Name

Role of NBS in successful SO reduction

Speakers

Alison White

Authors

Bryony Crickmore, Zorica Todorovic and Alison White, AtkinsRéalis, UK

Description

DEFRA’s Spill Overflow Discharge Reduction Plan is aiming to deliver no ecological impact from all storm overflows in England by 2050. Water companies are facing an unprecedented challenge and change in thought leadership to meet this objective whilst managing customer expectations. Around 15,000 overflows will be assessed at pace whilst balancing the costs of interventions with sustainability, water companies will need to target best value solutions for its customers and the environment. Many proposed interventions will be in line with existing standards of implementation and funding, however nature-based solutions (NBS) are now being promoted as interventions that address not only overflow challenges, but also urban flooding and ecosystem restoration. Early collaboration with stakeholders is critical to enable successful implementation of NBS through the promotion of partnership working and sustainable investments. This paper will review how industry modelling, solution evaluation and governance practices favour traditional ‘grey’ solutions, even where nature-based solutions are an obvious and cost-effective choice. From project inception, through scoping, model build, verification and beyond, the focus is on replicating flow conditions below ground at the overflow structure, often overlooking the impact of flow conditions above ground. A blueprint for successful identification of these opportunities through to their implementation and long-term sustainability will be discussed.

Time

10:03 AM - 10:15 AM

Location Name

Room 2

Track

09:00 - 10:40 CSOs & Stormwater