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Conference highlights flooding consultation
27/02/2008
Seeking expert views on developing sustainable flood risk management fit for the 21st century, is the key aim of an environmental research conference being held today.
Minister for Environment Michael Russell will be calling for specialist contributions to the consultation proposals, to better manage the risks associated with flooding and improve protection for vulnerable homes and communities.
Speaking at the third annual Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER) conference on flood risk management in Dunfermline, Mr Russell said:
"Climate change has seen flooding become an increasing risk. The proposals contained within the flooding consultation aim to improve protection for vulnerable communities from that growing threat.
"The destruction flooding can cause is traumatic in terms of loss of property and devastating for those homes and businesses directly affected.
"By streamlining the flood risk management process, we aim to ensure that a modern and sustainable approach is in place across Scotland. This will help to simplify and speed up flood protection measures.
"The consultation is an opportunity for everyone to contribute on the way forward for flood risk management. I am looking for expert views from those here today to share their experience and knowledge on the proposals to help develop the future legislation."
The conference aims to share best practice on new flood risk management research, discuss the proposals in the consultation on the draft Bill and identify research needs for delivery of future sustainable flood management in Scotland.
The Scottish Government recruited SNIFFER in 2004 to develop a research and knowledge management service for flood risk management for Scottish stakeholders. SNIFFER is directly funded by the Scottish Government and managed by a steering group including representatives from Scottish Water, SEPA, local authorities, Environment Link, SNH and as observers, the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency and Republic of Ireland Office of Public Works.
The consultation on proposals for the Flooding Bill will run until April 23, 2008. The Government plans to introduce a draft Bill to the Scottish Parliament later this year.
The framework for the Flooding Bill is the EC Floods Directive, which was formally adopted by the European Council on September 18, 2007. The Scottish Government must transpose the Directive into Scots law by November 2009. The purpose of the Directive is to establish a framework for the assessment and management of flood risks. It requires action by Member States in three main areas:
- Production of preliminary flood risk assessment
- Production of flood hazard maps and flood risk maps
- Production of flood risk management plans
The consultation also includes proposals to reform the Reservoirs Act 1975.