1. Levee management guidelines Viktor Brenners, DEPI FMU

2. Presentation overview What is a levee and why do we have them Why do we need Levee Management Guidelines Who should use the Guidelines Document development Document overview

3. Levee definition A levee is a raised, predominantly earthen structure that is not reshaped under normal conditions by the action of waves and currents whose primary objective is to provide protection against flooding. Levees form part of flood defence systems that may also include flood walls, pumping stations, gates, closure structures, natural features, and other associated structures.

4. Levees! Those on one side love ‘em, those on the other hate ‘em. There’s only two types of levees: those that have failed and those that will! So you always need a contingency plan.

6. Why do we need Guidelines Guidelines developed in response to several recommendations of the Parliament of Victoria ENRC Inquiry into Flood Mitigation Infrastructure in Victoria final report (August 2012). Levees are an important part of Victoria’s flood management infrastructure and can be highly effective in containing flood waters. Without proper planning and management, including maintenance, levees can become ineffective or even add to flood risk and hamper flood response and recovery. It is important for authorities, communities and individuals to develop a total plan to manage their levees, covering issues such as where the levees are located, their design, their construction, and how they will be managed (including adequate on-going funding to do so).

7. Who should use the Guidelines Guidelines have been prepared primarily for levee owners/managers. They provide high-level guidance for the whole-of- life-cycle management of various types of levees, such as permanent earthen embankments, concrete walls, and demountable and temporary structures. They cover important aspects of levee design, construction, maintenance, renewal or decommissioning.

8. How were Guidelines developed Technical Reference Group established to review old guidelines (2002), and update and supplement where necessary. TRG members from DEPI, CMAs, MW, councils, VicSES. Independent peer review of document before finalisation. Will be available on DEPI website, through CMAs and councils.

9. Considerations Guidelines are not intended to provide solutions to all levee management problems. They should not be used as a substitute for sound engineering consideration of all the relevant issues and variables of a particular project. The services of suitably qualified engineers should be used, especially during the design and construction phases of a levee. Sound asset management principles should be applied throughout the life of the asset.

10. Issues covered Principles of levee management Levee categories and hazard classification Types of levees Levee design (for permanent levees) Levee construction Developing a levee management system Levee upgrade and renewal Levee decommissioning Community engagement Appendices with more detailed guidance on specific issues, such as –House protection (ring) levees –Earthworks specifications –Underground and aerial crossings –Levee Management Manual template –Potential modes of levee failure

11. Table of contents

12. Levee management guidelines “Levee management guidelines”

13. Questions ? ?