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 Humber river basin district (RBD) flood risk management plan (FRMP). This SOEP is the final stage in the SEA process.

This SOEP sets out:

• how we have integrated environmental considerations into the Humber RBD FRMP
• how we have considered the findings of the SEA
• how the opinions expressed in response to the consultation on the SEA environmental report have been considered
• the reasons for selecting the Humber RBD FRMP as adopted
• how we will monitor the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the Humber RBD FRMP

1.2 Flood risk management plans (FRMPs)

The second cycle Humber RBD FRMP is a strategic plan for the period 2021-2027 to manage significant flood risk 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 and updating them every 6 years is a requirement of the Flood Risk Regulations (2009). It is recognised that there are areas at risk of flooding outside of these FRAs. The Environment Agency and risk management authorities (RMAs) actively plan for and manage the risk of flooding to all communities. This is regardless of whether they are in an FRA or not.

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, work and play.

We have worked with lead local flood authorities (LLFAs) and other RMAs to prepare and develop the final FRMP.

FRMPs:

• align with the national flood and coastal erosion risk management (FCERM) strategy for England and the FCERM strategy roadmap
• describe the sources and risks of flooding within a river basin district
• 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 plans (RBMPs)
• local flood risk management strategies (LFRMS)
• shoreline management plans (SMPs)
• drainage and wastewater management plans (DWMPs)

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 Humber 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 that 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 Strategy 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 FRMP through consultation
• monitor the implementation of the FRMP 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 FRMP and before its adoption

We published the SEA environmental report together with the draft Humber RBD FRMP 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, at this stage the nature and extent of activity is not known 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 Humber RBD flood risk management plan

2.1 Introduction

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

• development of the Humber RBD FRMP
• consultation
• Humber RBD FRMP SEA
• habitats regulations assessment (HRA)

2.2 Development of the Humber RBD FRMP

The environment and sustainability were considered throughout the preparation of the Humber RBD FRMP.

In preparing the FRMPs, we and other relevant RMAs developed 18 nationally-consistent objectives for each FRMP in England. 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

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.

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 particular, in relation to the ambition:

• to leave the environment in a better state than we found it
• improving the long-term resilience of our homes businesses and infrastructure at risk of flooding and coastal change
• using more natural flood management solutions

Taking this context into account all FRMPs include the following strategic objectives that specifically deal with environmental aspects:

• 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 contributed 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 Humber RBD FRMP also includes the following national and FRMP specific measures in relation to environmental aspects.

2.2.1 National measures

• 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 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 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 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 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 plan flood risk management projects to achieve wider environmental benefits where appropriate in their area to work towards biodiversity net gain

2.2.2 Local measures

The Humber RBD FRMP includes the following specific measures in relation to environmental aspects, at a river basin district level:

• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will identify and investigate locations highlighted by the Natural Flood Management opportunity mapping tool in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire to support flood prevention activities in ‘communities at risk’ in the Humber river basin district
• between 2021 and 2027, Nottinghamshire County Council and the Environment Agency will deliver multiple natural flood management schemes in Nottinghamshire to provide homes better protected and reduce flood risk in the Humber river basin district
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will work with regional groups and other partner organisations to identify opportunities, develop and if possible deliver joint water management solutions in the Environment Agency West Midlands area to improve flood resilience and to support the environment and economic growth in the Humber river basin district
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will carry out large scale tree planting and potentially create other habitats (peatland, wetlands etc), using evidence to target these to the right places in various places in the Environment Agency West Midlands area of the Trent catchment to capture carbon, reduce the risk of flooding, enhance the environment and public access, and provide associated benefits for mental and physical wellbeing in the Humber river basin district
• between 2021 and 2027, the Environment Agency will monitor the effectiveness of natural flood management interventions in the Environment Agency West Midlands area to build a comprehensive evidence base and share knowledge to justify further investment in natural flood management interventions in the future in the Humber river basin district
• between 2021 and 2025, Severn Trent Water will develop and deliver a programme of retrofit suds and blue green infrastructure schemes in STW wastewater catchments to deliver natural and social capital (measured by the CIRIA B£ST tool) to increase flood resilience in the Humber river basin district
• between 2021 and 2027, Severn Trent Water will enhance the natural environment and biodiversity as part of our great big nature boost campaign in STW wastewater catchments to revive acres of land, plant trees, restore rivers, which will contribute to increased flood resilience in the Humber river basin district
• By 2030, Severn Trent Water will ensure 100% energy use from renewable or renewable-backed sources, and electric or alternative low-carbon fuel in all Severn Trent fleet vehicles in STW wastewater catchments to mitigate against climate change in the Humber 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 Environment Agency West Midlands and East Midlands areas to reduce flood risk, improve the environment and contribute to climate resilience in the Humber river basin district.

However, most measures are at the scale of flood risk areas or management catchments. Many measures contribute to positive environmental outcomes, some of which also deliver on RBMP objectives, and many of which involve partnership working. Some examples of these are listed below:

• by 2027, Environment Agency, Doncaster metropolitan borough council and other risk management authorities (including Yorkshire Water) will identify locations for natural flood management/nature-based solutions in the borough and seek investment to implement these measures in Doncaster to support flood risk management and climate emergency activity in the borough in the Don and Rother management catchment.
• by 2027, the Environment Agency and city of York council will investigate and deliver working with nature initiatives as part of wider flood risk management works in York district to reduce flood risk by implementing natural flood management measures. in the Swale, Ure, Nidd and Upper Ouse management catchment
• by 2025, Severn Trent Water will deliver a range of blue-green infrastructure interventions in Mansfield to manage surface water and mitigate against climate change, as part of the green recovery initiative, in the Idle and Torne management catchment, including in the Mansfield, Humber flood risk area
• by 2027, the Environment Agency and Bradford metropolitan district council will explore integrated solutions to deliver multiple benefits in Bradford District to reduce flood risk whilst enhancing economic, social and environmental benefits in the Wharfe and Lower Ouse management catchment
• by 2027, the Environment Agency will work with the Trent gateway partnership to assess current assets in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to produce a report that identifies opportunities for floodplain re-connection, natural flood management opportunities and enhance biodiversity in the Lower Trent and Erewash Management catchment.

When creating measures, plan makers were asked to link individual measures to the objectives set out in Part A of the FRMP. In addition to the SEA, these raised the profile of certain environmental aspects in the plan development. In particular, objectives 6 and 9 relate to working with natural processes, objective 8 helps to achieve the environmental objectives set out in the Humber RBD river basin management plan and objective 10 contributes to local nature recovery strategies and habitat restoration. Due to the changing nature of FRMP measures, funding constraints, evolving studies and ways of thinking, we currently believe that:

• 26% of the measures have the potential to contribute to objective 6
• 25% of the measures have the potential to contribute to objective 8
• 33% of the measures have the potential to contribute to objective 9
• 15% of the measures have the potential to contribute to objective 10

We will refine our understanding of how individual measures link with objectives during the implementation of the measures, so the figures above represent our understanding at the time of adopting the plan. In particular, the percentages may increase when measures involving investigations and studies evolve into projects.

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.

2.3 Consultation

In preparing the Humber RBD FRMP we worked in partnership with LLFAs and other RMAs.

A public consultation on the draft FRMPs and associated SEA environmental reports (including the Humber RBD FRMP and SEA environmental report) ran for 3 months, from 22 October 2021 to 21 January 2022. The consultation ran on the online consultation tool Citizen Space, and we engaged with stakeholders both nationally and locally to encourage responses. Relevant LLFAs worked collaboratively with the Environment Agency to plan and run consultation activities for shared local stakeholders. Nationally, a social media campaign was launched to advertise the consultation.

We received 255 responses in total, 29 of these were responses applied to all of the FRMPs being undertaken in England, and 46 specific to the Humber RBD. Responses received were from both individuals and organisations/groups. 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. The responses expressed through the consultation have helped to shape the final FRMP. The summary of responses document was published on 18 May 2022.

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 responses please see the ‘FRMP you said, we did’ document.

2.4 Humber RBD FRMP SEA

We carried out a SEA of the Humber RBD FRMP. 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

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. It 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 are at a more relevant scale to consider the potential effects of managing flood risk in different places.

2.5 Humber 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) for the Humber RBD FRMP. The HRA considers the potential implications of the 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 to produce the HRA. The FRMP 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 provides a local level framework to appropriately assess the effects of specific risk management policies and actions on European sites.

Section 5.3 provides a summary of the conclusions of the HRA. Read the full HRA.

3. The findings of the SEA

We carried out an SEA as part of the Humber RBD FRMP which assessed the likely effects of the plan on the wider environment, and subsequently identified any mitigation or enhancement opportunities. The scope of the environmental assessment, including the approach taken for the assessment of reasonable alternatives and quantifying the significance of effects, can be found within the SEA environmental report. Effects were assessed on biodiversity, population and human health, soil, water, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage, and landscape. The findings of this report are summarised below.

The SEA assessment concluded that the proposed Humber RBD draft second cycle FRMP is likely to have significantly positive effects on population and human health; predominantly positive effects on water, material assets and landscape; and both positive and negative effects on biodiversity, soil, climate factors, and cultural heritage across the RBD (see Table 1).

Table 1: summary of the conclusion of the assessment of the Humber RBD FRMP SEA

Topic	SEA question	Conclusion of assessment
Biodiversity, including flora and fauna	Does the plan protect and recover nature?	Positive and negative effects
Population and human health	Does the plan improve health, wellbeing and equality?	Significant positive effects
Soil	Does the plan improve and sustain resources?	Positive and negative effects
Water	Does the plan protect and improve the water environment?	Predominantly positive but also some negative effects
Climatic factors	Does the plan help to mitigate and adapt to climate change?	Positive and negative effects
Material assets	Does the plan support communities and a prosperous economy?	Positive effects
Cultural heritage	Does the plan conserve and enhance the historic environment?	Positive and negative effects
Landscape	Does the plan conserve and enhance landscape and seascape character?	Predominantly positive but also some negative effects
Inter-relationships	Does the plan have implications for the relationship between the environmental topics?	Yes, inter-relationship between effects identified

3.1 Summary of key effects

3.1.1. Biodiversity, including flora and fauna

Positive effects:

The measures that include working with natural processes are expected to offer the greatest benefits to biodiversity, particularly those comprising natural flood management (NFM) approaches, land management approaches which work with nature. These measures cover large areas of the Humber RBD, such as the Trent Valley Staffordshire management catchment, the Dove Valley, and East Riding and Hull. Furthermore, measures which will deliver sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) have the potential to lead to the creation of new habitats and ecological networks providing connectivity between existing habitats.

Negative effects:

A reduction in biodiversity was identified as a potential effect from works relating to access and delivery of FRMP measures, for example the re-naturalisation of a watercourse could require some excavation and disruption to river habitats. Measures which involve constructing flood risk management schemes, especially those within environmentally sensitive areas (such as designated sites within the Humber estuary) were also identified as having potential negative effects on biodiversity.

Many measures which involve the construction of flood risk management schemes will be required to undertake environmental assessments such as environmental impact assessments (EIA) and habitat regulations assessments (HRAs) and recommendations from these assessments should ensure that any significant environmental effects are mitigated.

3.1.2 Population and human health

Positive effects:

Significant positive effects were identified as likely in the medium to long term. This will result from the plan’s key objective to improve flood protection and resilience within the Humber RBD. FRMP measures involving the planning and delivery of flood risk interventions were identified as having the greatest beneficial effects on population and human health. These measures will reduce anxiety and stress for residents and businesses at risk of flooding and may improve the provision of opportunities for recreation and wellbeing by enhancing the local landscape. Some property flood resilience measures are proposed within the plan, which can reduce the impact of flooding to properties, offering immediate benefits in the short term if a flood occurs, but may not offer long term protection against climate-related risks.

Some FRMP measures will protect ecologically sensitive areas and ensure they continue to provide amenity and wellbeing benefits to their local communities.

Negative effects:

During the delivery of the interventions proposed by the FRMP there could be the potential for short-term negative effects on population and human health from the disruption to services (such as water, electricity, or public transport), roadworks, noise pollution, pollution from construction dust and construction waste. Local communities and stakeholders should be consulted to identify approaches which minimise potential disruption during the delivery of flood alleviation interventions.

3.1.3. Soil

Positive effects:

The SEA environmental report identified both positive and negative effects on soil from the implementation of measures within the FRMP, depending on the chosen flood alleviation or asset maintenance measures and how they are implemented. The measures in the FRMP which are most likely to deliver positive effects are those that work with nature, including NFM, nature-based solutions (NBS) and those that follow a catchment based approach (CaBA). These interventions could improve filtration of sediment and reduce soil erosion if delivered in a collaborative way with stakeholders to support the delivery of better land management techniques.

Negative effects:

Some measures within the plan have the potential for negative effects as a result of geomorphological changes such as increased erosion or changes in sediment flow from the construction of flood defences.

These negative effects can be mitigated by conducting lower tier assessments at the project scale for all plans to ensure that potential impacts on soils are considered and opportunities for mitigation and enhancement are explored. During the implementation of any flood alleviation measures at contaminated sites, remediation work could be necessary as advised during assessments. Construction of flood mitigation structures must assess the risks of construction, piling, flood storage, realignment and other measures on the potential to mobilise such contaminants and cause further pollution.

3.1.4 Water

Positive effects:

Mostly positive effects were identified on water quality across the RBD, alongside some negative effects. Many of the measures within the FRMP aim to reduce local flood risk and increase attenuation, and those flood measures which work with nature (NFM, SuDS, green infrastructure and natural storage) are likely to deliver positive effects to water quality through infiltration and habitat creation. There are also measures which aim to improve land management practices that could also benefit water quality. In addition, measures which improve surface water management could offer benefits by reducing pollution from run-off.

Negative effects:

There are some measures which have the potential for negative effects upon water quality as a result of construction which may denaturalise the water course, or separate flood plains which could conflict with water environment regulations (WER).

WFD assessments are required to assure compliance with WFD objectives. Recommendations from these assessments for mitigation and enhancement should be followed to support positive outcomes for water quality. In areas where groundwater is particularly vulnerable, some SuDS options are not appropriate. Not all surface water is suitably clean to be allowed to drain to ground without treatment, especially where the soil and surface layers are bypassed. Alternative measures may be necessary. Potential harm during measures involving construction work should be minimised by sustainable building practices and careful selection of materials to minimise potential contamination.

3.1.5 Climatic factors

Positive effects:

The plan is likely to support adaptation to flood risk exacerbated by climate change. Measures in the draft plan that are likely to contribute to climate change adaptation are those that involve the planning and delivery of flood risk management solutions, with additional benefits being provided by measures that support preparation for and recovery from flooding and coastal change. By working with nature to deliver flood alleviation solutions, significant carbon reductions can be made compared to hard engineered solutions. Some measures such as those incorporating woodland and peatland restoration may also offer the opportunity to sequester carbon.

Negative effects:

There are many hard engineered flood risk solutions proposed within the FRMP measures, which could add to greenhouse gas emissions though the embodied carbon within the material used, and from vehicles and machinery used during construction.

Where a nature-first approach is not feasible and hard engineered solutions must be used, sourcing local and low carbon materials may reduce the embodied carbon in the delivery of these measures. The energy source to power the generator at pumping stations and materials needed to deliver construction improvements should be chosen to ensure the least possible impact on climate. Any materials sourced for construction should be low carbon and locally sourced. Where generation of carbon emissions is unavoidable, opportunities to offset carbon should be explored.

3.1.6 Material assets

Positive effects:

The delivery of measures identified in the FRMP are likely to result in positive effects on material assets across the RBD. By providing protection to homes, businesses, infrastructure and agricultural land, the plan can offer benefits to these material assets. In addition these measures are likely to improve the resilience of communities and protect assets.

3.1.7 Cultural heritage

Positive effects:

The Humber area is rich in important cultural heritage. The measures within the FRMP could reduce flood risk and damaging consequences of flooding to historic areas in the Humber RBD. For both nature-based approaches and engineered schemes which are delivered in areas with cultural heritage assets, such as listed buildings, positive effects could be offered by reducing potential flood risks to these assets. Good design principles in terms of materials and finishes for any hard engineered solutions are important regarding the setting and visual impact on historic buildings and conservation areas.

Negative effects:

The delivery of some of the proposed measures, including those incorporating NFM, may have a negative impact on heritage assets through for example tree planting which could impact on buried archaeological remains, or through hard engineered solutions which can destroy or truncate archaeological remains. As there are numerous historic sites in the Humber RBD there will likely be some potential impact upon historic setting and character from the construction of flood walls and other defences. However, there are large uncertainties as to the effect as this will depend on the type of intervention and sensitivity of the receptor.

The default for designated assets is preservation. Where impact cannot be avoided mitigation measures, such as archaeological recording and excavation in advance of impact, will be needed.

3.1.8 Landscape

Positive effects:

There is the potential for localised positive effects in both urban and rural areas on landscape character protection and enhancement as a result of the implementation of the FRMP measures. If activities such as tree planting, terrain shape and barrier modifications are undertaken sympathetically these could have an overall positive effect. Partnership approaches involving landscape are likely to deliver more benefits through knowledge sharing, adopting best practice and sharing resources.

Negative effects:

Flood alleviation measures which involve the construction of built flood infrastructure such as flood walls and barriers could lead to negative effects on landscape at a local scale. This could be by changing the aesthetic features of the area which could alter landscape character. Additionally, if landscaping features are not delivered in a sympathetic way then there could be localised negative effects.

Plans and proposals for flood and coastal risk management should follow the recommendations proposed in the environmental assessments. Particular attention should be paid to townscape and landscape character within conservation areas. For the construction, operation and maintenance of hard engineered flood alleviation structures, lower tier assessments should consider positive and negative landscape effects. Any negative effects should be mitigated, for example through sympathetic design. Additional assessments must be taken when implementing NFM, SuDS or NBS measures in sensitive landscapes and habitats. The implementation of these measures should be informed by these assessments.

3.2 Place based alternatives

At the individual plan level, the approach to developing measures and considering which objectives the measures would meet differed between RBDs. In the Humber RBD, virtual meetings were carried out, and in some cases measures were refined via technical correspondence. The views of environmental and SEA specialists were central to this process, helping to shape and influence the plans and the measures which they comprise. Furthermore, the draft SEA assessment framework was consulted upon alongside the scope of the SEA and where appropriate, this framework was amended.

The proposed measures of the FRMP for the Humber RBD aim to build on first cycle FRMPs in setting out future flood risk management needs. Many measures tend to set out preliminary actions for the future investigation and development of business case appraisals and options. Due to the exploratory nature of these types of measures, and the fact they could result in multiple outcomes, it has not always been possible to consider reasonable alternatives at individual measures level. Note that further project planning processes and environmental assessments at the programme and project levels will consider alternatives in detail. Therefore the assessment of alternatives for this FRMP SEA is limited.

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

4.1 Introduction

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

The consultation included questions on the SEA environmental report. The questions asked the following:

• do you agree with the conclusions of the environmental assessment?
• are there further significant environmental effects, either positive or negative, of the draft flood risk management plans (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 SEA environmental report relate to the content and measures within the FRMP, and were cross cutting across the FRMPs. Cross cutting themes raised through consultation are discussed below, alongside our response to these. Please see the ‘you said we did’ document for further information .

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 FRMP measures 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), both 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 appears in each FRMP and reflects the national FCERM strategy measure. 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 FRMP measure and 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 documentation which 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 schemes and measures carried over from the previous FRMP cycle 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 FRMP 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 Humber 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 5.3 of this report for further information on the conclusions of the HRA for the Humber RBD FRMP.

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. Many 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 used 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 a cumulative assessment, the type of measure and the nature of the activity involved was considered.

• 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. Updated baseline and policy context was taken into account during the assessment of cumulative effects.

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 is needed. 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

Comments 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

Comments 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.

SEA plans, policies and programmes review

Some consultees proposed additional plans, policies and programmes for consideration in relation to the SEA. These included the chalk stream restoration strategy and the UK peatland strategy, details of which are summarised below.

Chalk stream restoration strategy (CaBA, 2021)

A plan to address the ecological health of chalk streams across the UK. It considers three main themes alone and in combination: water quantity; water quality; and physical habitat quality. Recommended actions across a range of organisations are proposed to strengthen the protection for chalk streams. New actions and improving actions in existing plans, policies and programmes are proposed. These include RBMP measures, catchment abstraction and wastewater treatment. Nature-based solutions are promoted in chalk stream catchments. The FRMP aligns with and supports the actions set out in the chalk stream restoration strategy, in particular regarding objectives and measures relating to natural flood management, catchment-based approaches, and partnership working

The UK peatland strategy (IUCN, 2018)

The UK peatland strategy aims to capture and embed a shared vision for peatlands across the UK. It has a 2040 vision that ‘our peatlands are protected, enhanced, sustainably managed and are recognised for their intrinsic value and the public benefits they provide’. It sets out six key goals to support the achievement of the 2040 vision:

• conserve, restore and enhance the best peatlands
• restore damaged peatlands to functioning ecosystems
• adapt management of drained peatlands
• sustainably manage healthy peatlands with compatible land uses
• maintain a programme to oversee process against strategic goals
• communicate value of peatlands to a wide audience

The FRMP aligns with the strategy, in particular, regarding objectives and measures relating to natural flood management, catchment-based approaches and working in partnership. There are also specific measures regarding peatland areas, where relevant.

In summary, the FRMP aligns with both of these strategies and aims to work with natural processes in order to deliver flood risk management. It also outlines how we will work in partnership with others and use catchment-based approaches to maximise outcomes.

4.3 Themes specific to the Humber RBD FRMP

Analysis of the responses to the draft Humber RBD FRMP consultation identified common themes which emerged from the responses to three of the consultation questions (detailed in section 4.1) relating to the SEA environmental report. The points raised are captured either under the cross cutting themes (section 4.2) or those which were specific to the Humber FRMP are captured under the headings below.

Respondents were asked whether they agreed with the conclusions of the environmental assessment. The majority (79%) agreed totally or partially with the conclusions of the environmental assessment. Some of the comments acknowledged that the identified effects would depend on the nature and extent of the measures which will be implemented, and that some effects could be mitigated or avoided at the project level, which was not covered by this assessment due to its strategic nature.

In response to the question of additional environmental effects, the majority (81%) of respondents that answered highlighted additional significant environmental effects which should be considered. This included strategic comments which are captured in the national SEA response in section 4.2, and some Humber RBD specific comments which are captured in the commentary under the theme headings below.

The majority (93%) of the respondents who answered felt that there were further opportunities to enhance positive and mitigate negative effects. Many of these comments referenced nature-based solutions as key tools to mitigate negative effects, such as wetland habitat creation and upland land management to slow the flow downstream. The FRMP measures that deliver on objective 6 or objective 9 will contribute towards this, which means they will work in partnership to make use of nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk and wider environmental benefits.

Biodiversity and designated sites

Theme identified: The implementation of the FRMP may conflict with our objectives on designated sites and identifies negative impacts on biodiversity across the RBD.

Response: We recognise that there may be potentially negative effects as a result of the implementation of the FRMP in areas which have conservation designations. This was identified within the SEA. At a strategic level, this will be addressed within the HRA with the results feeding into the final FRMP. At the project level, this will be addressed through project specific environmental assessment, compensatory habitat requirements, and BNG.

A few responses raised questions about the conclusions of the environmental report assessment of the effects on biodiversity. The SEA identified potentially negative effects on biodiversity. Respondents queried whether this assessment was valid in light of the introduction of biodiversity net gain requirements through the Environment Act which should ensure the environment is left in an overall better state.

The environmental assessment identified potential positive and negative effects on biodiversity that could potentially be significant, for example during the delivery of measures which involve construction of flood alleviation interventions. These measures are small in scale, and their effects are uncertain because the measures are not yet fully designed.

The assessment recommends a focus on sensitive areas such as designated sites such as SSSIs, priority habitats and nature reserves when implementing these measures, and the use of lower tier environmental assessments at the project stage to mitigate any negative impacts to preserve and enhance biodiversity.

Plans, policies and programmes

Theme identified: consideration should be given to other strategic plans, such as the Humber 2100+ strategy.

Response: The existing Humber strategy is referenced throughout the FRMP. It sets out the vision for managing tidal flood risk from the Humber estuary in the face of climate change and sea level rise. The emerging Humber 2100+ strategy will be an important document which continues to set out the vision for managing flood risk in the Humber estuary. Until this is published, the Humber RBD FRMP will continue to align with the existing strategy.

Nature recovery networks

Theme identified: Consideration should be given to nature recovery networks and local nature recovery strategies to ensure FRMPs are not in conflict with these strategies.

Response: a nature recovery network is due to be developed by 2024 and will significantly benefit the environment through the delivery of creation or restoration of 500,000 hectares of wildlife rich habitat. The Environment Agency will look to align with these strategies and support their delivery through this FRMP cycle, particularly where LNRS and NRN sites are within or adjacent to our FRMP measure locations. The Environment Agency will be involved in the development of these strategies, which are a key action for the Defra group. In addition, the Humber RBD FRMP Part B now includes reference specifically to nature recovery: ‘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 river basin district’.

Carbon

Theme identified: the carbon impact of the implementation of the Humber RBD FRMP should be considered in further detail, including how flood risk schemes could address both flooding and climate issues.

Response: at a strategic level, the national FCERM strategy for England emphasises the urgency of tackling climate change and encourages the use of risk management solutions that have lower carbon footprints.

At a RBD level, the SEA considers the carbon impacts of the implementation of the FRMP in a number of ways, but primarily through the assessment framework and the consideration of positive and negative impacts in relation to climatic factors (section 3.6.5 of the Humber RBD SEA). As well as this, the future monitoring of carbon emissions will be captured by tools such as carbon budgets being developed by the Environment Agency to manage the reduction of carbon emissions to contribute to the organisational ambition of being net zero by 2030. As identified in the SEA (section 7.1.4) this will be monitored by Environment Agency data at the project stage and indicate progress towards this ambition.

Managing surface water and sewer overflows

Theme identified: surface water should be managed in a way that reduces combined sewers overflowing to protect the environment.

Response: the FRMP identifies pressures that effect surface waters across the RBD including the increased risk of flooding when, in heavy rainfall, rainwater drains into combined sewers and capacity is exceeded resulting in sewer overflows. The Humber RBD FRMP contains several measures which aim to investigate opportunities for improving surface management to reduce flooding from this source. The SEA identified that this is likely to have benefits to water quality by reducing pollution from run-off. Additionally, the SEA highlights that measures which involve maintenance of flood protection assets and sewerage systems could support the longevity and resilience of these infrastructures. The evolving drainage and wastewater management plans for Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water and Severn Trent Water will also support the management of surface water across the district

5. Reasons for adopting the Humber RBD FRMP

5.1 Introduction

This section provides an outline of the main factors taken into account in finalising the Humber RBD FRMP. 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 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

A variety of changes have been made to the FRMP including the supporting text in Part A and Part B and to measures. Changes have also been made to the flood plan explorer (FPE).

The types of measure changes can be split into three categories:

• wording/supporting information for existing measures
• geographical extents
• measure(s) to be added or removed

When considering proposed changes 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 changes. We agreed the changes with relevant partners before making them.

We made changes to the functionality and maps on the FPE to make finding information easier, particularly in places where there are many measures near to each other. We also created a guide to support FPE navigation. There were a number cross cutting themes from the consultation on the draft FRMP, which led to changes across all FRMPs. 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:

• explaining more about our approach and commitment to partnership working
• expanding on the information about NFM including its types, benefits and outcomes
• providing additional details about the role of catchment partnerships and the importance of the catchment-based approach
• clarifying how the FRMPs align with other plans and strategies including the national FCERM strategy and RBMPs
• 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
• providing additional information on the significance of flood risk to agricultural land and food production
• 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

Some of the comments 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 our and LLFA’s local teams and these are being considered. In addition, some comments related to our and the government’s wider remits. The ‘you said we did’ document provides further detail on these aspects.

Overall, the consultation showed support for the approach and ambitions set out in the plan. The changes to the Humber RBD FRMP (Part B) reflect the feedback where responses identified measures which required strengthening or clarification, or common themes for improvement.

Some of the general changes that we have made to Part B include:

• improved cross referencing to Part A (overview) text
• strengthened the wording around partnership working, with the introduction of a new section on managing flood irsk
• updated references to land management to provide additional information and emphasis on the significance of flood risk to agricultural land and food production
• amended wording relating to canal flooding and references to the Canal and River Trust
• added paragraphs to explain the different measure scales and how they relate to each other
• updated the FRMP1 statistics and graphs to ensure consistency with the annex that reports on the implementation status of the first cycle measures
• corrected factual inaccuracies (like names of designated sites) and clarified content
• made other minor changes for national consistency reasons

With regards to specific measures, the post-consultation changes include:

• two new measures have been added and two duplicate measures were removed
• minor but necessary updates to the responsible/supporting organisations; correcting measure locations/extents; descriptions to provide further context, and minor grammar/spelling errors

Of the two new measures which have been added to the plan, one will implement holistic engagement with businesses and local communities to improve awareness and promote action that delivers multiple benefits in the East and West Midlands areas; the other is a partner measure, led by the Sow and Penk internal drainage board relating to working in partnership with other risk management authorities and environmental non-government organisations to explore integrated solutions to deliver multiple benefits in the Trent Valley Staffordshire management catchment. These new measures are relatively high level and do not relate to physical works on the ground at this stage.

The ‘you said, we did’ document summarises the responses received on the draft FRMP and also how we took them into account in finalising the FRMP.

5.3 Review of the changes

We have reviewed the changes to the FRMP as part of the SEA process. The main purpose of this was to determine whether they could change the significant environmental effects identified in the assessment of the draft FRMP (see section 3 for an overview of these effects).

Overall, there was broad support for the information and measures included in the FRMPs. This supports the conclusions on the assessment of alternatives and its approach to assessing the FRMPs potential significant environmental effects.

A substantial proportion of the changes to 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 Part A national objectives and the Part B measures have been minor text changes to clarify or strengthen them.

The two additional measures which were added into the Humber RBD FRMP following consultation were assessed and subsequently screened out of the SEA due to the lack of detail, or no physical activity proposed. These measures would not make a difference to the overall SEA outcome.

We have concluded that the changes made to the FRMP do not materially affect the the SEA findings and likely significant effects identified. It also takes into account the changes made in response to the Humber RBD FRMP environmental report’s recommendations for mitigation and enhancement.

In addition, we have prepared a final HRA to assess potential effects on European sites. We consulted with Natural England in preparing the final HRA.

Within the Humber HRA likely significant effects (LSE) of the FRMP on all European sites, assessed both alone and in-combination, were excluded for all measures and an Appropriate Assessment was not required. As details of the potential schemes are developed towards the planning application stage, the HRA process applied at a project level will ensure that adequate mitigation measures are incorporated where relevant.

Overall, we consider the changes made to the 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 second cycle FRMP because there are too many other influences on environmental change for a direct relationship to be identified.

The environmental topics that are being proposed for monitoring are identified below. The SEA only identified potential positive significant effects in relation to population and human health and material assets. However, given the uncertainty that has been acknowledged in this report over the likely impacts of the plan on other environmental topics, it is proposed to monitor a wider range of topics. In particular, an overall positive effect on biodiversity, flora and fauna is dependent on delivery of biodiversity net gain on development schemes. Regular review and monitoring of this delivery is fundamental.

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, 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 management, mitigation and monitoring occurs at a project level. Project level environmental assessments will be undertaken, where appropriate, and many projects will require planning consent.

6.2 Population, human health and material assets

We are required to periodically report to the minister about 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 reported on for outcome measure 2.

Strategic objective 1.1 of the national flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy for England 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 be relevant also to understanding the extent to which second cycle FRMP resilience objectives and the respective benefits for people and human health are being achieved across RBDs.

6.3 Biodiversity, flora and fauna

Annual monitoring is already undertaken to determine the length of rivers improved to help show progress toward meeting the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) 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 rivers failure to achieve good status or potential.

We and other RMAs also report on outcome measure 4 (OM4), which measures

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

We will also undertake monitoring associated with the implementation of biodiversity net gain (as set out in the 25 year environment plan and included in the Environment Act 2021).

6.4 Water

We undertake monitoring of the water environment to meet the requirements of the water environment regulations. Indicators used include water quality, ecology (for example, invertebrates or 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 include 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 we are required to report to Defra on climate change adaptation. Elements of the report that are relevant to Humber 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 us to manage the reduction of carbon emissions to contribute our ambition to be a net zero carbon organisation by 2030. While a significant number of local authorities 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 our data will be used as an indicator of the performance of the wider programme.

7. References

CaBA, 2021. Chalk stream strategy. Chalk stream strategy - CaBA

IUCN, 2018. UK peatland strategy. UK strategy. IUCN UK peatland programme

List of abbreviations

Abbreviation	Description
25 YEP	25 year environment plan
AONB	area of outstanding natural beauty
BNG	biodiversity net gain
DWMPs	drainage and wastewater management plans
FCERM	flood and coastal; erosion risk management strategy
FPE	flood plan explorer
FRAs	flood risk areas
FRMP	flood risk management plan
HRA	habitats regulation assessment
LFRMS	local flood risk management strategies
LLFAs	lead local flood authorities
LSEs	likely significant effects
NFM	natural flood management
OM4	outcome measure 4
RBD	river basin district
RBMPs	river basin management plans
RMAs	risk management authorities
SEA	strategic environmental assessment
SMPs	shoreline management plans
SOEP	statement of environmental particulars
WFD	water framework directive

Glossary

Area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB): areas formally designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949) to protect parts of the countryside of high scenic quality that cannot be selected for national park status as they do not have opportunities for outdoor recreation.

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 late.

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.

Conservation area: an area designated under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990 to protect its architectural or historic character.

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

Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra): government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment and setting environmental policy.

Environmental impact assessment (EIA): 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.

Environmental land management scheme (ELMS): 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: 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 the risk of 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 preliminary flood risk assessment process where the risk of flooding is significant nationally for people, the economy or the environment.

Flood risk management plan (FRMP): 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.

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.

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. Together these sites are referred to as the Natura 2000 network.

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. A public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England’s spectacular historic environment. They protect, champion and save the places that define who we are and where we’ve come from as a nation. Historic England are the government statutory advisor on the historic environment and are funded largely by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Internal drainage boards: a public body that manage water levels in an area, known as an internal drainage district, where there is a special need for drainage.

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

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.

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

Natural England: 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: the sustainable management and use of natural features and processes to help address societal and environmental challenges.

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 house and others that minimise the impact should water enter the house, 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 and internal drainage boards.

River basin district (RBD): 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.

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 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.

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.

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 slow runoff down (attenuate) before it enters watercourses.

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.