Management of Surface Water in Severe Weather Conditions from the Highway GORDON HUNT COUNTY DRAINAGE ENGINEER for OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Can the Existing Systems Cope In the intense storms we are experiencing NO The old drainage systems can not cope

Problems we are experiencing due to the intense storms Blocked Gullies Silted pipes Silted soak away’s Blocked bore holes Overgrown and blocked ditches These are expensive to maintain So they don’t get done regulary

What can Oxfordshire do about it Find more money – Where ? Encourage – self help Residents to rake leaves off gullies outside their propertys Encourage local Flood Groups – to check,:- local problems, walk ditches, identify problems early Give support to these Groups

What can the Highway Authority do to help Think outside to box!! Change the type of drainage we are installing Design systems that are cheap to maintain Or require minimum maintenance Be creative

Porous Pavements

Porous Pavements - is one way All new estate roads, but not on Bus Routes It stores water in storms – reducing flows down stream Have chambers built into water storage so Contractors can pump water up to maintain Developments Planting Scheme in drought conditions

Severe Weather Yes – severe weather can mean drought conditions as well We need water to water all the trees and plants that are planted every year on road schemes, developments, schools etc.

Swales

Swales and Grips Over the edge drainage – cheap to maintain Grips with kerb droppers – safe and cheap Wide swales – so cars can drive through them – safe Have filter drains under the grass – linking swales Construct check damns to slow the water flows down Swales hold more water than pipes

Ponds

Good water storage Looks good on developments Flat side slopes – safe No fencing or hard concrete headwalls Use natural materials Vegetation grows quick – no need to plant Cheaper to maintain than Box Culverts

What should we be doing:- Provide systems that are safe and cheap to maintain Protect our Natural Environment for future generations They should be teaching aids for the local residents Get Residents of Oxfordshire involved!!