where and how, that overwinteringOnce wildfowl, and several important nature reserves.
flow water will take the quickest and most direct route downstream presenting the
Washlands or so called offline storage risk to around the communities its path. Only by redirecting part of the flood water pondsflood are located rivers and in their Figure 33: Washlands and Reservoir Dam Scheme purpose is in case of flood, part of the water into the washland the amount of water in the river is decreased and the flood risk to redirected to them for temporary storage. This may notthe be all environmental measure and potential damages areas decreased with it. Also the redirection to the the others mentioned in the report, but they washlands by the river with actsnatural as an obstacle for the water and it slows down and are here to show how working processes (floodplain storage), rather than therefore flood peaks downstream are slower to rise. restoring unconstrained natural conditions, can also provide sustainable flood riskout into the river after the storm peak has passed. These reservoir areas drain back management.
They drain back downstream, most often by a controlled outlet.
Figure 34: How do Washlands and Reservoir functions
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generate power in between 79,000 to 478,000 KwH of electricity per year depe
on the flow, potentially capable to generate electricity for 4 to 6 houses in the
This small plant can also be constructed along the river flows as long it h elevation drop.
Once flood water has entered the river, no matter from where and how, that flow water will take the quickest and most direct route downstream presenting the flood risk to the communities in its path. Only by redirecting part of the flood water into the washland the amount of water in the river is decreased and the flood risk and the potential damages are decreased with it. Also the redirection to the washlands by the river acts as an obstacle for the water and it slows down and therefore flood peaks downstream are slower to rise. These reservoir areas drain back out into the river after the storm peak has passed. They drain back downstream, most often by a controlled outlet.
Photo 21: U sage of micro hydro power plants In case of areas that the Flood Assistance Program will be implemented upstream north of York, washlands and reservoirs that will be build will not have the sole intention Photo 20:water Working of reservoirs to storage excess during winter times, but also to have an extra incentive to the locals especially to the landowners/farmers In case storage of areasand thatalso theaFlood as a freshwater sourceAssistance Program will be implemented upstream of electricity. Micro power and plantsreservoirs that will be build will not have the sole north of York,hydro washlands can be constructed in places that have an intention to meters storageat excess elevation drop of 1.5 minimal water with during winter times, but also to have an extra a technology called the “Turbulent Hydro”, incentive to the locals especially to the landowners/farmers as a freshwater storage a small-scale vortex turbine developed in Belgiumand that can power in between Micro hydro power plants can be constructed in alsogenerate a source of electricity. 79,000 to 478,000 KwH of electricity per year places thatflow, havepotentially an elevation drop of 1.5 meters at minimal with a technology called depending on the capable to generate electricity for 4 to 6 houses in the the “Turbulent Hydro”, a small-scale vortex turbine developed in Belgium that can area. This small plant can also be constructed Figure 35: “Turbulent Hydro” Mini Hydro Electric Plant along the river flowspower as longinit between has an elevation generate 79,000 toPhoto 478,000 of electricity perhydro year power depending 22: KwH Implemented micro plant drop.
on the flow, potentially capable to generate electricity for 4 to 6 houses in the area.
Through the FAP landowners or farmers located in the higher and steeper areas in the Pennines can have theThis possibility building small plant through government part itofhas the measure to smallofplant canthis also bescale constructed along the river incentives flows as aslong an reduce flood risks by building extra spaces to contain excessive waters during flood times.
elevation drop.
Photo Uconcept sage of“Turbulent micro hydro power plantsElectric Plant Figure 36:21: The Hydro” Mini Hydro
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4.3.2.1 Diversion Canal The river network in the River Ouse catchment area leads all river flow through River Ouse in which it flows downwards directly to York. This leads to York having great risks during winter months where the river flow rises significantly as the river only have one route through York and therefore Ouse would need more space to flood. A diversion for the excess river flow during winter months is possible by building a canal. Construction of new canal would direct the water out of the river’s downstream which lowers the water level in downstream. This project would be a long term project within the program as it would need large scale financial investment and support from various stakeholder to realize it. The proposed diversion canal would bypass York from the western side, and could be constructed by upgrading small dikes in the western part of the city, instead of creating an entire new water way in which will significantly raise the financial cost. This possible canal would roughly follow the Foss Dike, a small dike that flows from the area of Nether Poppleton/ Overton to the area of Woodthorpe and Askham Bog. The canal then would rejoin Ouse south of Bishopthorpe, just south of the the city boundary. With a length of roughly 14 kilometers, this canal could be a significant alternative to divert excess water during winter times.
Figure 37: Suggested route for the Foss Dike Diversion Canal
Photo 23: Suggested route for diversional canal
The proposed diversion canal along Foss Dike will not function only as a waterway
The proposed diversion canal along Foss Dike will not function only as a waterway but it will bebut used alsobe forused recreational for York residentsforduring times whensummer it will also foractivities recreational activities York summer residents during the flow is at the lowest. A natural pathway will be constructed along the canal that would when the inspection flow is at road the lowest. natural will be constructed along the functiontimes not only as the but alsoAcould bepathway used as skatepark, bicycle path, and footpath which residents of York usethe to inspection spend theirroad free time in the nature. canal in that would function not could only as but also could be Itused as could also be used as the fairground for the York Flood Festival and become an education apparatus for the government to educate people in about flood prevention measures. skatepark, bicycle path, and footpath which residents of York could use to spend
their free time in the nature. It could also be used as the fairground for the York Flood Festival and become an education apparatus for the government to educate people about flood prevention measures. Page | 42
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Figure 38: Current condition of Foss Dike
Figure 39: Rendering on Foss Dike after the Diversion Ca-
Development Photo 24: On the left side is shown currentnalsituation and how the situation would be
like is shown on the right side
Regarding the financial investment that this project would cost, with the example calculation from Jakarta flood canal in Indonesia the canal construction cost roughly 5 million pounds per kilometre, and the estimated cost for the entire construction would be around 75 Regarding theThe financial investment that but thisknowing project million pounds. number seemed quite expensive that would the entirecost, budgetwith that the example the UK government will spend to bolster its flood defence is around 4.4 billion pounds until calculation from Jakarta Indonesia thedouble canal 2021, the cost in the long run flood and for canal the longin term effects will be to construction greatly reduce cost roughly flood risk in York in the future.
5 million pounds per kilometre, and the estimated cost for the entire construction would be around 75 million pounds. The number seemed quite expensive but knowing that the entire budget that the UK government will spend to bolster its flood
defence is around 4.4 billion pounds until 2021, the cost in the long run and for the long term effects will be double to greatly reduce flood risk in York in the future. 4.3.2.3 Natural Solution and Intervention Photo 25: The beaver collects supplies to build a dam Using natural solutions is one effective, simple, and cheap way to reduce flood risks in the area. The beaver
is
a
large,
primarily
nocturnal, semiaquatic rodent. They are
known
for
building
dams,
canals, andNHTV lodges (homes). They | LAB5 | “Water in the Built Environment”
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arta flood canal in Indonesia the canal construction cost roughly
r kilometre, and the estimated cost for the entire construction
5 million pounds. The number seemed quite expensive but
re budget that the UK government will spend to bolster its flood 4.3.2.3 Natural Solution and Intervention
Using natural solutions is one effective, simple, wayrun to reduce 4 billion pounds until 2021, the cost in and thecheap long andflood for risks thein the area. The beaver is a large, primarily nocturnal, semiaquatic rodent. They are known for building dams, canals, and lodges (homes). They are the specie that changes the surrounding
be double to greatly reduce floodBeavers risk were in York theinfuture. environment the most, after the humans. mainlyin spread North America and Eurasia. But in the past few centuries they were almost hunted to extinction.
Beavers in the United Kingdom were something normal seven centuries ago. They were
so spread around the country, that their fur was used by the British as a currency. Normally tion and Intervention
this led to their extinction in the XVI century. In the past hundred years many attempts were made to reintroduce the beavers in Scotland and Wales and they were rather successful. Even r collects a damsite, they exist on their own in this parts of UK. In thoughsupplies there are notto thebuild most common tionsEngland is beavers one are still extinct. There were attempts to bring them back, but they were not successful. But bringing them back will bring many benefits.
d cheap way to the area. The
rge,
primarily
ic rodent. They
uilding
dams,
(homes). They
t changes the
Figure 40: A beaver.
ment theBeavers most, in Europe at the moment work as an attraction. They are not a common site and people travel to different countries and hike just to see a beaver dam. That creates a huge
for the North Yorkshirein government to increase theand tourism in the area. But Increasing aversopportunity were mainly spread North America Eurasia. in
s
the tourism will increase the awareness for the beavers and their habitat. That means that willalmost be more interested the extinction. rivers and their situation. theypeople were huntedin to
Furthermore, the behavior of the beaver influences the environment in a positive way. By nibbling the trunks of trees they ‘coppice’ trees like hazel, aspen, rowan and aspen. The new trees provide shelter and home for many different insects and birds. Moreover, beavers create wetlands to live in, which a beneficial for storing water from water managing perspective and great for many animals from ecological perspective. Example for animals benefiting from wetlands are water voles, water shrews, otters and wildfowl such as teals all benefit. Craneflies, water beetles and dragonflies in turn support breeding fish and insect-eating birds like spotted flycatchers. In Scotland the population of kingfishers has increased around beaver dams. All this improvements of the habitat will lead to increase of the tourist interest even further. All of this combined, makes it obvious why the beavers are important. But to add to that- beavers are extremely important and helpful in water management.
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combined, makes it obvious why the beavers are impor
beavers are extremely important and helpful in water manag
Figure 41: Location where Beaver area can be established, shown in dashed red.
Photo 28: Where to implement beavers Another benefit for the environment that beaver dams bring is pollution Experiments As it reduction. can be imagined, beaver dam slows the flow the water dramatically. In made with beaver dams show that what goes in in places where the water could reach 180 m in tens of seconds in normal conditions, them, does not come out. The water is slowly filtered after the buildingbranches of a dam itand could take the water hours to move through the site. through every mesh of willow rush reeds. It can be Beavers said that the beaver made dams dampen any hydrological extremes, reducing the peak flow of water and work as kidneys for the environment surrounding making it stay longer in the area. In contrast, the drainage ditches that line the them. This way all nitrates, silts and all other types surrounding fieldswetland, sweep rainfall downstream in a flash. In a flood event, the water of toxic run offs are held in the instead of going to peoples drinking water supplies. quickly Whenwhen the land levels off, not only breaking the from headwaters accumulates the pollutants are held in the wetland, they fertilize banks of rivers but also the bank accounts of many homeowners. Beavers can help the plants within the pond and the surrounding soil. to sediment prevent thisseeping from happening by slowing the flow- while storing up to 650,000 liters Further, with less downstream, beaver activity creates unclogged streams, of water. This reduces the riskperfect of a devastating flood with a lot of damages done. conditions for fish spawning and for one of the most Moreover, beavers provide this service for free, because they are self-sustainable. endangered aquatic species in the UK and Europe – Figure 42: A beaver dam There are no expensive technical requirements to create and maintain a beaver the freshwater pearl mussel.
Photo
beaver
Anothe
environ bring
Experi
dams s them, water every
and rush reeds. It can be said that the beaver made dams
the only thing needed sodramatically. called “waterInengineers” do the water could As it can be dam, imagined, beaver dam slows is thebeavers. flow theThe water places where environment surrounding them. This way nitrates, reach 180 m in tens of seconds in normal the building of a dam it in could take theall water hours silts a everything themselves onlyconditions, with natural after resources. Also if there is leak the dam, to move through the site. Beavers dampen any hydrological extremes, reducing the peak flow of water and they sense that and fix it. All they dorun offs are in thefood wetland, instead of going to peoples the whole day held is collecting and fixing the making it stay longer in the area. In contrast, the drainage ditches that line the surrounding fields sweep dam,inso they are employees working free. Also the product theyincreate is when they rainfall downstream a flash. In alike flood event, the waterfor from headwaters accumulates quickly the land When the pollutants are held the wetland, fertilize th levels off, not only breaking the banks of rivers but also the bank accounts of many homeowners. Beavers very durable. There are many examples where a man-made structure was destroyed and surrounding Further, sediment can help to prevent this from happening by slowing thethe flowwhile storingsoil. up to 650,000with litersless of water. This seep by a flood, while a beaver dam survived it. It can be said that they are protecting reduces the risk of a devastating flood with a lot of damages done. Moreover, beavers provide this service for activity creates unclogged streams,the perfect conditions for fi people’s homes while building theirnoown. To continue with requirements the positives that free, because they are self-sustainable. There are expensive technical to create and maintain a beaver dam, the only thing needed is beavers. The so most called endangered “water engineers” do species everything of the aquatic in themselves the UK and Euro only with natural resources. Also if there is leak in the dam, they sense that and fix it. All they do the whole day is collecting food and fixing the dam, so they mussel. are like employees working for free. Also the product they create is very durable. There are many examples where a man-made structure was destroyed by a flood, while a beaver dam survived it. It can be said that they are protecting people’s homes while building their own. To continue with the positives that the beavers bring, by mastering the art of imperfect engineering, beavers also stem downstream droughts. Their dams are not watertight. The dams slow and store the water, but the water is not stationary, it continues in a slow motion downstream.
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beavers bring, by mastering the art of imperfect engineering, beavers also stem downstream droughts. Their dams are not watertight. The dams slow and store the water, but the water is not stationary, it continues in a slow motion downstream.
Figure 43: beaver An illustration on how the beaver Photo 29: How the dam works; holds water and pollution but also cleans
water Page | 46
dam could work.
NHTV | LAB5 | “Water in the Built Environment�
flood risk areas, water should be used as an advantage. Floating houses along the river could offer housing possibilities for already crowded York. It could offer good location for housing near the city center and the houses won’t damage in flooding situations. Building floating houses is adapting to the floods with a different approach as
to acknowledgement 4.3.2.4 Floating Housesman can’t beat nature. United Kingdom suffers from floods and that inspiredistogrowing build flood-proof housing design. This kind of design would York’shas population year after year. To prevent overcrowding and living in floodwork
risk areas, water should be as an advantage. Floating along their the river could offer with with floodwaters notused against them. Homes willhouses rise from foundations housing possibilities for already crowded York. It could offer good location for housing near the city center andand thereturn housestowon’t damage flooding situations. floodwaters ground levelinwhen water have dissipated.
Building floating housescould is adapting to the kind floods different approach as to These houses be the same aswith the afirst amphibious house in UK acknowledgement man can’t beat nature. United Kingdom suffers from floods and that has which is being built inhousing an island in the middle the River architect of inspired to build flood-proof design. This kind ofofdesign wouldThames. work withThe floodwaters not against them. Homes will rise from their foundations with floodwaters and return to ground project done by Baca Architects. levelthe when wateris have dissipated.
Figure 44: The concept of Floating Houses by BACA Architects
These houses could be the same kind as the first amphibious house in UK which is being built in an island in the middle of the River Thames. The architect of the project is done by Baca Architects. The idea of the house is that the whole building will raise gently during flood event and keep all habitable spaces safe above the flood level. From outside the house looks in
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house looks in all intents and purposes like normal, traditional, house. It is recommended to have a garden facing to the riverside. Amphibious house is lightweight and made out of timber. It rests on inside an excavated concrete hull to create free-floating pontoon, made from steel sheet piling with a mesh base. The house has a foundation of waterproofed concrete. The “dock” is made of four vertical guideposts to keep it in place. Posts allow the house to slide
all intents and purposes like normal, traditional, house. It is recommended to have a garden down when it needs to move. These posts are made from steel sheet piling facing toup theand riverside.
Amphibious housebase is lightweight andbe made out of timber. It rests inside an excavated with a mesh and could extended to cope with on rising water levels in future. concrete hull to create free-floating pontoon, made from steel sheet piling with a mesh base.
This allows water to enter and escape naturally.
Figure 45: The concept of Floating Houses by BACA Architects Photo 31: Floating house comparison during normal
situation and flood event
Concrete base will rise as it fills with water lifting the home’s light timber The house has aMass foundation of waterproofed concrete. is made of fourofvertical frame. and volume of the house are The less “dock” than the equivalent water which guideposts to keep it in place. Posts allow the house to slide up and down when it needs to creates buoyancy. The steel first floating house go base up to 2,5 meters. Environmental move. These posts are made from sheet piling with can a mesh and could be extended to cope with rising water levels in future. This allows water to enter and escape naturally.
Agency has given this height as a worst-case scenario when flood happens.
Concrete base will rise as it fills with water lifting the home’s light timber frame. Mass Environment Agency determines the most appropriate construction model The to mitigate and volume of the house are less than the equivalent of water which creates buoyancy. first floating canthe goarea up toand 2,5 provide meters. Environmental Agency hasforgiven this height of the floodhouse risk on a safe dwelling and fit the challenges as a worst-case scenario when flood happens. Environment Agency determines the most appropriate 21stconstruction century. model to mitigate flood risk on the area and provide a safe dwelling and fit for the challenges of the 21st century.
Water pressure coming from the river when bursting its banks will unlock the
Water pressure coming from the river when bursting its banks will unlock the house from from itthe dockupand allows to float to the water level.cables The house the dockhouse and allows to float to the wateritlevel. The up house has its different (water, has its electricity, sewage) connected through flexible cable since the house moves. For safety different cables (water, electricity, sewage) connected through flexible cable since reasons, the house only uses electric power and no gas.
house For safety reasons, the house uses electric power Thethe garden willmoves. act as a natural warning flood system. It willonly be levelled so it shows the and no rising water gas.levels. This informs the residents well before the water reaches the threatening level. Every time water rises, residents can see the situation and decide whether or not to evacuate the house. After the flood situation, the residents just have to clean up the garden. The first amphibious house in UK costs around 2,5 million pounds and has a size of 2 420m2. The cost is around 25% higher than to build traditional similar-size home. But building amphibious house there should be major saving on insurance costs. With these houses residents can life safely without the fear of damages or risk of losing their belongings. These houses are new and innovative way to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
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With these houses residents can life safely without the fear of damages or risk of losing their belongings. These houses are new and innovative way to adapt to the challenges of climate change. 4.3.2.5 Reforestation River flooding is about more than the area that floods, which in this case will be York.
4.3.2.5The Reforestation upstream areas are important for mitigation by keeping a riparian strip River flooding is alongside about moreathan the and area that floods, which in this case be York. This The would (vegetation river) having some targeted treewill planting. upstream areas are important for mitigation by keeping a riparian strip (vegetation alongside a river) and having some targeted tree planting. This would massively reduce flooding. massively reduce flooding. Trees are nature’s helpers in the task ofinslow downoferosion phenomena flooding and Trees are nature’s helpers the task slow down erosionand phenomena flows.
Figure 46: Areas around Vale of York where Reforestation could be implemented, shown in dashed green
flooding flows.
Photo 32: Where to implement To cope with flooding, planting moreplanting treestrees upstream the River Ouse bewill longTo cope with flooding, more treesof upstream of the Riverwill Ouse be term solution. Upstream of river Ouse suffers from deforestation because of agriculture. The long-term solution. Upstream of river Ouse suffers from deforestation because of impact after logging comes worst immediately. For the first three or four years, the runoff and agriculture. The after logging erosion are greatly increased in impact the logged area. comes worst immediately. For the first three or years, the runoff and erosion are or greatly increased in the logged area. Definition offour reforestation is that “the natural intentional restocking of existing forests
Figure 47: Difference between forested and deforested area. Photo 33: Difference with forest area and deforestration area.
Definition of reforestation is that “the natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have been depleted, usually through deforestation”. In
NHTVYork | LAB5 | “Water in the Builtthrough Environment” it would be intentional campaigns and education. Trees have multiple co-benefits. It is possible to plant whole forest or line of trees
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to be stored in the soil and vegetation, and more water is diverted to fill in underground water levels. Along the river, during flash floods, trees have important role. Trees can
and woodlands that have been depleted, usually through deforestation�. In York it would be absorb the through water, roots will strengthen the riverbanks and keep river bed in place. intentional campaigns and education.
Stabilize soil by reducing the amount of sediment to flush in or theline river improves Treesthe have multiple co-benefits. It is possible to plant whole forest of trees along the river Ouse. Forests can manage certain volume on water depending on forest cover area, tree density and the length of vegetation growing season. Water reservation has influence on amount andresulting time of water deliveryflood to streams by Trees increasing maintaining infiltration and water flow to reduce energy. canand provide new wildlife in the storage capacity of the soil. Forests can prevent run-off and flooding damages by soaking area by providing shade anddroughts shelter. forests can release water to mitigate the effect of up excess rainwater. During dry season. By slowing down the passage of water increasing the soil, Planting trees is eco-friendly method of and reducing the absorption severity ofinto flooding. trees allow water to be stored in the soil and vegetation, and more water is diverted to fill in underground levels. and cheaper to maintain than built structures. Trees and Trees are softwater measures
water quality. This result to reducing the length of the flood. Also slow down the
Along river,restoration during flashplaces floods, for trees have important Trees canthe absorb the water, forests offerthe new residents to getrole. away from stress. And
roots will strengthen the riverbanks and keep river bed in place. Stabilize the soil by reducing
they are alsoofmore attractive at. improves water quality. This result to reducing the the amount sediment to flushtoinlook the river
length of the flood. Also slow down the water flow resulting to reduce flood energy. Trees can Photo 34: How trees affects on run-off provide new wildlife in the area by providing shade and shelter. Planting trees is eco-friendly method of reducing the severity of But alsoTrees farmers flooding. are soft measures and cheaper to maintain than built need to be taken structures. Trees and forests offer new restoration places for residents to get into account when away from the stress. And they are also planning thistoand more attractive look at. But also farmers having their need to be taken into account when planning agreement sincetheir agreement this and having since replanting forests in these rich replanting forests bottomland soils makes the land in these rich unavailable for agricultural use, which may have negative impacts on the bottomland local economy. soils
makes the land The measures of the affection after trees are being planted are positive. unavailable for In one research, the results show that the land planteduse, with trees soaks up agricultural 67 times more water than traditional which pasture may have grazed (grass land), and the Figure 48: How trees affects runoff amount of water running off the land negative impacts on the local economy. is reduced by 78%. In same case it was noticed even though only 5% of The measures of the affection after trees are being planted arethat positive. In the land was planted with trees, this was capable of reducing peak flows downstream by 29%.
one research, the results show that the land planted with trees soaks up 67 times
Another research found connection with planting trees and flooding. It says that if 5% of the land was
more waterflooding than traditional (grass land), theretention amountpotential of watertends to increase reforested, would be grazed reducedpasture by 29%. This means thatand water
along with the extent of forest cover in a water basin. Planting forests on land previously in pasture or tussock
running offcan the land is reduced byby78%. same grassland also reduce flood peaks a half In to a third. case it was noticed that even
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4.3.2.6 Public Awareness Campaign Involving public into the flood protection and prevention measures is one aim of YORC future plans. A commitment for residents/ tourists and other parties to participate is important and good motivator. There are a lot of ways to generate and spread information about water management issues to the public and the best way to spread awareness is through things that might invoke and make the public interested. Public awareness campaigns can be exercised in various forms, from putting up posters around the city to convey message about the issue, implementing early education about the environment and flood risks to schoolchildren, and to organize events that will highlight the issue to the public on a greater scale. The aim of this public awareness campaign is to reach multiple target audience (children, youth, and adults) to spread the message about the flood risks and on how can they be involved in the flood protection and prevention measures.
Figure 49: Public campaign by placing advertisement around the city of York
Figure 50: Public campaigns can also be initiated with early education to the young
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4.3.2.7 Rewarding System The provision of information is really important tool. But raising awareness doesn’t necessarily encourage people to adopt pro-environmental behaviour. Next to tailored information, like measures in the public awareness campaign, rewarding systems in collaboration with the government will be implemented. Thus the positive transaction between humans and the environment should be stimulated to improve contributions towards proenvironmental behaviour and in turn a better quality of life. This happens through following measures: 4.3.2.7.1 Compensation In order to carry out all measures, also private pieces of land have to be touched. An example would be tahe change of a river course on a private land. The change of the course demands space on each side of a river. With giving up a piece of land, the residents get a monetary compensation as incentives or through subsidies. The compensation should not be only focused with monetary items, but this could also be done with giving them education on the importance of the project to the nature or environment. 4.3.2.7.2 Free Festival Tickets for Public Contribution Residents who participated and contributed to the flood protection and prevention measures could be rewarded by a ticket or tickets to the York Flood Festival and have a free public transport tickets to the festival. This measure addresses residents who are willing to rearrange elements of their own property in order to help against floods. This can be done through laying out turf in private gardens or implementing other measures. 4.3.2.7.3 Providing Means If a resident is willing to carry out measures in his or her gardens, the government could provide means like lawn or trees. Furthermore, small events can be organized, where trees are provided. Citizens can meet, have a BBQ and plant trees – the public transport for those events are for free. Having an effective reward program in York can help to solve problems of ignorance of floods.This way the residents of York are being supported while committing to the cause by doing actions with positive outcome for the city, but as well they see personal advantage.This will benefit the process of changing their behaviour towards sustainable lifestyle.
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4.3.2.8 Education Concept Education plays an important role in working against climate change. The effects of climate change have to be taught at schools in order to raise future generations that are more aware and can understand and deal with the impact of global warming. To achieve this, there should be two focal points set in the educational curriculum – adaptation and mitigation. The general approach is not to preach to students about the effects of climate change, but to empower them to think about it by providing tools to find and understand the answers themselves. 4.3.2.8.1 Mitigation With mitigation it will be taught how to take action in order to reduce the man-made causes of climate change. By teaching this, burning fossil fuels, deforestation and the way that farming is practised will be addressed. These three factors are the main variables in increasing the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere and warming the global temperature. It is important to draw attention to the fact that individuals, as well as institutions, have a direct impact on mitigating climate change by reducing emissions through acting pro-environmental. An important way to reach this goal is the education towards climate change and its risks. Furthermore, policy and its implications for the major sectors in climate will be taught. The students will learn how politics can influence transport, construction, industry, agriculture, forestry and waste management through legislations (rules like using renewable energy or using energy efficient lighting systems and electrical appliances.) Teaching Mitigation works on a bigger scale to create global cooperation and participation in order to reduce the effects of climate change. The city of York can work on this through implementing this in their school curriculums. 4.3.2.8.2 Adaptation Another part of the curriculum should be the adaptation to climate change. This deals less with the climate change itself than with the surrounded environments that are in danger due to climate change. Students will learn what implementations can be done either in anticipation of an event or as a response to an event. This will be taught using a physical approach and contain a practical part in which every student plants his or her own tree.
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als are universally important for their social and cultural roles, and increasin
ave been promoted and created as tourist attractions. Photo 36: How Ezera skaņas Figure 51: York Flood Festival Logo
like
4.3.2.9 York Flood Festival
Festivals are universally important for their social and cultural roles, and increasingly they have been promoted and created as tourist attractions.
The “Flood Festival” is one of
The “Flood Festival” is one of the proposed measures.
oposed measures. The aim of the festival isThe to raiseaim publicof awareness towards
flood protection and prevention in York. This challenges perceptions and provides a new point of view via a nice and funny event.
estival
is
to
raise
public
To raise the information of flooding and location, and nessusage towards flood protection of Clifton Ings this solution has an unique vision to involve people. It features a blend of information about space/public place. Result is offering people something they may not have seen or experienced before.
prevention in inYork. the area and event unusual
This
nges perceptions and provides
The idea for the Flood festival was inspired from the Festival “Ezera skaņas” (in translation from Latvian: sounds of the lake) which is organised on the lake in Latvia. It is a musical, visual and metaphysical event that starts before the sunrise and the events are held on the floating stage in the middle of a distant lake. People attend the festival in their boats during the middle of night and await for sunrise.
w point of view via a nice and
Figure 52: Ezera skaņas in Latvia, a concept
for the York Flood Festival
event.
se the information of flooding and location, and usage of Clifton Ings t The festival will be held in Clifton Ings which is a temporary storage area for water that flows down of the River Ouse. Approximately 2.3 million cubic metres of water can be stored there which lowers the flood level by about 150 mm in the city.
on has an unique vision to involve people. It features a blend of informat
the area and event in unusual space/public place. Result is offering peo No matter what the weather is, the festival will be held
hing on they maydate notin have seen orwettest experienced before. the agreed August which is the month in York. The idea is that if Ouse River floods and Clifton Ings is being used, the festival can still be arranged. This idea is to give people an unforgettable experience: the festival during flooding. The Festival is a way to bring multiple stakeholders together in order to achieve public awareness. There will be parties which will be responsible for hosting the festival, which in this case will be Environmental Agency, stakeholders
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Figure 53: Proposed location for the York
Flood Festival
NHTV | LAB5 | “Water in the Built Environment”
Clifton Ings is being used, the festival can
people an unforgettable experience: the festi Photo 38: Ezera skaņas festival involved in the festival branding process and stakeholders participating during the process of the festival, like local businesses, logistic companies, citizens of York. The Festival will be with free entrance. The area will have food stands and areas to drink. And the part of money collected at the Festival from the activities, food and drinks, and donations will be used wisely - for other proposed measures implementation. More there is to see during the Festival, hear, play with, debate, eat and drink, the longer the visitors will be kept at the festival. People will have time to soak up the atmosphere, and time to create lasting memories and unforgettable experience. Marketing strategy needs to be thought carefully to make the raise the interest of the festival. Clifton Ings can be also used in food festival organisation and others activities. Figure 54: Ezera skaņas in Latvia, a concept
for the York Flood Festival
festival, like local businesses, logistic compa
The Festival will be with free entranc
areas to drink. And the part of money colle
food and drinks, and donations will be used implementation.
More there is to see during the Festiva
the longer the visitors will be kept at the festi
atmosphere, and time to create lasting memo
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4.3.2.10 Mitigation System In order to establish a systematic and integrated approach on flood protection measures, a mitigation system that concerns the spreading of information about flood warnings and earlyquick response handling of flood situations around the city of York and its surroundings should be established to protect and minimize risks of losses in an event of flooding. YORC as a body that integrates communication between stakeholders will coordinate with various emergency response teams such as police and fire department in order to perform early mitigation measures during floods in order to control the situation. Several short term solutions can be implemented in and around York to establish a quick mitigation plan in order to alleviate risks of further losses in case of flooding. YORC plans is to provide local authorities with simple tools that can be used to hold the floods such as movable flood barriers or sandbags; in which all local emergency services in the city will be equipped with such tools that they can use if a flood happens. Furthermore, an integrated emergency warning system through smartphone application and other communication devices such as radio and media will also be established by YORC in order to smoothen early warnings to the public in case of flooding. 4.3.2.10.1 Movable Flood Barriers
Figure 55: NOAQ Boxwall
Figure 56: NOAQ Tubewall
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As part of the quick-response measure in case of flooding, YORC alongside with the emergency services in and around York will distribute simple flood barriers in each of every local police, fire department, or any governmental buildings to provide a rapid way to control floods if it happens. One technology that the city can use is the NOAQ Boxwall and Tubewall. NOAQ Boxwall is a freestanding temporary flood barrier. It is designed for urban environment (roads and concrete) and will be able to dam 50 cm of water. The boxwall is self-anchoring, meaning that the barrier is ballasted by the flood water coming in. The boxwall can be placed easily and it can be arranged by snapping the boxes together. This boxwall can be used to divert water in case of a flooding event to prevent water coming through a certain area. Another tool that can be provided is the NOAQ Tubewall. NOAQ Tubewall functions as a temporary flood barrier. It consist of an air inflated tubes that can be connected by zips to form a protective barrier. Each tube is furnished with a skirt on the ground and it would squeeze against the ground if flood water enters the skirt, in which because of its weight the friction would anchor the tubewall, therefore creating a stable barrier that can be used in case of a flooding event.
NHTV | LAB5 | “Water in the Built Environment�
upcoming flood. This will be done using sensors places in the water upstream of York. When the water upstream reaches certain level which is considered as a threat for a potential flood, it will send a signal to the app. That will happen several times before the water reaches really dangerous levels that can actually flood the city. This way the person is already informed several times that there might be a potential flood and he is prepared for it. In
4.3.2.10.1 Emergency Warning Application
the app every userused willtool have the In today’s western world the most in everybody’s daily life is a option smartphone. Statistics shows that asonormal to fill their home address, person will check their phone up to 200 times per day and the addicted ones,the whichapp makewill 40% make of the western population, a different will check their phone up to 900 times per day. This shows for everybody according to world. how importantwarning and influential are phones in today’s That is why phones should be used as a measure for flood their home addresses. Also it will protection in York. An app will be made which will have many important features. give a list of recommendation for The most important feature of the app will be informpreparing for the flood. It will ing people about an upcoming flood. This will be done using sensors places in the water upstream of and York.how When the explain what, when, where water upstream reaches certain level which is considered as should flood, be done by the person. a threat for a potential it will send a signal to the app. That will happen several times before the water reaches Moreover, the app will also be able really dangerous levels that can actually flood the city. This way the person is already times that there might be to informed use the several current location of the a potential flood and he is prepared for it. In the app every phone and respectfully owner. user will have the option to fill their homeit’s address, so the app will make a different warning for everybody according Photo 41: Impression of theto their home addresses. Also it will give a list of recommendation for preparing for the flood. It will explain what, when, where and app’s warning how should be done by the person. Moreover, the app will Figure 57: Flood Warning Application way the app will phone prediction for the person no matter where he is located. also be able to use theThis current location of the and respectfully it’s owner.
This will in a event of person surprising flood, where which he can happen This for example if one or This way the app willhelp prediction for the no matter is located. will help in a event of surprising flood, which can happen for example if one or more of the meamore of the measures fail. In that case, the app will calculate if the person has sures fail. In that case, the app will calculate if the person has enough time to reach his home and if not in which location find safe functions likehe that, the head to find enough timehetoshould reachhead his to home and ground. if not inWith which location should residents of York will need only internet connection to have all the information they need for ground. With functions the situation ofsafe the water and upcoming floods.like that, the residents of York will need only internet A mobile game would be for information the younger generation. It’s goal will be to furconnection to developed have all the they need for the situation of the water and ther educate the kids for the floods. The game will collaborate with the children’s classes in floods. school, so it willupcoming motivate them to study. In the game children will be the water managers of York. They will have to place different types of measure in and upstream of York to deal with the floods. They will have to deal with different situations of flood events, which not necessarily have to be possible in real life. Playing this game will help the kids to understand their importance in flood managing in York for the future. And moreover, children will be even more interested in the field trips organized by their schools, because they will see and feel in real life what they have been doing in the game. The creation of an warning app and a game for the children are great measures to inform people, but there has to be no misunderstanding that these measures are not solutions. Their goal is to inform and educate the residents of York, but they cannot work without other measures that actually stop the water from flowing in such speed in York.
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5. CONCLUSION
First two phases of the report were followed by the implementation part where the team proposed York-Ouse Rehabilitation Campaign. The campaign includes three different approaches which will help to solve the main problem - lack of cooperation between different stakeholders. It integrates different aspects of flood prevention, protection and awareness issues, which were the main problematic topics in York from the investigation phase.
5.1 Develop a working group As there is a lack of communication, a new organization is being established. This organization is charged with investigating different approaches that would be needed to connect all political and non-political organizations. The organization forms from three parties, which all bring expertise and different levels and cooperation in decision making, planning and process to future plans for York.
5.2 Communications After all, implementation of the measures will be challenged by political pressures applied at all levels: from national organisations to local pressure groups. The new organization, YORC, will have parties from national, regional and local level. They will make well-resourced public engagement programme to involve different sectoral interests in the assessment of the city of York and how to best implement new measures. Ideally the plans that YORC have should led as a joint approach by the community and academics. The involvement of all political and non-political organization in needed
5.3 Integrated Measures Solving water management issues, flood prevention and protection problems can’t be done separately and therefore YORC will propose an integrated program that combines different aspects that can systematically reduce further flood risks in the area. Aiming at raising public awareness and participation together with creating a centralized plan that will involve different stakeholders, YORC program will focus not only with infrastructural (hardware) plans but it will also put the empowerment of local residents (software) through awareness campaigns and events to motivate York residents to contribute in the effort to reduce flood risks in the city. YORC is also aiming to involve different stakeholders (orgware) to coordinate and participate in several measures that are planned such as the Flood Festival and the Flood Assistance Program in order to ensure different needs and demands to solve the flood issue are taken into account. To ensure the sustainability of the program, it is planned to have a short to long term implementation period. Raising awareness, support and enabling the public to start contributing to the flood protection and prevention will be the first focus that will be initiated in the first two years. Most of the infrastructural projects will be initiated in the long run as it will need strong public support and proper financial feasibility.
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6. BIBLIOGRAPHY
project-management.com What is stakeholder ananlysis? [online] Available at:https://project-management.com/what-is-stakeholder-analysis/ [Accessed 15 February, 2018] Ezera skaņas. [online] Available at: http://www.ezeraskanas.lv/#/en/home [Accessed 7 March, 2018] Wardrop, M. (2012, February 14 ). Permission granted for Britain’s first amphibious house on banks of Thames. Retrieved March 7, 2018, from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9081044/Permission-granted-for-Britains-first-amphibious-house-on-banks-of-Thames.html Hersh , J. (2012, September 25). Rising Flood Waters Inspire Floating Houses in the UK. Retrieved March 7, 2018, from https://archpaper.com/2012/09/rising-flood-waters-inspire-floating-houses-inthe-uk/ Winston, A. (2014, October 15). UK’s “first amphibious house” can float on floodwater like a boat in a dock. Retrieved March 7, 2018, from https://www.dezeen.com/2014/10/15/baca-architects-amphibious-house-floating-floodwater/ Bloom, D. (2014, July 23). Luxury floating village set to be built in London’s Docklands featuring high-end homes, restaurants and even an ice rink . Retrieved March 7, 2018, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2702773/Luxury-floating-village-setbuilt-Londons-Docklands-featuring-high-end-homes-restaurants-ice-rink.html Warburton, P. (2000). Case Study of a Drainage Basin: The River Ouse, Yorkshire. Geography-groby.weebly.com. Retrieved 5 February 2018, from http://geography-groby.weebly.com/uploads/4/3/3/7/43370205/366-drainage_basin-river_ouse.pdf Thompson , Scott. Why trees prevent flooding. 30 Dec. 2015. Retrieved 9 February 2018 from http://wildlifearticles.co.uk/why-trees-prevent-flooding/
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Reid, A. (2018, January 30). Advantages and Disadvantages of Afforestation. Retrieved March 9, 2018, from https://sciencing.com/advantages-disadvantages-afforestation-8524481.html Managing flooding - Water on the land, n.d. Retrieved 9 February 2018 from http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/GCSE/AQA/Water%20on%20the%20Land/ Managing%20Floods/Managing%20flooding.htm Underwater UK: how to stop floods by planting trees. (2014, February 14). Retrieved March 10, 2018, from http://theclimatebonus.org/blog/?p=50 Hakeem, K. (2015, May 21). Retrieved March 10, 2018, from https://www.slideshare.net/khalidhakeem/flood-control-by-plants European Environment Agency (2015, November 13). Water-retention potential of Europe’s forests. EEA Technical report. Retrieved March 10, 2018. UK Elevation Map. (2018). Volgogradnews.me. Retrieved 5 February 2018, from http://volgogradnews.me/wp-content/uploads/online-maps-with-elevations-shownin-heatmap-style-singletrack-forum-inside-map-uk-height-above-sea-level.png Turbulent Website – Turbulent micro hydropower. (2018). Turbulent.be. Retrieved 6 March 2018, from http://www.turbulent.be/ Soilscapes soil types viewer - National Soil Resources Institute. Cranfield University. (2018). Landis.org.uk. Retrieved 5 February 2018, from http://www.landis.org.uk/ soilscapes/ Longfield, S. (1998). River response to recent environmental change in the Yorkshire Ouse basin, northern England.. Etheses.whiterose.ac.uk. Retrieved 5 February 2018, from http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/2756/1/Longfiled_SA_Geography_PhD_1998.pdf NOAQ AB Tubewall and Boxwall. (2018). Noaq.com. Retrieved 5 March 2018, from http://noaq.com/en/products/ Room For the River. (2015). Safety for four million people in the Dutch delta Room for the River. Flood warnings for England. (n.d.). Retrieved 2018, from https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings BACE. (2016, November 25). Retrieved 2018, from https://beaversinengland.com/ Barkham, P. (2017, December 12). UK to bring back beavers in first government flood reduction scheme of its kind. Retrieved 2018, from https://www.theguardian. com/environment/2017/dec/12/uk-to-bring-back-beavers-in-first-government-floodreduction-scheme-of-its-kind
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Beaver Dam Management for Waterflow(Rep.). (n.d.). Retrieved 2018, from http:// texasforestservice.tamu.edu/uploadedFiles/TFSMain/Manage_Forest_and_Land/ Landowner_Assistance/Stewardship(1)/Beaver_Pond_Management_for_Waterfowl. pdf Beaver Reintroduction in the UK. (n.d.). Retrieved 2018, from https://www.rspb. org.uk/our-work/our-positions-and-casework/our-positions/species/beaver-reintroduction-in-the-uk/ Beavers and their control(Rep.). (n.d.). Retrieved 2018, from https://extension. unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000420_Rep442.pdf. H. (2014, February 23). Beavers and Water Management. Retrieved 2018, from http://www.martinezbeavers.org/wordpress/2014/02/23/beavers-and-water-management/ Comparison of routes for achieving parenteral access with a focus on the management of patients with Ebola virus disease. (2015, February 25). Retrieved 2018, from https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011386.pub2 Dadson, S. J., Hall, J. W., Murgatroyd, A., Acreman, M., Bates, P., Beven, K., . . . Wilby, R. (2017, March). A restatement of the natural science evidence concerning catchment-based ‘natural’ flood management in the UK. Retrieved 2018, from https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5378234/ Dadson, S. J., Hall, J. W., Murgatroyd, A., Acreman, M., Bates, P., Beven, K., . . . Wilby, R. (2017, March 01). A restatement of the natural science evidence concerning catchment-based ‘natural’ flood management in the UK. Retrieved 2018, from https:// doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2016.0706 Manage Flooding » Beavers: Wetlands & Wildlife. (n.d.). Retrieved 2018, from http://www.beaversww.org/solving-problems/manage-flooding/ Managing Wildlife Damage: Beavers (Castor canadensis). (2009, May 1). Retrieved January, 2018, from http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/420/420-202/420-202.html Riley, A., AR. (2016, October 6). Beaver Reintroduction in the UK. Retrieved 2018, from https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/our-positions-and-casework/our-positions/ species/beaver-reintroduction-in-the-uk/
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7. APPENDICES
I. Interview Questions 1. Gender 2. Age/Typology (student/worker/unemployed/retirement) 3. Do you live in York? 4. Are you affected by flooding? General experience a. If no, do you know someone who is affected by flooding? b. If yes, in what extent does flooding affect you? 5. Who should be responsible on flood prevention in York? a. How satisfied you are with Yorks´ way to deal with flooding (preventing/coping)? 6. What city of York should do to improve the flooding situation?
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II. Flood Festival Poster
FLOOD FESTIVAL START NOW TO MAKE CHANGES; FOR YOU, AND YOUR FUTURE WITH A BIT OF FUN! York Ouse Rehabilitation Commission
18 AUGUST 2018
STARTS AT
12:00
CITY OF YORK | CLIFTON INGS
Program
MUSIC ACTIVITIES FOOD
LINE UP
justin bievers MACHINES CARNIVAL SEALS ABRAKADABRA follow us on
more information on floodfestival.org.uk ORGANIZED BY YORC | SUPPORTED BY ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY AND YORKSHIRE DALES
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III. YORC Program Flyer
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IV. YORC Program Poster
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IV. YORC Program Poster
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NHTV | LAB5 | “Water in the Built Environment”