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Glenboi Flood Alleviation Scheme

Introduction

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCT) as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) will be commencing a Flood Alleviation Scheme in the area around Glenboi highway. The works will facilitate an enhanced Highway pumping station, designed to accommodate overland flows from surface water and ordinary watercourses which enter into the low point within the Glenboi road. This will reduce the peak flows to the downstream existing culvert which is in an area at high risk of flooding.

The LLFA is acting in accordance with its Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) high level objective to ‘Reduce the Consequences of Flood Risk.’ The strategy was published in January 2013 in accordance with Clause 10 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The LFRMS objective aligns with the 5 overreaching national objectives set out within the National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Wales.

The area in which the works are proposed is Glenboi, which is within the Mountain Ash West Electoral Ward which is identified as being the 18th highest risk ward within RCT's Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP). The proposed works fall within the Abercwmboi Community area, as identified by the Communities at Risk Register (CaRR), which is ranked 130th in Wales for surface water flood risk.

Description of Works

The Glenboi area has been subject to several flooding events in recent years, the most significant incident occurred on the 15th and 16th February 2020 following Storm Dennis, where 9 properties internally flooded with a further 15 properties experiencing external flooding. This flooding event was the 4th event following Storm Bronagh & Callum which occurred during 2018 which identified the same level of internal flooding.

In response to these events, RCT have proposed to carry out land drainage improvement works to facilitate an enhanced Highway pumping station, designed to accommodate overland flows from surface water and ordinary watercourses which enter into the low point within the Glenboi road. This will reduce the peak flows to the downstream existing culvert which is in an area at high risk of flooding.

These initial proposed works will aim to provide a Q100 + 40% climate change Standard of Protection to the community of Glenboi.

In undertaking these works the scheme will aim to deliver on the following objectives within Council’s LFRMS.

1

Reduce distress by decreasing the population exposed to flood risk.

2

Reduce community disruption by reducing the amount of residential and commercial property exposed to flood risk.

3

Reduce risk to life by reducing the number of people exposed to risk of flooding of significant depth and velocity.

4

Reduce disruption to critical infrastructure or support the preparation of plans to allow their operation to be maintained.

5

Improve or not detrimentally affect water quality

6

Ensure projects are designed and constructed in a sustainable way.

7

Develop a better understanding of the risks of flooding from surface runoff, groundwater and ordinary watercourses and plan how best to communicate and share information with communities and businesses on all forms of flooding.

Also undertaking these works the scheme aims to deliver multiple benefits as per the ‘Wales Future Generations Act Wales’.

  • A Healthier Wales – These works will directly support the alleviation of flooding to approximately 24 properties and reduce the impact of isolation for a further 491 residential properties which equates to the benefit to 1,184 residents (taken as 2.3 residents per household nationally) which in turn will improve the mental well-being and health of the local community.
  • A Resilient Wales – As an organisation, the safety of our communities is paramount, and this work will significantly reduce flood risk for residents within the Glenboi area of Mt Ash. The works further provide social resilience through the provision of continued access for the residents of Glenboi and Fernhill to the wider community (reduce isolation through flooding) and the local nature reserve ‘Pwll Waun Cynon’ (adjacent Glenboi Highway).
  • A More Equal Wales – This work will be to the benefit of all parts of society, all will be allowed to fulfil their potential by reducing the likelihood of flooding and enabling long-term resilience for the local community.
  • A Wales of More Cohesive Communities – Connectivity is critical and this work will allow us to maintain community’s significantly important routes. As an organisation the safety of our communities is paramount and this work will also significantly reduce the risk for commuters, school users and local businesses.

Notice of Intention to Start Land Drainage Improvement Works

The proposed flood risk alleviation scheme is deemed permitted development under Part 14 (Development by Drainage Bodies) of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.  As such the council is undertaking a consultation process under The Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations 1999 and 2006. Consultation will run from 9th December 2021 – 8th January 2022.

The Council does not intend to prepare an environmental statement in respect of the proposed improvement works. With reference to Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment (Land Drainage Improvement Works) Regulations 1999, as well as the characteristics of the improvement works, the location of the improvement works and the type and characteristics of the potential impact, it is considered that the proposed works will not have a significant effect on the environment.

The works description is detailed above and summarised as follows:

  1. Enhancing the Existing Highway Pumping station
  2. Instillation of a New Rising Main Across Aberdare Road
  3. Upgrading Highway Drainage Infrastructure within the Glenboi highway
  4. nstillation of Overland flow interception drainage within Glenboi Highway
  5. Insulation of an upgraded pumping station compound and site access
  6. Improvements to the pumping stations outfall Headwall
  7.  Installation of Bioretention basin to accommodate surface water
  8.  Reinstatement of all areas affected by the above works.

Any person who wishes to do so may make representations in writing in relation to the likely environmental effects of the proposed improvement works to the Director Frontline Services at Sardis House, Sardis Road, Pontypridd, CF37 1DU within 30 days of the date of this Notice or via email to FRM@rctcbc.gov.uk.

The additional information concerning the improvement works can be obtained from the Director Frontline Services at Sardis House, Sardis Road, Pontypridd, CF37 1DU via the FRM@rctcbc.gov.uk with a general arrangement plan provided below.