Wednesday 22 August 2012
The Environment Department will invite residents and businesses to comment on Guernsey's Coastal Defence Flood Risk Assessment studies which will be presented to States Members and Parish Douzeniers and Constables at a meeting on Wednesday 22 August.
Displays on the flood risk areas examined during the studies will be available for public viewing at drop-in sessions at St Sampson's High School on Wednesday 29 August September and Monday 3 September between 14:00hrs and 20:00hrs.
The Coastal Defence Flood Risk Assessment Studies follow on from the Coastal Defence Strategy report of 2007 which identified several areas that may be vulnerable to flood risk due to predicted sea level rise associated with climate change. This new study by UK consultants Royal Haskoning has recently been received by the Environment Department and takes into account the latest research on predicted sea level rise issued in 2009 by the UK Climate Impacts Programme. The study examined eight areas of the coast and the issues that may affect them:
- The potential risk of flooding of sections of the northern part of the Island arising at Belle Greve, St Sampson's Harbour, Bordeaux, Grande Havre, Port Grat and Pecqueries, Cobo and Saline Bay.
- Rocquaine Bay and L'Eree Bay, where it was considered there was a risk of flooding and failure of defences.
- Pembroke Bay, where there was concern for the long term management of defences and the potential need to realign the defences.
Minister for the Environment Department, Deputy Roger Domaille, has made the consideration of the Coastal Defence Flood Risk Assessment study a priority for the Department and established a Project Group to take the work forward.
The Coastal Defence Project Group is lead by Deputy Tony Spruce, Deputy Minister and other Members are Deputy Barry Paint, together with staff of the Environment and Treasury and Resources Departments.
Deputy Domaille said:
"Guernsey's coastal defences are an essential part of the Island's infrastructure and this report gives the Island important information which will enable us to plan and prepare for the future. It is acknowledged that there is significant uncertainty associated with predicting sea level rise but this study has been based on a high level scenario which is in line with guidance set by DEFRA for the UK when assessing strategic flood risk. It is therefore a cautious approach and people should not be over anxious about the findings. Guernsey people are practical people and we have long experience of how the Island is affected by high tides and storm conditions. Sea level rise may present different challenges but this study gives us the background against which we can plan and prepare for changes in the future. I would encourage as many people as possible to comment on the findings and take part in the public consultation which runs until 31 October."
In addition to the information provided at the public drop-in sessions, the full report on the Coastal Defence Flood Risk Assessment Studies will be available for the public to view at Sir Charles Frossard House Reception, The Guille-Alles Library, and on from the link at the top right on this page.
Anyone wishing to comment is invited to write to:
The Chief Officer
Environment Department
Sir Charles Frossard House
La Charroterie
St Peter Port
GY1 1FH.
Please mark all envelopes 'Coastal Defence'.
The Environment Department will take recommendations to the States next summer.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 01481 717 200
