Policy paper

Strategic environmental assessment: statement of particulars

Updated 18 April 2023

Applies to England

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of this statement of environmental particulars

This statement of environmental particulars (SOEP) is a statutory requirement under the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Regulations). The SEA regulations require that a statement of particulars is made available as soon as reasonably practicable after the adoption of the second cycle flood risk management plan (FRMP) for the Severn river basin district (RBD). This SOEP is the final stage in the SEA process.

This SOEP sets out how we have:

• integrated environmental considerations into the Severn RBD FRMP
• taken into account the findings of the SEA
• taken into account opinions expressed in response to the consultation on the SEA environmental report

The SOEP also summarises:

• the reasons for selecting the Severn RBD FRMP as adopted
• how we will monitor the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Severn RBD FRMP

1.2 Flood risk management plans

The second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD is a strategic plan for the period 2021-2027 to manage significant flood risks in nationally identified flood risk areas (FRAs). These are areas where there is the potential for significant risk or impacts should major flooding occur. Producing the plan for these areas is a requirement of the Flood Risk Regulations (2009), and they are updated every 6 years. It is recognised that there are areas at risk of flooding outside of these FRAs. The Environment Agency and other risk management authorities (RMAs) will continue to plan for and manage the risk of flooding to all communities. This is regardless of whether they are in an FRA or not.

We have worked with lead local flood authorities (LLFAs) and other RMAs to prepare and develop the final FRMP. The second cycle FRMP covers the part of the Severn RBD that is in England. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are producing a separate FRMP to cover the whole of Wales and is expected to be published for consultation in 2022.

FRMPs highlight the hazards and risks from flooding. They describe how RMAs will work together, and with partners and communities to manage flood risk in the places where we live and work.

FRMPs:

• describe the sources and risks of flooding within a RBD
• include information about how RMAs plan to work with communities and businesses to manage and reduce flood risk
• help to promote a greater awareness and understanding of the risks of flooding - particularly in communities at significant risk
• encourage and enable householders, businesses and communities to take action to manage the risks

FRMPs, together with other plans and strategies, help everyone involved in managing flood risks to make decisions that are best for people and the environment. These other plans include:

• river basin management plan: updated 2022 (RBMP 2022) for the Severn RBD
• local flood risk management strategies (LFRMS) – led by LLFAs
• Severn estuary shoreline management plan (SMP) – led by Coastal Groups
• drainage and wastewater management plans (DWMPs) – led by water companies

Alongside flood risk management planning, we work with others to protect and improve the quality of the water environment through river basin management. We have co-ordinated production of the FRMPs and the RBMPs (RBMP 2022) to encourage better join-up in the management of flood risk and the water environment. This will help to deliver more integrated water solutions that help both flood and drought resilience as well as water quality issues. We have worked with LLFAs and other RMAs to develop joint measures in both FRMPs and RBMPs to reduce flood risk and improve the wider water environment. Aligning measures helps to simplify and improve the efficiency of the delivery of outcomes.

The final Severn RBD FRMP provides further information.

1.3 The SEA process

SEA is a process that ensures consideration is given to the environment during the development of certain ‘plans and programmes’. In doing so, it contributes to the promotion of sustainable development and environmental protection.

Detailed requirements for SEA are set out in the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 (the SEA Regulations). In accordance with the SEA Regulations the Environment Agency determined the update to the second cycle FRMPs required an SEA.

The SEA process requires us to:

• identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the second cycle FRMPs and any reasonable alternatives
• identify measures to prevent, reduce or as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects
• provide an early and effective opportunity to engage in the preparation of the second cycle FRMPs through consultation
• monitor the implementation of the second cycle FRMPs to identify any unforeseen environmental effects and take remedial action where necessary
• report all the above in an environmental report, drawn up during the preparation of the second cycle FRMPs and before its adoption.

We published the SEA environmental report together with the draft second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD as part of the public consultation. This was held between 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022.

For further information on how the SEA was undertaken and its findings please see the SEA environmental report. You can request a copy of the environmental report from the Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre.

The SEA recognises that many of the measures in the FRMP are carried over from the first cycle FRMP or are ‘agreed measures’ (measures that are already being implemented) and as such have already been subject to environmental assessment. It also recognises that the strategic nature of the FRMP and many of the measures mean that we’ll need to investigate to decide the nature and extent of flood risk management activity at a project level. As such, the nature and extent of activity is not known at this stage and therefore cannot be assessed. Project level environmental assessments will be undertaken, where relevant, and many will require planning consent. Our process of business case approval and assurance associated with flood and coastal risk management grant in aid funding, will help to further assure that environmental implications are being considered in the implementation of projects.

2. Integration of environmental considerations into the Severn RBD flood risk management plan

2.1 Introduction

This section explains how we integrated environmental considerations when developing the second cycle FRMPs. A number of interrelated activities supported this. These are outlined below and relate to the:

• development of the second cycle FRMP for Severn RBD
• consultation
• SEA of the Severn RBD FRMP
• habitats regulations assessment (HRA) of the Severn RBD FRMP

2.2 Development of the Severn RBD FRMP

Two important elements of FRMPs are the objectives for managing flood risk and the measures proposed to achieve those objectives. The environment and sustainability were considered throughout the preparation of the second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD.

In preparing the FRMPs, we and other RMAs developed a nationally consistent set of objectives for each FRMP in England. FRMPs are one of many important steps in achieving the ambitions of the national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England (FCERM strategy) and the government’s 25 year environment plan – a green future: our 25 year plan to improve the environment (25 YEP). They also support the direction set by government policy in the FCERM policy statement. These objectives reflect this. Climate change was also taken into account when developing these objectives.

In setting the objectives we and other RMAs gave regard to the flood risk regulations’ aims. These are to:

• reduce the adverse consequences of flooding for human health, economic activity and the environment
• reduce the likelihood of flooding

The objectives have been developed to be consistent with the national FCERM strategy ambitions of:

• climate resilient places
• today’s growth and infrastructure resilient in tomorrow’s climate
• a nation ready to respond and adapt to flooding and coastal change

The 25 year environment plan has also been an important influence in relation to its aims and goals to:

• leave the environment in a better state than we found it
• improve the long term resilience of our homes, businesses and infrastructure at risk of flooding and coastal change
• use more natural flood management solutions where appropriate

Taking this context into account all FRMPs include national objectives that specifically deal with environmental aspects. These include:

• objective 6: by 2027, risk management authorities will have worked with communities, landowners and catchment, coastal and estuary partnerships, to identify and carry out schemes which work with natural processes to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal change
• objective 8: by 2027, actions by risk management authorities to address current and future risk of flooding and coastal change will have helped achieve the environmental objectives set out in the river basin district’s river basin management plan
• objective 9: by 2027, risk management authorities will have worked with catchment and coastal partnerships, landowners and managers and communities to make use of nature-based solutions to reduce the risk of flooding and coastal change and contribute to achieving wider environmental benefits
• objective 10: by 2027, risk management authorities will have worked with Natural England and other partners to ensure that the delivery of flooding and coastal change risk management programmes have contributed to the local nature recovery strategies so that new and restored habitats contribute to reducing flood and coastal risk

The second cycle FRMPs also include the following national level measures in relation to environmental aspects:

• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will plan all flood risk management projects in England to achieve biodiversity net gain where appropriate and wider environmental benefits across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will plan all flood risk management projects in England to help achieve the objectives in the appropriate river basin management plan across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will invest in flood risk management projects in England to contribute to the resilience, adaptation and improvement of the natural, built and historic environment where appropriate across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will work with catchment partnerships, communities and other risk management authorities to maximise the use of nature-based solutions in England to reduce the risk of flooding from all sources across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will drive down carbon emissions and deliver the required flood risk management outcomes when planning and carrying out flood risk management works in England to achieve its net zero by 2030 target across all river basin districts
• between 2021 and 2027, lead local flood authorities may start implementing steps to work towards net zero carbon in their area to mitigate the effects of climate change
• between 2021 and 2027, lead local flood authorities may work with other risk management authorities, communities, and all relevant partners to identify a programme of nature-based approaches in their area to reduce the risk of flooding from all sources
• between 2021 and 2027, lead local flood authorities may plan flood risk management projects to achieve wider environmental benefits where appropriate in their area to work towards biodiversity net gain

The Environment Agency plans to implement these national level measures as part of its routine day-to-day work as a risk management authority. The Environment Agency is responsible for the national level measures that apply to every FRA for main rivers and the sea. LLFAs are responsible for the national level measures that apply to every FRA for surface water. Some of these measures are statutory and others are optional. LLFAs implement their day-to-day work in different ways depending on local priorities and resources.

Information on all the national level measures and measures which have been developed locally for each FRMP is provided in the interactive mapping tool – flood plan explorer. This information includes which national objectives each measure helps to achieve.

The second cycle FRMP is not intended to cover the individual measures in extensive detail. The level of detail included on a measure varies depending on whether the measure is at the planning or implementation stage. Also, not all measures have secured funding and therefore they will not always be implemented.

2.3 Consultation

In preparing the second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD we worked in partnership with LLFAs and other RMAs.

A public consultation on the draft second cycle FRMPs and associated SEA environmental reports (including the Severn RBD SEA environmental report) ran for 3 months, from 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022. The consultation ran on our online consultation tool Citizen Space, and we engaged with stakeholders nationally to encourage responses. Relevant LLFAs worked collaboratively with the Environment Agency to plan and run consultation activities for shared local stakeholders. We also ran stakeholder events and a social media campaign to advertise the consultation.

We received 255 responses in total, 29 of these were responses that applied to all of the FRMPs being undertaken in England, and 28 specific to the Severn RBD. Responses received were from the public, private and voluntary sector. A range of environmental organisations responded to the consultation including Natural England and Historic England. Overall, there was broad support for the information and measures included in the FRMPs. Please see the ‘summary of responses’ publication for detailed information on the responses received and the key findings from the public consultation.

The responses expressed through the consultation have helped to shape the final FRMP. Sections 4 and 5 below outline how consultation responses were addressed and the changes made to the FRMP as a result of the consultation. For further information on the consultation responses and how we acted on these please see the FRMP ‘you said, we did’ publication.

2.4 Severn RBD FRMP SEA

We carried out a SEA of the second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD. This ensured we took environmental effects into account throughout the development of the FRMP. We also took technical, economic and other factors into account.

The SEA environmental report sets out the findings of the assessment. It outlines:

• the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the FRMP and of reasonable alternatives
• mitigation measures to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset potential negative effects
• enhancement opportunities to help realise greater environmental benefits

We adopted a tiered approach to the assessment as the second cycle FRMP operates at different levels and geographical scales. It considered the following components:

• a detailed assessment of the effects of individual measures that have the potential to result in physical ‘on the ground’ changes and direct environmental effects
• an assessment of national level measures
• an assessment of the effects of collections of measures within the key locations of flood risk areas
• an assessment of the effects of different types of measures
• a high-level strategic assessment of the whole plan, including its overall approach and objectives, and the effects of all measures included within the FRMP

For further information on the SEA environmental report and its findings please see section 3 below, and the SEA environmental report. You can request a copy of the environmental report from the Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre.

The FRMP sets out how to manage significant flood risk in nationally identified FRAs and how RMAs will work together, and with partners and communities, to manage flood risk. The FRMP is a framework for RMAs to undertake other plans and individual FCERM projects. Many of these local level plans and projects will also undergo separate environmental assessments. These environmental assessments will be at a more relevant scale to consider the potential effects of managing flood risk in different places.

2.5 Severn RBD FRMP habitats regulations assessment

We carried out a habitats regulations assessment (HRA) in accordance with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) of the second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD. The HRA considers the potential implications of the measures contained in the second cycle FRMP on designated European conservation sites. These sites contain species and habitats that are important at a European scale. The sites include the following designations: special areas of conservation, special protection areas and ramsar sites. We have consulted with Natural England in preparing the final HRA and consulted NRW in relation to any cross-boundary effects.

The HRA assessed potential impact pathways, direct habitat loss, coastal squeeze, visual and noise disturbance, water quality, hydrology, loss of functionally linked habitat and spread of invasive non-native species. A total of 28 European sites with sensitivity to hydrological changes or other linking impact pathways were identified across the Severn RBD. The HRA concluded that likely significant effects on all European sites, both alone and in-combination, could be screened out for all measures and an appropriate assessment was not required.

The HRA recognises that many strategies, plans and projects developed within the framework set by the FRMP will be subject to their own requirements for HRA. This will provide a local level assessment to appropriately assess the effects of specific risk management policies and actions on European sites. Read more information on the HRA and its findings.

3. The findings of the SEA

This section documents the findings of the SEA environmental report and the influence of the assessment undertaken on the development of the second cycle FRMP. The environmental report identified mitigation actions to avoid or reduce predicted negative effects of the measures in the draft FRMP, and opportunities to enhance the positive effects.

3.1 Significant environmental effects of the draft FRMP

Overall, the SEA of the second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD found that the identified environmental effects are likely to be predominantly positive or neutral. Table 1 below presents a summary of the SEA findings of the whole plan by environmental topic.

Table 1: summary of SEA findings of the FRMP for Severn RBD

Topic	SEA question	Conclusion of overall assessment of plan
Biodiversity, including flora and fauna	Does the plan protect and recover nature?	Neutral
Population and human health	Does the plan improve health, wellbeing and equality?	Significant positive
Soils	Does the plan improve and sustain resources?	Positive or neutral
Water	Does the plan protect and improve the water environment?	Positive or neutral
Climatic factors	Does the plan help to mitigate and adapt to climate change?	# Positive or neutral
Material assets	Does the plan support communities and a prosperous economy?	Positive
Cultural heritage	Does the plan conserve and enhance the historic environment?	Neutral or uncertain
Landscape	Does the plan conserve and enhance landscape and seascape character?	Neutral

The assessment identified significant positive effects in relation to population and human health. This reflects the inherent nature of the draft second cycle FRMP and measures associated with the prevention, protection and preparedness for and recovery from flooding events. Protection measures involving the delivery of a flood risk management scheme or installation of property flood resilience measures will have a direct benefit on human health and wellbeing. Preparedness measures on expanding the flood warning service and engaging with communities to encourage sign up, and the setting up of community flood action groups, are likely to benefit health and wellbeing. Raising awareness, and enabling better preparation and response to flood events, can reduce the impact of flooding on communities.

Potential positive effects were mainly identified for the environmental topics of climatic factors and material assets. Where the assessment identified a neutral effect, this often reflected the potential for negative effects that could be reduced to neutral effects after the implementation of mitigation actions. This was particularly the case for the environmental topics of biodiversity, water and landscape in relation to protection measures involving physical ‘on the ground’ activities. In addition, insufficient information on protection measures involving the investigation and implementation, if found viable, of flood risk management schemes or maintenance programmes resulted in these environmental effects being uncertain.

For the topic of cultural heritage, the significance of environmental effects was often identified to be uncertain for protection measures. This reflects the potential for unknown below ground archaeology and the need for a heritage baseline to be established.

Significant positive effects were identified from the following types of measures:

• delivery of natural flood management interventions and river restoration and reconnection of floodplains (protection) – on the topics of biodiversity and landscape character
• delivery of blue/green infrastructure (protection) – on the topics of biodiversity and landscape character
• identification of opportunities to increase the flood resilience of heritage assets (prevention) – on the topic of cultural heritage
• adoption of an adaptive pathways approach in preparing plans and strategies and considering a range of climate change scenarios (prevention) – on the topic of climatic factors

The following types of protection measure were identified to have a positive effect on the topic of water environment by improving the condition of water bodies:

• delivery of projects that work with natural processes including natural flood risk management interventions, river restoration and reconnection of floodplains
• delivery of blue/green infrastructure
• extend the use of SuDs within flood risk capital programmes
• implement source control interventions to reduce run-off entering urban watercourses
• improve surface water management to reduce run-off entering sewers

The use of natural processes can help to reduce surface water runoff and soil erosion. This can also benefit the topic of soils through the protection and conservation of soils.

Most protection measures in the draft second cycle FRMP were screened out of the detailed assessment for the SEA as there is insufficient information on the location, scale and design of the measures. As a result, potential environmental effects are currently uncertain and will depend on the environmental sensitivities of the local area likely to be affected.

The environmental report aims to be proportionate to the context of the draft second cycle FRMP and avoiding duplication of other assessments that may be required in taking forward measures. For example, environmental assessments of individual measures at the future strategy or project level to make sure environmental effects are considered more locally.

The plan includes measures in specific places (for example, flood risk areas). As these individual measures are implemented in specific places, alternatives will be considered as part of the development of options and business case appraisal. As such, further planning processes and supporting environmental assessments will focus on alternatives at these programme and project levels.

3.2 Interrelationship between environmental topics

The SEA of the draft second cycle FRMP identified several interrelationships between the environmental topics. An example of this is the positive effects from measures that work with natural processes. This is reflected in positive interrelationships between topics on biodiversity and water environment (supporting WFD objectives), as well as with soils (soil conservation) and material assets (agricultural land).

Another example is the measure of blue/green infrastructure that are generally landscape-led projects and enable positive effects across the topics on population (improved health and wellbeing), biodiversity and water management. The measure of expanding the use of SuDS can contribute to enhancing the character of urban landscapes as well as improving water quality.

These measures also demonstrate the positive link between biodiversity and human health and wellbeing through the benefits of increased interaction with the natural environment and green space.

3.3 Summary of mitigation actions and enhancement opportunities

Key mitigation actions identified in the SEA environmental report are summarised below:

• investigation of flood risk management schemes to undertake environmental assessments at the project level, where required, for potential significant effects and to identify scheme specific mitigation
• adoption of the mitigation hierarchy as a design principle during development of protection measures, with avoidance of areas of environmental sensitivity as far as possible
• a heritage baseline should be prepared for protection measures involving physical ‘on the ground’ activities to inform the historic significance of areas to be impacted
• assessment of potential effects on landscape character and visual amenity should be undertaken as part of the project level environmental assessment for protection measures and inform mitigation requirements
• a water framework directive (WFD) assessment should be undertaken for protection measures, where required, to demonstrate compliance with WFD objectives at a water body scale
• RMAs to achieve biodiversity net gain on measures involving loss of habitat through construction activities
• RMAs to demonstrate consideration of sustainable solutions during investigation of flood risk management measures at the project level
• RMAs to support the delivery of environmental net gain in local places for new flood risk management measures

A range of mitigation actions to support the delivery of measures with multiple benefits, as recommended in the FCERM Strategy, are also provided in the SEA environmental report.

Enhancement opportunities relevant to each environmental topic are described in Section 5.1 through to Section 5.8 in the SEA environmental report.

3.4 Influence of SEA process on development of draft FRMP

As outlined in section 2.2, the national objectives developed for the FRMPs support the aims of the Flood Risk Regulations (2009), and the ambitions of the national FCERM strategy and 25 year environment plan. As a result of this, environmental and sustainability considerations have been central to the preparation of the second cycle FRMPs from an early stage. Many of the measures within the FRMPs will help to embed the principle of achieving environmental improvements or benefits as part of risk management solutions.

The draft FRMPs recognised the requirement for RMAs to effectively coordinate flood risk assessment and management.  This is in accordance with the Flood Risk (Cross Border Areas) Regulations 2010. Internal Area teams at the Environment Agency worked closely with their LLFAs and other RMAs in the development of individual measures for the Severn RBD.

The need for consideration of environmental effects was raised at an early stage during workshops held with LLFAs on the development of individual local measures. This collaborative working approach also enabled RMAs to make the most of opportunities to enhance the natural, built and historic environment. Internal Area teams at the Environment Agency considered opportunities for nature-based solutions and natural flood management, both locally and within the catchment, during measures development. Multiple benefits associated with nature-based solutions and taking a catchment-based approach to delivery were given greater emphasis in the SEA environmental report, and this helped inform Part B of the draft FRMP.

The measures within the draft second cycle FRMP were reviewed by the RBMP Area lead at the Environment Agency during the development of the RBMP 2022 for the Severn RBD. This co-ordinated approach helped to identify where measures in the draft FRMP will, or could, help achieve measures in the RBMP and contribute to improving the water environment.

At a national level the Environment Agency is working collaboratively with NRW. This will make sure our plans for managing the risk of flooding and coastal change are mutually supportive. Comments on the draft ER for the part of the Severn RBD that is in England were invited from NRW through the consultation process on the draft second cycle FRMP in the autumn of 2021. On-going engagement with NRW at a national level will continue to facilitate the preparation of the 2 FRMPs.

4. How opinions expressed in response to the consultation have been taken into account

4.1 Introduction

The consultation on the draft second cycle FRMP and SEA environmental report for the Severn RBD took place between 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022. This section refers to the views expressed in relation to the draft SEA environmental report. It summarises the main issues raised in the consultation and how we have taken them into account in finalising the second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD. The ‘you said, we did’ document provides a full outline of all the responses received on the draft FRMP and outlines how we took them into account in finalising the FRMP.

The consultation on the draft second cycle FRMP included questions on the draft SEA environmental report as follows:

• do you agree with the conclusions of the environmental assessment?
• are there any further significant environmental effects, either positive or negative, of the draft FRMPs which you think should be considered?
• are there further opportunities to enhance any positive or mitigate any negative environmental effects that should be considered for the final FRMPs?

4.2 Cross cutting themes

Many of the responses received in relation to the draft SEA environmental report for the Severn RBD (around two-thirds) relate to the content and measures within the draft second cycle FRMP and were cross cutting across the FRMPs. Cross cutting themes as raised through the consultation are discussed below, alongside our responses to these.

Historic environment

Historic England outlined the importance of the historic environment in place-shaping, local and cultural identity and how it can support the resilience of places and people. Whilst heritage assets and the historic environment can be affected by flooding and flood risk management, they can also play a positive role through, for example, supporting community engagement with flood risk management, learning from traditional water management practices and living with water. There are opportunities for the historic environment to support natural flood management and help build climate resilience and adaptation to flooding and coastal change.

Historic England described how it was important to consider how the measures in the FRMPs impact on the historic landscape character and sense of place, as well as specific designated assets. Both direct and indirect effects (for example, through water level changes or mitigation measures for other environmental effects), and positive and negative effects, of flood risk measures should be considered. They would like to have increased collaboration and early engagement as measures progress to ensure that effects are adequately assessed, and opportunities maximised.

Historic England outlined the need for strengthened objectives and measures within the FRMPs to provide a consistent strategic approach to the integration of flood risk management and the historic environment. This should be consistent with the requirements for conserving and enhancing the historic environment set out in the national planning policy framework.

The SEA undertaken was proportionate to the strategic nature of the FRMP and many of the measures mean that we’ll need to investigate to decide the nature and extent of flood risk management activity at a project level. As such, at this stage the nature and extent of activity is not known and therefore cannot be assessed with any certainty. Project level environmental assessments will be undertaken, with Historic England and other relevant stakeholders consulted early in the process. The assurance of project proposals provides additional safeguards that make sure environmental implications are considered in the implementation of the second cycle FRMP.

Within the FRMP itself, the national measure relating to historic environment has been strengthened to include resilience and adaptation as well as improvement to the natural, built and historic environment. This measure reflects the national FCERM strategy. The updated measure can be seen below:

• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will invest in flood risk management projects in England to contribute to the resilience, adaptation and improvement of the natural, built and historic environment where appropriate across all river basin districts

The national FCERM strategy roadmap and delivery plan will support the delivery of this national measure. We will continue to work with Historic England and other partners to achieve this.

The wording in relation to early engagement and partnership working has also been strengthened, with further detail provided on our partnership approach.

Biodiversity and designated sites

Consultees outlined that an HRA should be undertaken, and that it is important to consider the impact of the FRMP on protected sites, priority habitats and protected species. Natural England felt that the SEA documents lacked detail and the documentation made it hard to understand how the assessment had been undertaken and on what basis; this was particularly with respect to designated sites. In addition, it was suggested that the SEA assessment criteria with respect to biodiversity should be strengthened to include the consideration of conservation objectives associated with designated sites, and that the SEA should provide details on favourable condition tables, site improvement plans and supplementary advice on conservation objectives (SACOs).

Natural England identified that many measures carried over from the first cycle FRMPs have been indicated as not requiring an SEA at the scheme level due to no significant changes in the design. They were concerned that this approach does not consider changes in the ecological and policy context that may have occurred since the first cycle FRMPs leading to potential environmental effects not being mitigated.

We have carried out an HRA in accordance with The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended) for the Severn RBD FRMP. The HRA considers the potential implications of the FRMP on designated European conservation sites and provides figures to show the locations of these sites. These sites contain species and habitats that are important at a European scale. The sites include the following designations: special areas of conservation, special protection areas and ramsar sites. Please see section 2.5 of this report for further information on the conclusions of the HRA for the Severn RBD FRMP.

The SEA undertaken was proportionate to the strategic nature of the FRMP and many measures will require investigation to decide the nature and extent of flood risk management activity at a project level. Strategies, plans and projects developed within the framework set by the FRMP will be subject to their own requirements for environmental assessment and HRA, and will be subject to planning or other consenting regimes. This provides a local level framework to appropriately assess the effects of specific risk management policies and actions on designated sites and biodiversity, including project specific design considerations.

For the second cycle FRMP SEA we revised and updated the baseline and policy context to ensure that the latest information was being used to set the scope and assess effects. When deciding which measures to assess within the detailed assessment of individual measures or considered as part of the cumulative assessment, the type of measure and the nature of the activity involved was considered as follows:

• measures that were carried over from the first cycle FRMP and were already being implemented or constructed were considered in the cumulative assessment

• measures which were yet to be implemented but had not changed significantly were considered in the cumulative assessment - this is because they had previously been through the SEA process

The SEA methodology is outlined in further detail within the SEA environmental report.

Agriculture and land management

FRMPs will help to create a better place for people and wildlife. Consultees considered that when assessing and managing flood risk, there is a need to consider all land uses and land management practices. Adequate integration with planning to achieve more sustainable development was also raised.

The recognition of the importance of agricultural land in the SEA was appreciated. However, some respondents considered that the benefits that the farming community and agriculture bring should be better represented in the FRMPs. These include economic and environmental benefits, ecosystem services, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water quality, landscape character, recreation and tourism. These benefits could be jeopardised if agricultural land is regularly flooded.

Consultees highlighted that the land use change impact on food production should be a key consideration that the FRMPs should cover. They explained that there needs to be a balance between flood risk management, including natural flood management, land use change and agricultural land loss. They wanted more consideration of the value of agricultural land regarding future flood protection and food production. There were also concerns that using agricultural land for flood protection could have serious implications for the economy.

References to land management have been updated within the FRMP to provide additional information and emphasis on the significance of flood risk to agricultural land and food production. Wording has also been strengthened in relation to partnership working.

The FCERM strategy roadmap also includes actions that will support farmers and landowners to help adapt their businesses and practices to be resilient to flooding and coastal change. It outlines how we will work with others to develop land management practices that enhance flood resilience alongside sustainable food production.

Nature-based solutions

Consultation responses related to nature-based solutions were primarily focused on the FRMP itself. They were focused on:

• the positive benefits of nature-based solutions
• the need for a balance between nature-based and engineered solutions
• the need for alignment with the national FCERM strategy

Please refer to the ‘you said we did’ document for our response to these comments and the changes made to the FRMP.

Catchment-based approach

Consultation responses related to catchment-based approaches were primarily focused on the FRMP itself.

There was broad support for existing measures and a greater emphasis on a catchment-based approach for flood risk management. It was suggested that the focus on flood risk areas within the plans appears inconsistent with a catchment-based approach, which is vital to manage the movement and storage of water at the catchment scale and to maximise the use of nature- based solutions and looking at flood risk management more holistically. Consultees set out the need for collaborative working to optimise the benefits of a catchment-based approach.

Please refer to the ‘you said we did’ document for our response to these comments and the changes made to the FRMP.

Alignment of plans and strategies

Respondents outlined the need for greater clarity as to how the FRMPs fit with other plans and strategies (including the national FCERM strategy, RBMPs, local nature recovery strategies, drainage wastewater management plans, shoreline management plans). They considered the alignment of strategies and plans to be essential to ensure a comprehensive approach and effective delivery.

The alignment between FRMPs and RBMPs was welcomed to optimise environmental opportunities and benefits.

Please refer to the ‘you said we did’ document for our response to these comments and the changes made to the FRMP.

4.3 Main themes specific to Severn RBD FRMP

Analysis of the consultation responses received on the draft second cycle FRMP for Severn RBD identified the following main themes:

• nature-based solutions: with associated comments relating to multiple benefits, catchment-based approach, agriculture and land management
• partnerships and engagement: with positive mention of existing partnerships and comments on the need for wider partnership working to be included in the plan,
• partnerships: comments relating to sharing data, aligning priorities and plans, identifying, developing and delivery of measures
• resources and funding were identified as potential constraints for the implementation of the plan and timely delivery of measures

Most of the respondents agreed totally or partially with the SEA conclusions. A quarter of the respondents replied that did not know.

Topic points raised under the consultation responses received to the questions on the draft SEA environmental report included:

• recognition of the importance of agricultural land in the SEA was appreciated, although greater quantification of effects of flood risk management and consideration of the impact on food production is needed
• more detail should be included regarding the negative impacts of engineered solutions for flood risk and the benefits of nature-based solutions
• the impact of using natural flood management and nature-based solutions on land use change and food production should be discussed further
• there should be more engagement with catchment partnerships and the food production industry

These topics also relate to the cross cutting themes discussed above of agriculture and land management, nature-based solutions and catchment-based approach (refer to section 4.2).

One respondent expressed concern that the potential negative impacts of engineered solutions on biodiversity need to be assessed, and that wider benefits of nature-based solutions be accounted for. The second cycle FRMP is a strategic level plan. Direct environmental impacts arising from engineered solutions (a protection type of measure) on environmental receptors will be assessed in detail at the next stage of local level plans or projects. Legal requirements for implementing engineered solutions are likely to include the preparation of environmental assessments based on the environmental sensitivities and designations in the study area. These future environmental assessments would determine the significance of environmental effects according to the location, scale and design of the proposed physical ‘on the ground’ changes.

The topic point raised on including more detail on the benefits of nature-based solutions is also discussed above under cross cutting themes. The suitability of nature-based solutions will be considered at the local level and be place specific, including taking a catchment-based approach to delivery. Opportunities to integrate with the delivery of biodiversity net gain will also be considered at the local level and be place specific, together with opportunities for wider environmental gain and multiple benefits. Nature-based solutions can support the delivery of objectives set out in the RBMPs and local nature recovery strategies and are usually low carbon solutions.

4.4 Other topic points specific to Severn RBD FRMP

Other topic points were raised through the consultation questions on the SEA environmental report for the Severn RBD FRMP which are not addressed by the cross cutting and main themes described above. These more specific topic points are discussed under the headings below, alongside our responses.

Quantification of potential impacts

One respondent raised that the assessment should include some quantification of the potential impacts of proposed measures on the environment, through which the most environmentally beneficial measures may be given greater priority.

The SEA assessment framework is unable to give priority to environmentally beneficial measures and their delivery, although it can highlight those measures that would be more positive. Measures with the potential for significant positive effects, as identified through the SEA assessment process, are highlighted in the SEA environmental report. Changes have been made to Part A of the FRMPs to expand on the benefits of measures. This includes the multiple benefits of natural flood management and nature based solutions.

As measures are taken forward, detailed environmental assessments will be undertaken at a local level and will include development of environmental benefits (Section 3.1 refers). Information on measures can be found on flood plan explorer and includes environmental benefits and outcomes.  It should be noted that the level of detail that is currently provided on environmental outcomes may vary depending on the planning or implementation stage that the measures are at.

Wider benefits of measures

A specific consultation response was made on Table 8 of Part B of the FRMP regarding the number or area of natural and historic environment sites shown to be at high to low risk of flooding. It was queried how these sites will be protected as well as people. Also, it was raised that a numerical assessment to show the scale of outcomes for the natural and historic environment would provide evidence on the wider benefits of some of the measures.

On Table 8 of the FRMP Part B, it is recognised that some of the environmentally designated sites at risk are reliant to some degree on flooding. This process is needed to maintain their interest features.  A substantial proportion of the natural environment sites in the RBD are within the tidal fringes of the Severn estuary.

As individual measures are taken forward, detailed environmental assessments will be undertaken at the future strategy or project level to make sure environmental effects are considered more locally. This will include the environmental benefits of increasing the flood resilience of heritage sites.  The following national level measure is of relevance on the protection of natural and historic environment sites at risk of flooding:

• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will invest in flood risk management projects in England to contribute to the resilience, adaptation and improvement of the natural, built and historic environment where appropriate across all river basin districts

Local wildlife sites

A specific consultation response was made on Table 8 and Table 11 of the FRMP Part B on local wildlife sites not being specifically included. It was noted that some sites are dependent on flooding for maintaining good condition, but others would be damaged by regular high level and/or persistent flooding. It was commented that some measures in the FRMP might positively contribute to ‘good management condition’ which is an indicator that upper tier local authorities are required to report on to Defra.

The risk from flooding to local wildlife sites was not included in Tables 8 and 11 given the scale and strategic level of the FRMPs. It was considered that the national and international nature conservation designations in the Severn RBD were the most relevant under the SEA assessment framework. It is recognised that some measures may positively contribute to ‘good management condition’, although nature conservation sites could be damaged by regular flooding. As individual measures are developed, future project appraisal at a more localised scale would determine any potential impacts on local wildlife sites in the study area.

Delivery of measures

One respondent raised that there should be more steer on the delivery of measures in the FRMP. A specific point was made that the SEA could provide a more concise output and highlight potential neutral areas of environmental impact. That “focus” area of the SEA could then be referenced in delivery plans to ensure those vulnerable environmental topics are considered and that a hierarchical approach to the SEA process is developed.

This consultation response is noted and on consideration does not change the overall assessment findings of the SEA. As described in section 3.1, as individual measures are taken forward for delivery, environmental assessments will be undertaken at the future strategy or project level. This will include detailed assessment of key environmental topics and significant environmental effects. A hierarchical approach has been adopted in the SEA assessment process for the FRMPs, as outlined in section 2.4.

Surface water management

A consultation response was made on the need for recognition of the potential to deliver positive environmental effects by taking surface water out of combined sewers and creating nature-based drainage solutions to manage the surface water. It was raised that such measures can reduce flood risk, reduce spills from combined sewer overflows, and at the same time deliver wider environmental and amenity benefits.

Sewers and surface water as sources of flood risk are described in detail in Part B of the FRMP. Water companies in the RBD are currently developing long-term strategic drainage and wastewater management plans (DWMPs). The aim is that these DWMPs will align with and support other strategic plans to facilitate partnership working. This approach of developing partnership working solutions to manage surface water will be more effective in reducing the risk of surface water flooding and spills from combined sewer overflows, and in the delivery of positive environmental effects and wider benefits.

The following measures included within the Severn RBD FRMP provide examples of measures which link to this consultation response:

• by 2025, the Environment Agency will work with water companies to identify joint opportunities for meeting the objectives of their drainage and waste water management plans and the Environment Agency flood and coastal erosion risk management and environment programmes in the Environment Agency Wessex and West Midlands areas to manage the future risk of flooding and identify opportunities for environmental improvements in the Severn river basin district
• between 2021 and 2027, Dwr Cymru Welsh Water will investigate the attenuation or separation of surface water from the public sewer network as part of all wastewater capital schemes in DCWW wastewater catchments to deliver sustainable and resilient sewerage projects that will reduce the risk of sewer flooding in the Severn river basin district
• between 2021 and 2025, Severn Trent Water will review and comment on planning applications (using a prioritised risk based approach), and engage with developers in STW wastewater catchments to help manage the impact of increased flows to the sewer network and encourage the sustainable management of surface water in the Severn river basin district

5. Reasons for selecting the Severn RBD FRMP as adopted

5.1 Introduction

This section provides an outline of the main factors taken into account in finalising the second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD. The main factors include the:

• findings of the SEA process as described in the environmental report including the assessment of reasonable alternatives
• consultation responses to the draft FRMP
• consultation responses to the SEA environmental report
• findings of the final HRA

In section 5.2 below we summarise the main changes made to the FRMP as informed by the consultation. In section 5.3 we outline the relationship to the SEA process.

5.2 The final FRMP

Part A of the FRMP

There were a number of cross cutting themes from the consultation on the draft FRMPs which led to changes in Part A of the FRMP – national overview document. The changes reflect areas where responses identified common themes for improvement or which needed to be further clarified. Some of the general changes we have made include:

• clarifying how the FRMPs align with other plans and strategies including the national FCERM strategy and RBMPs
• expanding on the information about natural flood management (NFM) including types and benefits and outcomes of the NFM programme
• providing additional details about the role of catchment partnerships and the importance of the catchment-based approach
• providing additional information on the significance of flood risk to agricultural land and food production
• greater clarity on the historic environment, with a change to a national measure to include adaptability and resilience of the historic environment, and additional wording to explain how we will work with others to maximise opportunities and minimise effects
• increased clarity with regard to climate change and the contribution of FRMP measures to climate resilience
• explained the methodology used to identify FRAs in the preliminary flood risk assessments and provided clarification that no groundwater FRAs have been identified
• greater explanation with regard to funding
• made improvements to flood plan explorer

We have also included more information in the foreword section of Part A about our approach and commitment to partnership working.

We made changes to the functionality and maps on flood plan explorer to make finding information easier, particularly in places where there are many measures near to each other. We also created a guide to support flood plan explorer navigation.

As a result of consultation responses on the Severn RBMP 2022 relating to local nature recovery strategies, a section on local nature recovery strategies has been included in Part A.

Some of the responses we received could not be addressed through changes in the FRMPs. Some comments identified local issues which needed consideration at a local level. These were passed to the Environment Agency and LLFA’s local teams where relevant for appropriate action or information. In addition, some comments related to the Environment Agency and the government’s wider remits. The ‘you said we did’ document provides further detail on these aspects.

Part B of the FRMP

We have worked with internal teams at the Environmental Agency and relevant RMAs to make simple changes to Part B of the FRMP to address some of the consultation responses received. Of relevance to the assessment framework of the SEA environmental report, these changes to Part B of the FRMP for the Severn RBD include strengthened wording around partnership working. It also includes added wording relating to:

• flood risk to agricultural land and food production
• natural flood management
• statistics for natural environment designated sites within the RBD
• the river basin management plan

We have added greater detail on working in partnership in Part B. Our ambition for the period 2021-2027 is to continue to drive catchment-based delivery in the Severn RBD that offers multiple benefits to communities and the environment. We also intend to continue developing and strengthening our working with others to identify, develop and deliver solutions that will increase resilience to flooding and climate change and aid nature recovery in the Severn RBD.

We continue to actively engage with NRW and other cross border partners to establish effective ways of working that enable delivery of multiple benefits for people, places and the environment. NRW is a partner in the river Severn partnership.

We have included more detail in Part B under the section on ‘land management and flooding’ on the specific challenges that rural areas face in relation to flood risk management. Agriculture and horticulture are economically significant land uses that are vulnerable to extreme weather and climate change. Significant flooding can impact on food production. Communities and businesses, including landowners and farmers in the countryside, have an important role to play in managing and reducing flood risk and increasing their resilience to floods. The introduction of the environmental land management scheme may offer greater opportunities to maximise both environmental benefits and reductions in flood risk.

Natural flood management and nature-based solutions can offer multiple benefits. These benefits, and the various types of natural flood management, are described in more detail in Part A – national overview document.

Clarification has been added to Table 8 and Table 11 in Part B to highlight that a substantial proportion of the natural environment sites within the Severn RBD relate to the Severn Estuary itself (that is, within the tidal fringes).

Measures within the FRMP

New measures have been added and existing measures have been amended in response to consultation feedback on the draft FRMP for the Severn RBD.

This includes adding 4 new measures for the Severn RBD FRMP.

This also includes amending other measures to:

• expand the scope
• change lead responsible authority / add responsible authorities
• change / add measure wording, including to clarify intent
• correct an error
• change measure review process

When considering proposed changes to measures we assessed the associated environmental effects as part of the SEA. This enabled us to understand the environmental effects of changes and to feed into the decision as to whether to implement these changes. We agreed the changes with relevant partners before making them.

The 4 new measures added to the Severn RBD FRMP all fall under the flood risk management category of protection and are as follows:

• by 2027, the Environment Agency will further work with the river Severn partnership and catchment partnerships to strengthen an evidence-led, integrated catchment-based approach to delivery in the river Severn partnership area to reduce flood risk and improve climate resilience and nature recovery in the Severn river basin district
• by 2027, the Environment Agency will continue to work with partners to further engage with businesses and local communities to improve awareness and promote action that delivers multiple benefits in the Environment Agency West Midlands and Wessex areas to reduce flood risk, improve the environment and contribute to climate resilience in the Severn river basin district
• between 2021 and 2027, river Lugg internal drainage board will work with other risk management authorities and environmental non-government organisations to explore opportunities in the river Lugg internal drainage board area to provide multiple benefits including to reduce flood risk in the Wye MC management catchment
• by 2027, the Environment Agency will work with partners to identify key issues and potential opportunities, develop a vision and deliver nature based solutions in the river Arrow catchment to provide multiple benefits including reducing flood risk in the Wye management catchment

The first new measure is included as a result of the review of the RBMP consultation responses that relate to the FRMP and reflects a cross-cutting theme of integrated catchment-based approach and engagement. The second new measure reflects a cross-cutting theme relating to the FRMP on holistic engagement that will promote action that delivers multiple benefits.

5.3 Review of the changes

We have reviewed the changes made to the second cycle FRMP for the Severn RBD as part of the SEA process. The main purpose of this was to determine whether the changes could alter the significant environmental effects identified in the assessment of the draft FRMP and its measures. See section 3 for an overview of these potential environmental effects as described in the SEA environmental report for the Severn RBD.

Part A of the FRMP

Overall, the consultation showed broad support for the information and measures included in the FRMP. This supports the SEA conclusions on the assessment of alternatives and its approach to assessing the potential significant environmental effects of the FRMP.

A substantial proportion of the changes made to Part A of the FRMP are associated with additions to the supporting text or narrative. In some places the supporting text has also been restructured. These changes have primarily sought to provide additional information and help clarify aspects following the consultation responses. Changes made to the wording of national measures have been minor text changes to clarify or strengthen them.

As discussed in section 4.2, the national measure relating to historic environment has been strengthened to include resilience and adaptation as well as improvement to the natural, built and historic environment.

Part B of the FRMP

On consideration of the SEA assessment framework, the proposed 4 new measures would not result in any change to the detailed assessment of the likely environmental effects of individual measures by environmental topic. These 4 new measures would also not result in any change to the cumulative effects assessment of all measures undertaken in the SEA. It is therefore concluded that the new measures would not affect the overall SEA assessment findings of the second cycle FRMP, as presented in the SEA environmental report.

The amendment of existing measures, as described in Part B of the FRMP, has been reviewed against the SEA assessment framework and would not affect the assessment findings of the SEA.

Conclusion

We have concluded that the changes made to the second cycle FRMP do not materially affect the findings of the SEA and likely significant effects identified. This takes account of the nature of the changes and how they relate to the consultation responses on the draft FRMP and SEA environmental report. This conclusion also takes into account the recommendations made in the SEA environmental report for mitigation and enhancement opportunities.

In addition, we have prepared a final HRA to assess potential significant effects of the measures contained in the second cycle FRMP on European sites. Likely significant effects on all European sites, both alone and in-combination, were excluded for all measures. At the strategic FRMP level, 26 measures were screened out, although they were recommended for HRA at the project level as details of potential schemes are developed. The HRA process will ensure that adequate mitigation measures, where relevant, are incorporated and the integrity of European sites is protected.

Overall, we consider that the changes made to the second cycle FRMP are covered by the findings of the SEA, HRA and consultation processes.

6. How monitoring of the significant environmental effects of the implementation of the FRMP will be carried out

6.1 Introduction

The SEA Regulations require significant environmental effects of the final FRMP to be monitored. This section outlines the actions we will take to monitor the significant environmental effects of the second cycle FRMP.

We will use existing monitoring and reporting mechanisms to monitor environmental changes. This information will be used to determine whether the second cycle FRMP might contribute further to reducing potential environmental conflicts or make a greater contribution to the achievement of environmental objectives. It will not be possible to determine whether any changes can be directly attributed to the measures within the second cycle FRMP. This is because there are too many other influences on environmental change for a direct relationship to be identified.

The environmental topics that are proposed for monitoring are as follows:

• population and human health
• biodiversity
• water
• climatic factors

The SEA only identified potential positive significant effects in relation to population and human health. However, given the uncertainty that exists regarding the likely impacts of the plan on other environmental topics, it is proposed to monitor a wider range of topics as listed above.

The SEA environmental report further explains that there is no requirement to monitor the following environmental topics:

• soil
• material assets
• cultural heritage
• landscape

This is because no likely significant effects were identified in the assessment of the plan.

Monitoring of progress towards the national FCERM strategy objectives, via the FCERM Strategy Roadmap, and of the FRMP will help to identify areas that need review and action in relation to the environmental ambitions of the plans. Please see FRMP Part B for further information on how we will monitor implementation of the FRMP.

In addition to the monitoring proposed below, the process of business case approval and assurance associated with flood and coastal risk management grant in aid funding, will help to make sure that management, mitigation and monitoring occurs at a project level.

6.2 Population and human health

The Environment Agency is required to periodically report to the minister on flood and coastal erosion risk management outcomes. Data on the changes in the number of households and businesses at risk of flooding and those better protected from flooding is already collected and would provide a good indicator for the effects of the plan. It is recommended that this data be used for the geographical extent of the Severn RBD.

Strategic objective 1.1 of the FCERM Strategy action plan states that ‘between now and 2050 the nation will bolster its resilience to flooding and coastal change’ and outlines a number of actions to help deliver it. Monitoring conducted to understand the extent to which this objective is achieved will also be relevant to understanding the extent to which the second cycle FRMP resilience objectives, and the respective benefits for people and human health, are being achieved across the RBDs.

6.3 Biodiversity, flora and fauna

Annual monitoring is already undertaken to determine the length of rivers improved to help show progress towards meeting Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017 objectives. Over the lifetime of the plan we would expect to see the number of rivers reduce where flood risk management is a contributing factor in a river’s failure to achieve good status or potential. Furthermore, for outcome measure 4 (OM4) the Environment Agency reports on:

• km of waterbody improved
• hectares of habitat improved
• hectares of habitat created

Additionally, the following individual measures taken from the second cycle FRMP are of relevance to this topic and include monitoring actions as follows:

• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will monitor the effectiveness of natural flood management interventions in the Environment Agency’s West Midlands area to build a comprehensive evidence base and share knowledge to justify further investment in natural flood management interventions in the future
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency and Natural England will agree an approach to monitor and manage any impacts of existing beaver populations on Environment Agency flood risk management activities in the Environment Agency Wessex area to manage and mitigate the interaction of beavers with flood risk maintenance activity and infrastructure
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency and Natural England will agree an approach to monitor and manage any impacts of existing beaver populations on Environment Agency flood risk management activities in Herefordshire to manage and mitigate the interaction of beavers with flood risk maintenance activity and infrastructure in the Wye management catchment

Monitoring associated with the delivery of biodiversity net gain (as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan and included in the Environment Act 2021) will, where appropriate, be included as a monitoring indicator at project level.

6.4 Water

The Environment Agency undertakes monitoring of the water environment to meet the requirements of the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017. Indicators used include water quality, ecology (for example, invertebrates and fish) and morphology. Over the lifetime of the plan, we would expect to see a reduction in the number of rivers where flood risk management is a contributing factor to its poor status.

6.5 Climatic factors

The second cycle FRMP includes measures that aim to help adapt to and increase resilience to climate change. General reporting and monitoring on implementation of these measures and their effectiveness will form a good indicator of progress. Furthermore, under the Climate Change Act 2008 the Environment Agency is required to report to Defra on climate change adaptation. Elements of the report that are relevant to Severn RBD FRMP include:

• working with our customers and partners to adapt to a changing climate
• climate resilient investment
• building the evidence base

Tools and methods, such as carbon budgets, are being developed by the Environment Agency to manage the reduction of carbon emissions to contribute to the Environment Agency’s ambition to be a net zero carbon organisation by 2030. While a significant number of RMAs have declared a climate emergency and might be expected to reduce their carbon emissions, there is no consistent method of monitoring this. It is therefore likely that the Environment Agency data will be used as an indicator of the performance of the wider programme.

List of abbreviations

Abbreviations	Descriptions
BNG	biodiversity net gain
DWMP	drainage and wastewater management plan
FCERM	flood and coastal erosion risk management
FRA	flood risk assessment
FRMP	flood risk management plan
FRR	flood risk regulations
HRA	habitats regulations assessment
LFRMS	local flood risk management strategy
LLFA	lead local flood authority
LWS	local wildlife site
NFM	natural flood management
NRW	Natural Resources Wales
RBMP	river basin management plan
RMA	risk management authority
SAC	special area of conservation
SACO	supplementary advice on conservation objectives
SEA	strategic environmental assessment
SMP	shoreline management plan
SoEP	statement of environmental particulars
SuDS	sustainable drainage system
WFD	water framework directive

Glossary

Adaptation: means anticipating appropriate action to prevent or minimise the likelihood and consequences of flooding and coastal change. It has been shown that well planned early adaptation action saves money and lives.

Baseline: a description of the present state of the environment with the consideration of how the environment would change in the future in the absence of the plan/programme/project as a result of natural events and other human activities.

Baseline studies/survey: collection of information about the environment which is likely to be affected by the project.

Biodiversity net gain: an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand by creating or enhancing habitat.

Catchment: a surface water catchment is the total area that drains into a river. A groundwater catchment is the total area that supplies the groundwater part of the river flow.

Coastal erosion: the loss of land due to the effects of waves and, in the case of coastal cliffs, slope processes (such as high groundwater levels). This may include cliff instability, where coastal processes result in landslides or rock falls.

Cumulative impacts: the combined impacts of several projects within an area, which individually are not significant, but together amount to a significant impact.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): the government department responsible for improving and protecting the environment. Defra’s priority outcomes include: improve the environment through cleaner air and water, minimised waste, and thriving plant and terrestrial and marine wildlife; reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon storage in the agricultural, waste, peat and tree planting sectors to help deliver net zero; reduce the likelihood and impact of flooding and coastal erosion on people, businesses, communities and the environment; increase the sustainability, productivity and resilience of the agriculture, fishing, food and drink sectors, enhance biosecurity at the border and raise animal welfare standards.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA): is an assessment process applied to both new development proposals and changes or extensions to existing developments that are likely to have significant effects on the environment. The EIA process makes sure that potential effects on the environment are considered, including natural resources such as water, air and soil; conservation of species and habitats; and community issues such as visual effects and impacts on the population. EIA provides a mechanism by which the interaction of environmental effects resulting from development can be predicted, allowing them to be avoided or reduced through the development of mitigation measures. As such, it is a critical part of the decision-making process.

Environmental land management scheme (ELMs): is the cornerstone of the government’s new agricultural policy. The scheme means farmers and other land managers may be paid for delivering public goods such as clean and plentiful water, thriving plants and wildlife, and reduction of and adaptation to climate change.

Environmental net gain: net gain is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than beforehand. The aim of environmental net gain is to reduce pressure on and achieve overall improvements in natural capital, ecosystem services and the benefits they deliver.

Environmental report (ER): (1) the document produced for projects that do not require statutory environmental impact assessment, but where environmental impact has been carried out. This includes projects that require planning permission from the local authority but the effects of the proposal will not be significant. An ER usually follows the same template as an Environmental Statement, but is less detailed. (2) the document produced to describe the strategic environmental assessment process carried out for strategies. This report can be standalone or contained as an appendix to a strategy.

Flood defence: a structure (or system of structures) that reduce flooding from rivers or the sea.

Flood plan explorer: a new, online, map-based tool which displays all of the measures proposed as part of the second cycle of flood risk management plans in England.

Flood risk area: areas identified through the PFRA process where the risk of flooding is significant nationally for people, the economy or the environment (including cultural heritage).

Flood and coastal erosion risk management: managing the risks of flooding and coastal erosion to people, property and the natural environment through minimising, predicting and managing the risk.

Flood risk management plan: a statutory plan prepared by the Environment Agency and LLFAs under the Flood Risk Regulations 2009. The plans are reviewed and updated every 6 years. The current plans cover the period 2021 to 2027.

Flood risk management strategy (FRMS): a long term (50 years or more) plan for coastal or river management to reduce the risk of flooding and carry out. They are more detailed than catchment flood management plans (CFMPs).

Fluvial flooding: flooding from/of rivers.

Green infrastructure: includes a range of environments such as parks, playing fields, woodland, street trees, rights of way, allotments, canal tow paths, green walls and roofs

Habitats directive: EC Directive (92/43/EEC) on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. Implemented (with the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC)) in the UK as the Conservation (Natural habitats and wild flora and fauna) Regulations (1994). This establishes a system of protection of certain flora, fauna and habitats considered to be of International or European conservation importance. Sites are designated as special areas of conservation (SACs), special protection areas (SPAs) and/or ramsar sites. Any developments in or close to these designated areas are subject to the Habitat Regulations for approval of English Nature. Together these sites are referred to as the Natura 2000 network. Habitats Regulations -The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 implement the habitats and birds directives in England and Wales.

Habitats regulations assessment: any developments in or close to a special area of conservation or a special protection area are subject to the habitat regulations for approval of Natural England.

Historic England: officially known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, Historic England is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Its powers and responsibilities are principally set out in the National Heritage Act 1983. It reports to Parliament through the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Historic England works with a range of Government departments, notably DCMS, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and DEFRA and to help realize the potential of the historic environment.

Historic England holds the list of buildings, the schedule of monuments, the register of parks and gardens and the register of historic battlefields. Local planning authorities are obliged to consult Historic England on certain planning and listed building consent applications, as set out in legislation. Historic England may advise on nationally significant infrastructure projects, planning appeals and applications called-in for the Secretary of States’ own determination. Historic England provides advice to Government on the implications for the historic environment of all new planning law and policy developments.

Internal drainage board: a public body that manages water levels in areas known as internal drainage districts.

Lead local flood authority: these are county, unitary or metropolitan boroughs that are responsible for managing flooding from surface water, smaller watercourses and groundwater. There are 152 in England.

Local flood risk management strategy: statutory strategies produced by Lead Local Flood Authorities under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

Local nature recovery strategies: a new, England-wide system of spatial strategies that will establish priorities and map proposals for specific actions to drive nature’s recovery and provide wider environmental benefits.

Local wildlife site: an area of land of locally significant nature conservation value. Local Wildlife Sites are selected and assessed at a county level following recognised criteria and Defra guidance.

Main river: a watercourse designated by Defra. The Environment Agency has permissive powers to carry out flood defence works, maintenance and operational activities on main rivers. Responsibility for maintenance rests on the riparian owner.

Management catchment: an amalgamation of a number of river water body catchments that provide a management unit.

Mitigation measures: actions that are taken to minimise, prevent or compensate for adverse effects of the development.

Natural England: is an executive non-departmental public body responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Their purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings. Their aim is to create a better natural environment that covers all of our urban, country and coastal landscapes, along with all of the animals, plants and other organisms that live with us.

Natural flood management: implementation of natural measures which help to alleviate the risk of flooding. They can be used in conjunction with more traditional engineering techniques.

Nature-based solutions: are the sustainable management and use of natural features and processes to help address societal and environmental challenges.

Ordinary water course: a watercourse not designated as main river. The local authority or Internal Drainage Board has permissive powers to maintain them.

Preliminary flood risk assessment: the first stage in the six-year planning cycle to deliver the Flood Risk Regulations (2009). The latest PFRAs were reviewed in 2017 for local sources of flood risk and 2018 for main rivers, the sea and reservoirs.

Preparedness measure: a measure (action) which aims to prepare people for flooding. Examples include flood forecasting and warning, flood emergency response planning and improving public preparedness for flooding.

Prevention measure: a measure (action) which aims to avoid putting people or the environment at risk of flooding. Examples include watercourse regulation, flood risk modelling and mapping and development planning and control.

Property level resilience: actions to make people and their property less vulnerable to the physical and mental impacts of flooding; some which prevent water entering a building and others that minimise the impact should water enter the building, thus speeding up the recovery process.

Protection measure: a measure (action) which aims to better protect people from the risk of flooding. Examples include building flood defences, nature based solutions and asset maintenance.

Recovery and review measure: a measure (action) which aims to use learning from flood incidents. Examples include reviewing lessons learnt from flood response, supporting communities businesses and the environment to recover from flooding.

Risk management authority (RMA): the collective of organisations who are responsible for flood and coastal risk management in England, including the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authorities, district councils, water companies, internal drainage boards and highways authorities.

River basin district: large river catchments in England. They cover an entire river system, including river, lake, groundwater, estuarine and coastal water bodies.

River basin management plan: statutory plans developed by the Environment Agency which set out how organisations, stakeholders and communities will work together to improve the water environment.

River flooding: occurs when water levels in a channel overwhelms the capacity of the channel.

Scheduled monument: nationally important historic sites, buildings or monuments identified by Historic England and designated by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Any work affecting a scheduled monument must gain consent from Historic England under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act (1979).

SEA directive: European Directive 2001/42/EC “on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment”

SEA regulations: The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (England) (SI 2004 1633) are the regulations transposing the SEA Directive into UK law.

Sewer flooding: flooding as a result of overloading of the sewerage system due to limited system capacity or failure of sewer asset.

Special area for conservation (SAC): sites of European importance for habitats and non bird species. Above mean low water mark they are also SSSIs.

Special protection area (SPA) and proposed special protection area (pSPA): an area designated for rare or vulnerable birds, or migratory birds and their habitats, classified under Article 4 of the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409/EEC). They are also SSSIs. Proposed sites receive the same protection as fully protected sites.

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA): SEA is a process designed to make sure that significant environmental effects arising from proposed plans and programmes are identified, assessed, subjected to public participation, taken into account by decision-makers, and monitored. SEA sets the framework for future assessment of development projects, some of which require environmental impact assessment (EIA). SEA is carried out according to the requirements of the SEA Regulations.

Surface water flooding: occurs when intense rainfall overwhelms local drainage capacities.

Sustainable development: a concept defined by the Brundtland report (1987) as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDs): approaches to manage surface water that take account of water quantity (flooding), water quality (pollution), biodiversity (wildlife and plants) and amenity are collectively referred to as sustainable drainage systems (SuDs). SuDs mimic nature and typically manage rainfall close to where it falls. SuDs can be designed to transport (convey) surface water and slow runoff down (attenuate) before it enters watercourses.

Tidal flooding: the temporary inundation of coastal areas during exceptionally high tides or storm surges.

Water body: a unit of surface water being the whole (or part) of a stream, river or canal, lake or reservoir, estuary or stretch of coastal water. A groundwater water body is a defined area of an aquifer with geological and hydrological boundaries to ensure consistency and avoid fragmentation.

Water framework directive (WFD): EC Directive (2000/60/EC) on integrated river basin management. The WFD sets out environmental objectives for water status based on ecological and chemical parameters, common monitoring and assessment strategies, arrangements for river basin administration and planning and a programme of measures to meet the objectives. This is transposed into UK law through the Water Environment Regulations 2017.