Agenda item

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Andrew Newton from Ely Drainage Boards provided the Panel with an update.  A copy of the presentation is attached.

The Chair thanked Andrew Newton for the update and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

In response to a question from the Chair, Andrew Newton explained that the equipment used to keep waterways clear was expensive, therefore it was important to have funds available for replacements and repairs.  Costs of equipment were also increasing, an excavator could cost between £160,000 and £250,000, and the Pumping Station at Downham Market and Stow had cost £2 million.

Councillor de Whalley referred to wetland improvements and asked what the challenges were, whilst acknowledging the benefits such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity.  Andrew Newton explained that it was a challenge in that rewetting had to take place over a large scale area and could not be done field by field.  The balance of what was needed was also a challenge and decisions needed to be made on whether to store or release water.

In response to a question from Councillor de Whalley it was explained that pumping stations were designed for a certain capacity and there could be issues if the systems could not cope, especially the older stations.

In response to a question from Councillor Devereux, Andrew Newton confirmed that he did work with the Environment Agency.

Councillor Bullen asked if the Drainage Board had taken on any Apprentices and if they had any issues with recruitment.  Andrew Newton explained that succession planning was being looked at and he was looking into an Apprentice, but the offices were in a remote location unserved by public transport.  He explained that some new enthusiastic members of staff had been employed and were being trained up as required.

In response to a question from Councillor Bullen, it was confirmed that the Fens were shrinking and the challenge was that people who were unaffected by floods did not often appreciate the importance of the Internal Drainage Board networks to protect inland areas.

In response to a question from Councillor Bower regarding environmentally friendly sources of power, Andrew Newton explained that the electric used was on a green tariff, but unfortunately wind and solar power would not be enough to power the stations and often the sites were not big enough to house PV panels.  Opportunities were being looked at for the future, such as Hydrogen.

Councillor Bower asked about contaminates in the water and Andrew Newton explained that this was not within the remit of the Internal Drainage Board, however it was an issue if water was being used for irrigation and the Internal Drainage Board worked with the Environment Agency as required.  Councillor Parish asked if any monitoring was carried out and Andrew Newton explained that it wasn’t but the Internal Drainage Board were reactive to any issues with contamination and could shut off pumps as required.

Councillor Bubb asked about the Reservoirs proposed for Ely and Andrew Newton confirmed that they were outside of Ely Drainage Boards remit.

RESOLVED: The Panel noted the update.