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<p>Catchments like the Brue on the Somerset Levels & Moors have seen record breaking
conditions. Hundreds of properties have been flooded across Somerset and the Lead
Local Flood Authority (Somerset Council) is planning to publish 11 Section 19 flooding
reports.</p><p>Protecting some communities on the Somerset Levels and Moors from flooding
is reliant on careful management of water levels, the storage and pumping of water
from the moors, mobilisation of enhanced pumping capacity as well as targeted water
injection dredging and the delivery of further flood/drought risk management interventions.
Continued operation and maintenance of flood risk structures and equipment is essential
to manage the risk. Future investment needs to factor in climatic change and help
reach net zero.</p><p>Led by the Environment Agency, tens of millions are being invested
in flood storage reservoirs to ensure they are safe and the Bridgwater tidal barrier
will reduce tidal flood risk to 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses. The detailed design
is complete and enabling works are underway.</p><p>The natural geography of the Somerset
Levels and Moors, in combination with climate change, indicates communities and businesses
must remain prepared for flooding. The Somerset Rivers Authority Partnership, which
has recently consulted on and published a new 10-year strategy, is helping Flood risk
management authorities to work together so the Levels and Moors become a more climate
resilient place.</p><p>The Government’s drive to tackle climate change, alongside
exiting the EU is delivering an evolution of environmental, flood risk and farming
policy. This change is presenting tangible economic and environmental opportunities
for the communities living and working on the Levels and Moors in this pump drained
landscape.</p>
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