Independent report

Terms of reference: review of Toddbrook reservoir incident

Updated 16 March 2020

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/toddbrook-reservoir-incident-2019-independent-review/terms-of-reference-review-of-toddbrook-reservoir-incident

Part A

Objectives

This independent investigation will:

  1. Investigate the possible causes for the damage, identify any issues in the operation, inspections or maintenance of Toddbrook reservoir (including the dam and spillway) in the period leading up to the incident on 1 August 2019.
  2. Assess the dam’s capacity pre 1st August to survive extreme flood events without collapse
  3. Assess the roles of the undertaker, inspectors and regulator in the management of Toddbrook reservoir.
  4. Consider lessons learned from the incident on 1 August 2019 in regards to: the design, maintenance and inspection of the Toddbrook reservoir; and the application and adequacy of current regulations.
  5. Make recommendations/proposals on:
  • what, if anything, could have been done to predict/prevent damage to the spillway
  • any immediately identifiable changes needed to the implementation of existing reservoir safety guidance or legislation, including maintenance, operation and inspection
  • any immediately identifiable proposals for changes to current regulations

Reporting

An interim report for Part A will be provided to the Secretary of State within three months.

Out of scope

The review will not include:

  • incident response
  • ongoing integrity and/or future repairs to Toddbrook Reservoir

Part B

Depending on the findings of Part A of the review, the review may then look at current reservoir safety guidance and legislation. The review would consider:

a) proposals for any amendments to current legislation, including regulations

b) New/Improved guidance to operators (undertakers) and inspectors (supervising and inspecting) that will improve the operation, maintenance and inspection of similar structures going forward

c) Any changes to the requirements for the competence needs, assessment of, appointment or functions of panel engineers

Full terms of reference for this part to be informed by part A and agreed at a later date.

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