Multimillion Humber flood defence upgrades begin

The third phase of the Stallingborough Sea Defence Improvement Scheme will see the Environment Agency make improvements to 4.5km of coastal defences along part of the estuary’s south bank. Large rocks known as ‘rock armour’ will be placed along 3km of the seaward side of the flood defence, from the Humber’s Middle Drain to the New Cut Drain.

The remaining 1.5km of defences will be repaired, with the four river outfalls also improved to make them more sustainable and resilient to flooding. Set to be installed over the next three years, it’s claimed the new defences will benefit 2,300 properties, as well as nationally important infrastructure and industry. According to Dom Freestone, operations manager for the Environment Agency, the climate-driven change in sea levels has made the upgrades more pressing.

“Low-lying communities along the Humber are at high risk of tidal flooding and rising sea levels,” said

“Works to improve the flood defences are vital to manage that threat and will help drive business confidence and investment in the area. But despite our best efforts, flooding can still happen. That’s why we urge people to prepare and plan for the worst, including by signing up to receive flood warnings by visiting gov.uk.”

Stallingborough’s coastal walls were originally built following devastating floods in 1953. They are now at increasing risk of damage from rising sea levels and more frequent storms.

Rock armour is a sustainable and low-carbon flood defence tool that minimises the potential impact on the area’s important habitats. It will help fortify the walls and prevent the sea undermining them, helping to reduce flood risk for at least a further 25 years, taking account of climate change predictions. It’s claimed the upgrades are expected to generate economic benefits valued at £1.1bn over the next 25 years.

“Our coastline is an incredibly important one to protect, not only for the wonderful natural habitat, but also for the economic and industrial growth on the South Humber shore,” said councillor Stewart Swinburn, cabinet member for the Environment at North East Lincolnshire Council.

“The Humber Estuary’s natural tidal flow is something we have to embrace and work with, but by providing this investment in flood protection measures, the risk to people and businesses in this area is significantly less.”