Work on new flood alleviation scheme starts in Devon

Work on the final phase of a multi-million pound project to alleviate flooding and mitigate water-related damage has started in Devon. 

The scheme will help minimise flood risk for up to one hundred homes in the village of Feniton as well as preventing disruption to schools and the local transport network.

Most homes in the area flood every two of three years causing major damage and upheaval for local residents. During extreme weather, the existing watercourses are unable to cope with the sheer ingress of water. 

Following the 2008 flooding, East Devon District Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency and Devon County Council agreed to develop a scheme to collect flood water from above the village and divert it via a 1050mm diameter pipe to increase the capacity of the existing watercourse.  

The downstream channel capacity has already been increased as part of Phases 1 and 2. In the north, a new inlet structure will collect flood flows from the hillside, taking them through the new culvert pipe, under the already completed railway crossing, known as Phase 3, and back into the watercourse south of the village. 

Also in this county, Devon County Council appointed Previsico to install connected water and silt level sensors in locations on some of Devon’s major roads and highways.

This became part of a project called the Devon Resilience Innovation Project Smart Gullies Trial. The Council is using these sensors to gain a greater understanding of flood detection and gully maintenance.  

Ultimately Previsico's work with Devon County Council will show how technology can help reduce maintenance costs through the early warning system for flooding. It will improve the council's understanding of asset condition, facilitating proactive not reactive maintenance.