GLASGOW, Scotland, March 12, 2007 -- Halcrow's water management team has been supporting the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in the development of a new GBP 1.4m flood warning scheme for the Clyde, Kelvin and Irvine rivers; the first of its kind in Scotland.
Developed in partnership with local authorities, following Scottish Executive funding, the new schemes will benefit up to 12,000 properties and businesses in Glasgow city, South Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, North and East Ayrshire.
Halcrow has been working closely with SEPA to deliver the unique flood forecasting models that will provide advance flood warning to communities, using up to date river level information and give at least three hours warning of the possible flooding danger to homes and businesses.
The most severe flooding in recent times affecting west central Scotland occurred in December 1994, when three lives were lost and there was widespread disruption to infrastructure and services. Major flooding to the urban centres of Glasgow, Kilmarnock and Kirkintilloch resulted in an estimated GBP 100 million of damage to the region.
Halcrow's water management and planning manager said: "At present, the annual financial damage from inland flooding across Scotland amounts to GBP 20 million and is expected to increase a further 27% to GBP 25.4 million by 2020. The launch of this ambitious project is a significant development in allowing SEPA, local businesses, local authorities and emergency services to work together to prepare for any future flooding in the area, and minimise the enormous cost and impact of damage.
"Through close collaboration with SEPA, Halcrow developed catchment flood forecasting models using our unique ISIS software2 which allows efficient real time forecasting for the Clyde, Kelvin and Irvine areas.
"Halcrow is delighted to be associated with such an innovative, environmentally sustainable project which will provide major long term benefits to the residents and business in the key risk areas."
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