river tees flood management scheme

• Why were flood management schemes needed in the River Tees?

  The steep V-shaped valleys in the upper course are made of impermeable rock, which increases run-off and causes river levels to rise quickly. There are almost 23,500 people at risk of flooding around the Tees area. Lower Tees, Yarm and Stockton are particularly at risk from tidal floods.
• Outline the flood management strategies that have been employed in the River Tees.

  Since 2002, £11 million has been invested in flood management strategies including:

  • Flood gates

  • Flood warnings

  • Flood plain zoning

  • The Tees Barrage

  • Cow Green Reservoir
• Describe what the Tees Barrage is and what it does.

  The Tees Barrage was constructed in 1995 and is now permanently kept at a high level to reduce the risk of flooding at high tide or during a storm surge.
• Describe what the Cow Green Reservoir is and what it does.

  The Cow Green Reservoir was built in the 1970s to provide water to local industries and also helps with flood control. Future plans include an embankment to the north of the Salthome Nature Reserve, improving flood defences and creating 30 hectares of natural habitat for wildlife.
• Outline the social issues of the flood management strategies in the River Tees.

  Some people consider hard engineering strategies, such as the Tees Barrage, unsightly. Despite huge investment in flood defences, flooding continues to disrupt the area. For example, in Eston in 2017, flash flooding caused major travel disruptions.
• Outline the economic issues of the flood management strategies in the River Tees.

  Flood management is costly. For example, the Tees Barrage cost over £50 million to construct. The vast number of flood defences around Teesside are expensive to maintain.
• Outline the environmental issues of the flood management strategies in the River Tees.

  Many people opposed the construction of the Cow Green Reservoir because they believed its construction would damage natural habitats. There are almost 30 environmentally designated sites in the Teesside that are at risk from flooding which require protection.