1. Environment Agency Sarah Spence

2. Environment Agency background Environment Agency is an “Executive Non-departmental Public Body responsible to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.” Responsibilities Priorities

3. Crisis At the beginning of 2014, major floods hit the Somerset area, leaving many houses and buildings under water as well as many people homeless and confused about what to do next. Farmers Residents

4. Agency response As of now, steps have been taken by the agency in order to reduce the water levels in Somerset. Large pumps were brought to Somerset with the intention of largely reducing the water levels. Videos and pictures have been posted by the agency for the public to see the work that is being done.

5. Media response Media has been positive, negative and even neutral in some cases. Positive publicity about steps being taken to reduce the water levels Negative publicity about the agency not being prepared/not being smart enough to prevent it Neutral publicity about residents and farmers who have been helping each other in the midst of the crisis

6. Stakeholders response FLAG- local pro-dredging pressure group Stop the Floods- Dredge the Somerset Levels

7. Recommendations Preventative measures: dredging before heavy rainfall Quick action if crisis occurs: quick to dredge or find another solution Back up plan: if dredging is too expensive, not the right equipment, etc.