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News Release, Thursday 19 November 2020
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GRANGEMOUTH FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME LAUNCHES NEXT STAGE OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH LOCAL PEOPLE ACROSS SEVEN COMMUNITIES
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The next stage of the Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme, covering communities in in Wholeflats, Glensburgh, Langlees, Carron, Carronshore, Grangemouth and parts of Stirling Road, Camelon is being launched.
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The Grangemouth Flood Protection scheme (GFPS) will protect 5800 people, 2650 homes, 330 businesses and road and rail infrastructure.
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GFPS will protect seven communities from flooding and the devastating impact this can have.
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Falkirk Council is leading the development of Scotland’s largest flood protection scheme. GFPS is backed by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). It is seen as the highest priority flood protection scheme in Scotland.
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27km (17 miles) of flood defence walls, embankments and involve the installation of flood gates, flow regulation measures and drainage works will be part of the scheme.
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The next stage of the Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme, covering communities in in Wholeflats, Glensburgh, Langlees, Carron, Carronshore, Grangemouth and parts of Stirling Road, Camelon will be launched next week (November 23).
Over 12,000 information letters will shortly arrive across seven communities, updating residents and companies as well as asking them to register details to receive future updates on a new scheme website.
Falkirk Council is leading the development of Scotland’s largest flood protection scheme. Backed by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). It is seen as the highest priority flood protection scheme in Scotland.
Residents are being asked to register on the newly launched website - www.grangemouthfloodscheme.com or by filling in the return slip which is with the letter. This is to ensure everyone affected or interested can receive updates as the scheme progresses. The next community exhibitions, either in person or virtually will be held early in 2021.
The Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme will protect 5800 people, 2650 homes, 330 businesses and road and rail infrastructure.
The Scheme will also provide almost 27 KM of flood defence walls, embankments and involve the installation of flood gates, flow regulation measures and drainage works. The scheme will also include works at the entrance to the Port of Grangemouth.
Councillor Paul Garner, environment portfolio holder at Falkirk Council, said:
“We all know that over the last few years, instances of flooding have increased and can have a devastating effect on communities.
“As a Council, we want to ensure we are at the forefront of protecting our homes, businesses and livelihoods across seven communities including, Grangemouth. The protection scheme seeks to mitigate flood risks and improve the resilience of our communities to be able to cope with the threats posed by weather events.
“The protection scheme will also protect road and rail infrastructure as well as key national infrastructure such as the port and refinery. It is vital to ensure that transport links remain open during flood events and that the movement of goods through the Port of Grangemouth is not adversely affected.”
Climate change and the risk of flooding is on the rise and can result in more frequent intense rainfall and higher sea levels, unfortunately Grangemouth and surrounding areas are affected by both tidal and river flooding. The scheme is seen as unique as it covers coastal flooding from the Forth Estuary and river flooding from the River Carron, River Avon and the Grange Burn.
Falkirk Council is determined to provide better protection for the town and surrounding areas and is working with its consultant Jacobs to design, plan and manage the new flood defences. Construction could start in 2024, with completion in 2035.
The scheme involves wide-ranging consultations with local residents, businesses and other interested parties. Two public exhibitions (2018 & 2019) have been held to date with the next event planned in early 2021. The scheme is currently 80% Scottish Government grant funded and is expected to cost around £22O million.
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Alan McGowan, Senior Associate Director, Jacobs, said:
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“The flood protection scheme is similar to many other flood protection schemes across the UK, but the Grangemouth scheme is very complicated due to its scale, geographic spread, and the complex urban and industrial setting. Protecting local communities is at the heart of the scheme.
“The Protection scheme requires almost 17 miles of flood defences, averaging around 1.5 metres in height and of different designs, such as embankments, walls, floodgates and pumping stations to address river, coastal and surface water. It has to cope with flooding from three rivers and the Forth Estuary, in a variety of different environments from private gardens and public open spaces to major industrial complexes.
“And there are also many significant environmental constraints such as the Firth of Forth Special Protected Area which provides habitat for large numbers of birds. We expect the project will take around 10 years to complete.”
The scheme will also have a uniquely developed STEM education programme for local schools to look at flooding and its affects as well as gathering ideas from young people on the project.
Falkirk Council and Jacobs will be working to minimise disruption to local wildlife, plant life and enjoyment of the waterways throughout this project.
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Follow us on twitter and Facebook @grangemouthfps.
For more information please contact:
Julie Pirone
Communications and Stakeholder Manager, Jacobs
julie.pirone@jacobs.com
07711 446358
David Grindlay
Falkirk Council Communications Team Leader
0780 389 8008
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