£3.7m Flood Alleviation Scheme Begins

Work has officially commenced on two large storm water pumping stations on the banks of the rivers Humber and Ouse.

This strategically important scheme is led by the Ouse and Humber Drainage Board which manages water levels by maintaining 250 miles of watercourses and 17 pumping stations in an area that covers over 200 square miles of East Yorkshire.

The new pumps have a combined capacity of 2.4 tonnes of water per second, together capable of emptying four Olympic sized swimming pools in just over an hour. The work is in direct response to climate change. Land drainage systems originally built in the 18th century struggle to discharge at low tide because of sea level rise and therefore need help during heavy rainfall.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, Board Member and East Riding Councillor for Howdenshire Ward said:

“I am delighted that this scheme has got off the ground, it is so important for communities in our villages of Eastrington, Blacktoft, Laxton and Gilberdyke that were badly affected in the 2007 floods”

The scheme serves an area equivalent to 80% the size of the City of Hull, reducing flood risk to around 1,000 properties and businesses, the M62 motorway and some of the most productive farmland in Yorkshire.

“This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when local land owners and the community work together, not only reducing the risk of flooding to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure but helping keep thousands of acres of farmland dry”

This environmentally sensitive scheme is part funded by the Drainage Board, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. The Board would like to acknowledge the support of the Environment Agency and both East Riding and Hull City Councils’ in their support of this scheme.