Agenda item

1.    Germany Beck Pumping Station – Mark Henderson CYC Flood Manager

Project Overview:

• Mark Henderson introduced himself and provided an update on the Germany Beck flood management project. He welcomed questions during or after the presentation.

Location & Infrastructure:

• Germany Beck and the associated pumping station were highlighted. Downstream impacts affect the A19 and local SSSI areas.

Flood Impacts:

• High water levels in Germany Beck can back up, causing flooding at Fordlands Road and Fordlands Crescent.
• In severe cases, temporary infrastructure like a scaffolded bridge is required to maintain access.
• Surface water drainage from residential areas (e.g., Fordlands Estate) contributes to local flooding, with approximately 300+ properties affected.
• Historical context: Around 20–23 properties were flooded in 2015.

Scheme Justification:

• Main drivers: prevent road blockages at Fordlands Road, reduce residential flooding at Fordlands Crescent, and manage tunnel drain overflow.
• Economic and community benefits: preventing flooding protects homes, ensures road accessibility (A19 carries ~16,000 vehicles/day), and supports broader local economic impacts.

Funding:

• Central government and City of York Council are co-funding the scheme based on the business case demonstrating flood risk reduction and economic benefits.

Pumping Station Function:

• The pumping station will draw water from Germany Beck when high water levels cause hydraulic locking at the Ings.
• Water will be pumped through an offline system into a wet well and then through a new culvert under the A19 to manage flow.
• Downstream risk is minimal; modelling shows the pumped volume is negligible relative to the total water body.

Project Timeline & Procurement:

• Specialist contractor procurement planned for April–May next year; contract to be approved by August.
• Site mobilisation and planning condition discharges will occur before work starts.
• Construction is expected to begin in autumn next year.

Budget:

• Indicative cost: ~£4.5 million, including 25–30% contingency. Final cost depends on market responses.

Sequence of Works:

• Key elements: pumping station, kiosk/pump panel, culvert, downstream headwall, and structural changes to upstream/downstream areas.
• Work may be phased; exact sequencing will be determined once the contractor is appointed.

Temporary Access & Storage:

• Parts of the park will be temporarily cordoned off for access, equipment storage, and work along the bank and parish field.
• Access will be via Fordlands Road. Temporary disruptions are expected, but benefits of the project are expected to outweigh short-term inconveniences.

Project Timeline:

• Work expected to start in autumn 2026 (following mobilisation).
• Duration estimated at around one year, slightly longer than the original 64-week business case projection.
• Design refinements may occur once the contractor begins work, similar to adjustments made after an architect hands over to a builder.
• Project completion anticipated by autumn 2027.

Constraints & Impacts:

• Key considerations include ecology, landscape, archaeology, and A19 impacts.
• Ecological protections:
  • Areas of ecological importance (SSSI/triple S) identified downstream of A19.
  • Pumping station designed to be eel-friendly, using slower, larger impellers (similar to an Archimedes screw) to allow safe passage of eels.
  • Water vole surveys conducted in September; further surveys planned in April.

Ecological Surveys & Protections:

• Spring 2025 surveys planned for water voles; mitigation measures and licenses required if present.
• No signs of otters; nesting birds will be protected.
• Tree management: some trees may be removed, others retained or replaced, with protections for roots.
• Invasive species (Himalayan balsam, waterweed) will be carefully managed to prevent spread.
• Additional ecological surveys needed: bats, trees, and habitats, as previous surveys (2021) are now outdated.
• Construction will follow detailed Environmental Management Plans and method statements to minimise ecological impact.

Archaeology:

• Work with local and county archaeologists to manage potential archaeological finds, including Battle of Fulford area.
• Excavation for the pumping station may uncover historical materials, which will be sifted with volunteer involvement.
• Archaeological mitigation and recording will be integrated into the construction process.

Q&A – Germany Beck Flood Management

Archaeology & Project Timelines:

• Significant finds during excavation will be removed and investigated but will not delay construction. Archaeologists will work alongside contractors.

A19 & Construction Impacts:

• Options for culvert construction under the A19 include partial road closure or thrust boring; final approach pending geotechnical studies and traffic modelling.
• Work involves significant construction due to peat layers and foundation requirements.

Design & Environmental Considerations:

• Pumping station design largely fixed, with minor tweaks possible for eel-friendly pumps and sluices.
• Landscaping and tree replacement plans in place; temporary use of the playing field will not affect newly planted areas.

Flooding & Access Concerns:

• Concerns raised about pedestrian and vehicle access during floods, particularly for carers and emergency access.
• Current interim measures (scaffold bridges, pumps) will remain until pumping station is operational.
• Possibility of additional temporary structures or increased pump capacity to manage water levels is being explored.

Tunnel Drain & Sewer System:

• Pumping station will maintain free flow in Tunnel Drain, preventing backflow and flooding of properties.
• Some foul water misconnections may exist; issue to be investigated with Yorkshire Water.
• Maintenance responsibility for culverted sections is complex; currently managed by Internal Drainage Board, with cost and liability considerations.

Funding & Legacy Issues:

• Project funded by City of York Council and central government; efforts ongoing to minimise cost to taxpayers.
• Historical development (e.g., Persimmon Homes) contributed to some existing flood issues; responsibility outside development boundaries is limited.
• Environmental improvements will be made where the pumping station impacts SSSI areas, but no wider remediation beyond the project area.

Additional Notes:

• Residents’ concerns about SSSI mitigation, flood season impacts, and temporary access acknowledged; further updates to be communicated as information becomes available.
• Mark Henderson emphasised transparency, cost-effectiveness, and collaboration with other agencies.