scoping stage earlier in the cycle, in order to identify the need for any additional data collection. Responsible Authorities often appoint specialist modelling contractors to carry out some or all aspects of a flood study. Where they consider it appropriate Responsible Authorities may pass this guidance onto their contractors and ask them to consider the relevant aspects in their work. To assist with this, key points for contractors are highlighted in red boxes while key points for Responsible Authorities are highlighted in green boxes. 2.3 SEPA input into modelling studies SEPA is able to support flood studies via the provision of data, technical advice and a review of outputs.
Early notification of a study by a Responsible Authority will enable SEPA to plan its resources and consider how best it can provide support as well as helping to ensure that study outputs can be incorporated into future hazard map updates and inform future flood risk management strategies. In the first instance ensure that the Regional Planning Manager is up to date with plans to progress a study via the local partnership and that contact is made with SEPA’s Strategic Flood Risk team (strategic.floodrisk@sepa.org.uk). Where appropriate a named contact within Strategic Flood Risk will be identified who will assist in developing links with other SEPA teams.
SEPA is able to provide support for modelling studies at the following stages: Scoping stage – SEPA can advise on any known linkages with other studies and the suggested study area. Developing a Statement of Requirements (SoR) – a template SoR can be provided on request and SEPA may also be able to review SoRs if required. SEPA can provide details of the available hydrometric data, and other data where appropriate for inclusion in the SoR. Data Collection – Details of the data held by SEPA which can be supplied for use in a flood study are given in Chapter 5. Data held by other organisations which may be required for a flood study is also given in Chapter 5.
Review of draft outputs – SEPA may be able to assist with the review of the following draft outputs where included in the project scope; technical notes on hydrology tidal/coastal boundary conditions, calibration results, draft design maps and flood levels, draft models and the draft model report. SEPA may consider an independent review or audit of hydraulic models to support consistent quality in Responsible Authority studies. Due to the number of studies identified, in the first Flood Risk Management cycle, SEPA’s resource requirements for supporting modelling studies are likely to be significant.
To enable SEPA to plan and prioritise input to studies it would appreciate being informed of planned delivery dates for key project outputs and notification of any significant changes to these timescales Flood Modelling Guidance for Responsible Authorities v1.1 9