DOCSLIB.ORG

Land Drainage in England and Wales

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Land Drainage in England and Wales -69- LAND DRAINAGE |N ENGLAND AND WALES R.W. Irwin Schoo] of Engineering University of Guelph Britain is generally thought to be a small, highly industrialized country which relies on the rest of the world for the food it uses, This is a misconception, Jt has a highly developed agriculture. A comparison with Ontario is shown below. England & Wales Ontario Total improved land (ac) 14,000,000 10,865,000 No. of farm workers 647,000 392,000 No. of full time farms 165,000 95,000 WATER ORGANIZATION PRIOR TO APRIL 1974 Arterial Drainage Law pertaining to arterial drainage dates from the 12th century. In 1918 the drainage legislation was reviewed and new concepts were introduced which proved to be unsatisfactory in certain regards, The 1918 Act gave Drainage Commissioners the option of laying drainage rates on an acreage basis or on annual value. In 1918 the Ministry decreed that lands which could be rated for direct benefit were the agricultural land below the 8ft (based on 8 ft of wheat roots) contour above the highest known local flood level; urban property was set at flood level. Agricultural land assessment at the coast was based on 5ft above spring tide level for benefit, The Act also set out the flood benefit criteria lines, Rates were usually established on the acreage basis as it was easier to administer. |t was difficult to raise sufficient money under that arrangement, Only lands which received benefit paid prior to 1930. The Land Drainage Act of 1930 (1) created one authority (Catchment Board) for each main basin; (2) departed from the principle of assessing all the cost of drainage against land in proportion to direct benefit; and (3) established the principle of government grants-in-aid for agricul tural land, There were 20,000 miles of main river. The Catchment Board, with the Minister's approval, decided what main rivers were to be maintained and improved by the Board, A map was provided showing the main channels of concern to the Act and the watercourses deemed part of the main river. Boards did not lay drainage rate but were financed by (1) grants; (2) precepts (someone else collects) on internal drainage boards who charged on both urban and agricultural lands, but the urban element paid twice, once to the Local Authority and once to the |.D,8.; and (3) Council grants on the general rate (non-agricultural property). The |.D.B. boards were financed by taxes levied against real property in the district, agricultural -70- jand paying on the basis of its full ''annual value'! and other property, including buildings, at the same rate of 1/3 its annual value (i.e. an assessed valuation of annual rental or production value made for income tax purposes). Because of derating agricultural land did not pay anything toward the main river drainage work unless jn an |nternal Drainage district. Property owners were rated separately for improvement and occupiers were rated for maintenance. Internal Drainage Boards were under the general supervision of the Catchment Board. Electors were people who own or occupy land in the area, Each elector had votes depending upon the value of his property, The individual was responsible for maintenance, Grants to |,D.B.'s were established at 50/, About * 45 million was paid to 196] on 70 million captial works, Owners of poorer Jand bore a greater burden of the loss from flooding. Urban property made a more appropriate contribution and was assessed at a uniform amount per pound throughout the area, Under the River Boards Act, 1948, Catchment Boards were superceded by River Boards, covering the whole of England and Wales, with responsibility for land drajnage, fisheries, pollution prevention and river gauging. Drainage Boards continued to exercise responsibility for the drainage of areas of special drainage need with River Board areas, The River Boards Act, established a two tier system. Jt brought the river systems or groups of river systems under the control of one authority cutting across county and other administration boundaries, With the addition of abstraction, pollution and river gauging it was the thin edge of the wedge and drainage received less attention. The Regional Water Authorities set up in 1973 took over everything of terrestrial water. River Boards exercised general supervision over drainage of the whole catchment area, 1|.D,B.'s attended to the local drainage. The 29 River Boards followed the boundaries of the old Catchment Boards, Outside the |,D.B, the farm ditch is normally separated from the main river by intermediate watercourses which up to 196] were not the responsibility of any authority. The Land Drainage Act 1961 gave River Boards authority for the improve- ment, maintenance and level discharges; to raise drainage charges on agricultural land and buildings not in an |.0.8, |.D.B.'s can now only be created or abolished on initiation of a River Board, The River Board submits to the Minister a drainage proposal to improve watercourses and provide for rating charges. These are placed on the map and designated a drain. The Board, prior to submitting scheme, is to consult organizations representing the people in the agricultural] area, The scheme sent to council and to organizations within the area, not to the ratepayers, River Boards were superseded in turn in 1963 by 27 River Authorities and 2 Catchment Boards with wider powers especially for the conservation of water resources, The structure of water services pre April 1974 was as follows: “j= |. Water Supply Statutory Undertakers 100 Waterboards 50 LA's 7 Committees 30 Water Companies 2, Sewerage and Sewerage Disposal Loca] Authorities Joint Sewerage Boards 1,364 27 3, River and Water Resource Management River Authorities Thames and Lee Conservancy 27 Thus a total of 1,600 authorities were responsible for the administration of water services In England and Wales. in 1971 a report on ''The Future Management of Water in England and Wales, H.M,S.0.!' was published by the Central Advisory Water Committee, and from this a Government policy was developed to achieve the following objectives: (i) To secure an ample supply of water of appropriate quality to meet the growing demands of people, industry and agriculture, (ii) To provide adequate sewerage and sewage disposal facilities to cope with the increase in water use, (iii) To ensure that the vital contribution of land drainage and flood protection to both urban and agricultural areas alike is maintained, and where appropriate, expanded, (iv) To achieve a massive clean up of the country's rivers and estuaries by the early 1980s, (v) To make the widest use of water space for other purposes, including recreation and amenity and, where appropriate, the protection and development of salmon and freshwater fisheries and the provision of water needed for navigation, (vi) To protect the interests of those who may be affected by the proposals for the development of water resources in any of these respects, The New Organization To achieve these objectives, the 1973 Water Act sets up a National Water Council, 9 Regional Water Authorities for England and a Welsh National Water Development Authority. Between them they will employ some 75,000 staff, the annual revenue wil] be about +} 350 millions and their budget about } 300 millions per annum, The boundaries follow watersheds of the =72- catchment areas for one or more major rivers. The original aim for the Regional Water Authorities was to have a multi purpose structure for al] the water services, but in practise it has varied with jndividual Water Authorities. A typical structure of independent division's consists of, (1) Water Supply Divisions - Regrouping of existing undertakers (2) Sewage Disposal Divisions - Fundamental regrouping to 88 divisions (3) River Divisions - Basically former River Authority areas, At government level Regional Water Authorities are responsible to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for land drainage and fisheries functions and to the Department of the Environment for other matters, Grant aid for land drainage works Is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, National Water Council The National Water Council] will, (i) advise government on all matters relating to national policy for water (ii) Promote efficient performance of the Regional Water Authorities, particularly in relation to research (iil) establish a scheme for testing and approving water Fittings (iv) prepare a scheme for training and education in connection with water services, The Council consists of a chairman appointed by the Secretary of State, DOE, the chairmen of the RWAs, eight members appointed by the Secretary of State, and two by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Water Space Amenity Commission A commission js to be set up to investigate the amenity and recreational use of water, Regional Water Authorities will be advised by the Commission, Regional Water Authorities (a) Functions (i) . All functions of the former river authorities, viz Land Drainage, River Pollution, Fisheries, Sea Defence, (ii) Conservation, redistribution, and augmentation of water resources within their area. (iti) Supply of wholesome water within their area. (Statutory Water Companies may act on behalf of the RWA). -73- (iv) To make arrangements for the sewerage functions under the Public Health Acts, (Local Authorities will be dealing with sewerage functions on an agency basis, but RWA are controlling sewage treatment direct). (v) To take steps to secure the use of water, and land assocjated with water, for the purposes of recreation. (b) Membership Chairman ~ appointed by the Secretary of State DOE Members = between 2 and 4 appointed by MAFF Members - as specified, appointed by DOE Members - as specified, appointed by LA's Local Authority membership shall have a majority. (c) Structure Of great significance in the Regional Water Authority structure is the Regional Land Drainage Committee.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Scanned PDF[7.83
    aedings of osium on Engineering and the Environment: Harmony or Conflict? The Institution of Water Engineers and Scientists SYMPOSIUM ON ENGINEERING AND THE ENVIRONMENT: HARMONY OR CONFLICT? i PROCEEDINGS OF SYMPOSIUM HELD IN . LONDON, ENGLAND, on 6th and 7th DECEMBER 1978 ANY CORRESPONDENCE relating to the papers appearing in this publication should be addressed to the Secretary, The Institution of Water Engineers and Scientists, 6-8 Sackville Street, London W1X 1DD, England. (Telphone: 01-734 5422.) © Copyright reserved by The Institution of Water Engineers and Scientists. The Institution is not responsible as a body for the opinions advanced in any of the papers comprising this symposium. The comments made by the authors and by the contributors to the discussions on the papers are the personal comments of the individuals, and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employing authorities. PREFACE The general theme of this Symposium is the environmental and sociological implications of major engineering works and how these influence the promotion, design, construction, and operation of such works. Within this theme an attempt is made to identify the role which is or should be played by the water services industry and to illustrate this by examples from overseas and the United Kingdom. Thereafter, an attempt is made to examine the way ahead. Problems and public concern relating to pollution of the environment are not new and it could be said that the water industry has a long history of concern for the environment. Be that as it may there have been rapid and dramatic changes in our life style in recent years and the public generally now have a greater awareness and interest in the impact of change and development on the environment which is resulting from the increasingly complex society in which we live.
    [Show full text]
  • Suffolk De-Maining Project - Consultation Response Document
    Rationalising the Main River Network (RMRN): Suffolk De-maining Project - Consultation Response Document We are the Environment Agency. We protect and improve the environment. We help people and wildlife adapt to climate change and reduce its impacts, including flooding, drought, sea level rise and coastal erosion. We improve the quality of our water, land and air by tackling pollution. We work with businesses to help them comply with environmental regulations. A healthy and diverse environment enhances people's lives and contributes to economic growth. We can’t do this alone. We work as part of the Defra group (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs), with the rest of government, local councils, businesses, civil society groups and local communities to create a better place for people and wildlife. Published by: Environment Agency Further copies of this report are available Horizon House, Deanery Road, from our publications catalogue: Bristol BS1 5AH www.gov.uk/government/publications Email: [email protected] or our National Customer Contact Centre: www.gov.uk/environment-agency T: 03708 506506 Email: [email protected]. © Environment Agency 2017 All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency. 2 of 22 Foreword We are committed to working with local organisations, landowners and communities to ensure the right organisations are managing the right watercourses. The 3 de-maining pilots that we consulted on nationally in January/February 2018 are an important step in making this happen. We are a national organisation and our focus is on managing watercourses where the flood risk is greatest to people and property, therefore in some locations we are not best placed to lead and manage flood risk.
    [Show full text]
  • March East Internal Drainage Board
    MARCH EAST INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD At a Meeting of the March East Internal Drainage Board held at the Middle Level Offices, March on Thursday the 6th June 2019 PRESENT C E Martin Esq (Chairman) R D Gladwin Esq C W Albutt Esq (Vice Chairman) J E Heading Esq J F Clark Esq D J Henson Esq M Cornwell Esq C Marks Esq A Dunham Esq R E Mason Esq G C Dunham Esq D S Morris Esq A J N Gee Esq F H Yeulett Esq Miss Samantha Ablett (representing the Clerk to the Board) and Mr Morgan Lakey (representing the Consulting Engineers) were in attendance. Apologies for absence Apologies for absence were received from A W Coulson Esq, P G Hayes, and Councillor M Purser. B.1260 Declarations of Interest Miss Ablett reminded Members of the importance of declaring an interest in any matter included in today’s agenda that involved or was likely to affect any individual on the Board. B.1261 Confirmation of Minutes RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Board held on the 7th June 2018 are recorded correctly and that they be confirmed and signed. B.1262 Land Drainage Act 1991 Board Membership – Fenland District Council Miss Ablett reported that Fenland District Council had re-appointed Councillors J F Clark and M Cornwell and appointed Councillors C Marks, D Divine, M Purser and F Yeulett to be Members of the Board under the provisions of the Land Drainage Act 1991. Miss Ablett also reported that Councillors Mrs M Davis, S Court and A Pugh were not re- appointed.
    [Show full text]
  • 150 Autumn News 2009 the Bulletin of the Association for Industrial Archaeology Free to Members of Aia
    INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY 150 AUTUMN NEWS 2009 THE BULLETIN OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY FREE TO MEMBERS OF AIA Pontcysyllte is new World Heritage Site G Fe09 Conference at Coalbrookdale G Longdendale Water Heritage at Risk G Stretham engine G Leeds towers G regional news G publications The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage inscription at Seville On 27 June the 33rd session of the World which discussions might reach the level of the Heritage Committee meeting in Seville inscribed complexities of the comparative terminologies INDUSTRIAL the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal (United between the English and French translations. Kingdom) on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Friday and Saturday in this vast dark air- ARCHAEOLOGY new World Heritage Site is 11 miles (18 conditioned space came and went with the Chair kilometres) long, with all but half a mile in Wales. of the World Heritage Committee up on stage NEWS 150 It follows the waterway from its feeder at the flanked by serried ranks of ICOMOS global site Autumn 2009 Horseshoe Falls on the River Dee above research specialists and raconteurs with Llangollen to Gledrid Bridge near Rhoswiel. While dictionaries, backed by five vast screens centred Honorary President the star attraction is the famous Pontcysyllte on the personage talking with alternate English Prof Angus Buchanan 13 Hensley Road, Bath BA2 2DR Aqueduct across the Dee near Wrexham, it also and French screens showing the inscription texts Chairman includes the Chirk Aqueduct and Tunnel. being examined paragraph by paragraph, and Tony Crosby Congratulations to the three lead organisations, clause by clause, in both languages 261 Stansted Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2BT Wrexham County Borough Council, British simultaneously.
    [Show full text]
  • Lincolnshire Local Flood Defence Committee Annual Report 1996/97
    1aA' AiO Cf E n v ir o n m e n t ' » . « / Ag e n c y Lincolnshire Local Flood Defence Committee Annual Report 1996/97 LINCOLNSHIRE LOCAL FLOOD DEFENCE COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 1996/97 THE FOLLOWING REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED UNDER SECTION 12 OF THE WATER RESOURCES ACT 1991 Ron Linfield Front Cover Illustration Area Manager (Northern) Aerial View of Mablethorpe North End Showing the 1996/97 Kidding Scheme May 1997 ENVIRONMENT AGENCY 136076 LINCOLNSHIRE LOCAL FLOOD DEFENCE COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 1996/97 CONTENTS Item No Page 1. Lincolnshire Local Flood Defence Committee Members 1 2. Officers Serving the Committee 3 3. Map of Catchment Area and Flood Defence Data 4 - 5 4. Staff Structure - Northern Area 6 5. Area Manager’s Introduction 7 6. Operations Report a) Capital Works 10 b) Maintenance Works 20 c) Rainfall, River Flows and Flooding and Flood Warning 22 7. Conservation and Flood Defence 30 8. Flood Defence and Operations Revenue Account 31 LINCOLNSHIRE LOCAL FLOOD DEFENCE COMMITTEE R J EPTON Esq - Chairman Northolme Hall, Wainfleet, Skegness, Lincolnshire Appointed bv the Regional Flood Defence Committee R H TUNNARD Esq - Vice Chairman Witham Cottage, Boston West, Boston, Lincolnshire D C HOYES Esq The Old Vicarage, Stixwould, Lincoln R N HERRING Esq College Farm, Wrawby, Brigg, South Humberside P W PRIDGEON Esq Willow Farm, Bradshaws Lane, Hogsthorpe, Skegness Lincolnshire M CRICK Esq Lincolnshire Trust for Nature Conservation Banovallum House, Manor House Street, Homcastle Lincolnshire PROF. J S PETHICK - Director Cambs Coastal Research
    [Show full text]
  • Water Resources Act 1963
    Changes to legislation: There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Water Resources Act 1963. (See end of Document for details) Water Resources Act 1963 1963 CHAPTER 38 An Act to provide for the establishment of river authorities and a Water Resources Board, to confer on them, and on the Minister of Housing and Local Government, new functions in relation to water resources in England and Wales, and to provide for the transfer to river authorities of functions previously exercisable by river boards and other bodies; to make further provision for controlling the abstraction and impounding of water, for imposing charges in respect of licences to abstract or impound water, and for securing the protection and proper use of inland waters and water in underground strata; to enable corresponding provision to be made in relation to the Thames and Lee catchment areas and certain other areas in or adjacent to London; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid. [31st July 1963] Extent Information E1 For the extent of this Act see s. 137(2)(3) Modifications etc. (not altering text) C1 Act extended by S.I. 1972/971, Sch. 1 Pt. A C2 The base date version of this Act is as revised to 1.12.1991 and takes into account the effects (if any) on it of consolidating legislation which came into force at that date. C3 Act modified by S.I. 1974/607, art. 13(1)(2) C4 Act modified by Channel Tunnel Act 1987 (c. 53, SIF 102), s. 6, Sch. 2 Pt. II para.
    [Show full text]
  • Battle for the Floodplains
    Battle for the Floodplains: An Institutional Analysis of Water Management and Spatial Planning in England Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements of the for the Degree of Doctor in Philosophy by Karen Michelle Potter September 2012 Abstract Dramatic flood events witnessed from the turn of the century have renewed political attention and, it is believed, created new opportunities for the restoration of functional floodplains to alleviate the impact of flooding on urban development. For centuries, rural and urban landowning interests have dominated floodplains and water management in England, through a ‘hegemonic discourse alliance’ on land use development and flood defence. More recently, the use of structural flood defences has been attributed to the exacerbation of flood risk in towns and cities, and we are warned if water managers proceeded with ‘business as usual’ traditional scenarios, this century is predicted to see increased severe inconveniences at best and human catastrophes at worst. The novel, sustainable and integrated policy response is highly dependent upon the planning system, heavily implicated in the loss of floodplains in the past, in finding the land for restoring functioning floodplains. Planners are urged to take this as a golden opportunity to make homes and businesses safer from flood risk, but also to create an environment with green spaces and richer habitats for wildlife. Despite supportive changes in policy, there are few urban floodplain restoration schemes being implemented in practice in England, we remain entrenched in the engineered flood defence approach and the planner’s response is deemed inadequate. The key question is whether new discourses and policy instruments on sustainable, integrated water management can be put into practice, or whether they will remain ‘lip-service’ and cannot be implemented after all.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction to Internal Drainage Boards (Idbs)
    An introduction to Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) Association of Drainage Authorities The national representative of IDBs in England & Wales What is an Internal Drainage Board? An Internal Drainage Board (IDB) is a local public authority that manages water levels. They are an integral part of managing flood risk and land drainage within areas of special drainage need in England and Wales. Each IDB has permissive powers to undertake work to provide water level management within their Internal Drainage District (IDD), undertaking works to reduce flood risk to people and property and manage water levels for local needs. Much of their work involves the maintenance of rivers, drainage channels, outfalls and pumping stations, facilitating drainage of new developments and advising on planning applications. They also have statutory duties with regard to the environment and recreation when exercising their permissive powers. The forerunners of today’s IDBs date back to the time of Henry III who established a Commission for drainage of Romney Marsh in Kent in 1252. Most IDBs today were established by the Government following the passing of the Land Drainage Act 1930. The activities and responsibilities of IDBs are currently controlled by the Land Drainage Act 1991 as amended by subsequent legislation. IDBs are also defined as Risk Management Authorities within the Flood & Water Management Act 2010 alongside the Environment Agency, local authorities and water companies. Today, there are 121 IDBs in Great Britain, 120 in Geographical distribution of England and 3 in Wales (2 IDBs cross the border). IDBs IDBs in England & Wales cover 1.2 million hectares of England (9.7% of England’s (Source: Sharon Grafton, ADA) total land area) and 28,500 hectares of Wales (1.4% of the Wales’ total land area).
    [Show full text]
  • Internal Drainage District Boundary Review Consultation
    Internal Drainage District Boundary Review - Glossary This document provides an overview and clarification of the terms used within the consultation documents for the Internal Drainage District Boundary Review consultation. Term Definition Biodiversity The variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Catchment An area of land where water collects when it rains, often bounded by hills. Drainage channels Ditches and watercourses within an IDD. Internal Drainage District Advisory A group of people who live and work within an Group IDD who provide NRW with expert advice to ensure high quality and appropriate service in the IDD. FCERM Flood and coastal erosion risk management. Flood defence structure Any permanent works constructed, operated or maintained by the regulator for the purposes of managing flood risk. Groundwater flooding Occurs when water levels in the ground rise above the natural surface. Low-lying areas underlain by permeable strata are particularly susceptible. Hydrology The study of water. Internal Drainage District (IDD) Areas of land where there is a particular need for drainage and water level management. IDDs are operated in accordance with the Land Drainage Act 1991. Internal Drainage Board (IDB) The Board that operates and manages the IDDs. In Wales, NRW’s Board acts as the IDB for all IDDs. Main river A watercourse shown as such on a main river map and includes any structure or appliance for controlling or regulating the flow of water into, in or out of the channel which: (a) is a structure or appliance situated in the channel or in any part of the banks of the channel; and (b) is not a structure or appliance vested in or controlled by an internal drainage board.
    [Show full text]
  • An Assessment of the Impact of Regulatory Models for Drinking
    An Assessment of the Impact of Regulatory Models for Drinking Water Quality In the UK by Annabelle May Submitted for Doctorate of Philosophy School of Engineering University of Surrey September 2007 © Annabelle May 2007 ProQuest Number: 27607843 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. uest ProQuest 27607843 Published by ProQuest LLO (2019). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code Microform Edition © ProQuest LLO. ProQuest LLO. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.Q. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 4 8 1 0 6 - 1346 Abstract The main objectives of this study were to assess the influence of regulation on drinking water quality and to explore how drinking water quality regulation is practiced in other countries to establish if the regulatory paradigm in England and Wales and the regulatory mechanisms used by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) have been effective, and finally, whether potential for Improvement exists. Drinking water quality data from Scotland, Northern Ireland and England and Wales was used to aid an assessment of the three regulatory models found in the United Kingdom. The assessment was also Informed by knowledge acquired through practical observation of regulators, interviews with key personnel and a literature review.
    [Show full text]
  • Mark up of Port of London Act 1968
    PART I PRELIMINARY 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Port of London Act 1968. Note The following may, as provided by The Port of London Authority (Constitution) Harbour Revision Order 2005 1(2) SI 2005/3514, be cited together as the Port of London Acts and Orders 1968 to 2005: of the Port of London Act, 1968, the Port of London Act 1970, the Port of London Authority (Borrowing Powers) Revision Order 1971, SI 1971/1227, the Port of London Authority (Constitution) Revision Order 1975, SI 1975/1890, the Port of London Authority (Borrowing Powers. etc) Revisions Order 1980, SI 1980/1068, the Port of London Act 1982, The Port of London (Pilotage) Harbour Revision Order 1988 SI 1988/1626, The Port of London Authority Harbour Revision Order 1989 SI 1989/774, The Port of Tilbury Transfer Scheme 1991 Confirmation Order 1992 SI 1992/284,The Port of London Authority Harbour Revision Order 1992 SI 1992/3011, The Port of London Authority Harbour Revision Order 1999 SI 1999/1353, The Port of London Authority Harbour Revision Order 2003 SI 2003/2556 and The Port of London Authority (Constitution) Harbour Revision Order 2005 SI 2005/3514. 2. Interpretation (1) In this Act, except so far as the context otherwise requires- “autonomous vessel” means a vessel which, to any degree, is able to operate independently of human interaction or is capable of being operated remotely; "bed" in relation to the Thames, means the bed, shore and banks of the Thames below mean high water level; ["boat for hire" means a passenger vessel whether or not it is let
    [Show full text]
  • River Response to Recent Environmental Change in the Yorkshire Ouse Basin, Northern England
    River response to recent environmental change in the Yorkshire Ouse basin, northern England. Sean Anthony Longfield, B.Sc. (H ons) 'N/ Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Leeds School of Geography July 1998 The candidate confirms that the work submitted is his own and that appropriate credit has been given where reference has been made to the w'ork of others II A b s t r a c t Longfield, S.A. 1998. River response to recent environmental change in the Yorkshire Ouse basin, northern England. University of Leeds, Ph.D. This study examines historical variations in flood frequency and magnitude in the Yorkshire Ouse basin, northern England, over the last 900 years. The causes of temporal and spatial variations in flooding are evaluated through investigation of climatic and land-use controls. Documentary evidence of flooding and climate suggests that a series of large floods between 1263 and 1360 were associated with climatic deterioration from the Medieval Optimum. A shift to generally milder conditions between 1361 and 1549 resulted in no floods being documented in the Ouse basin The frequency of large magnitude floods increased dramatically between 1550 and 1680, as a result of low temperatures, increased surface wetness, more frequent snowfall and a southward shift of prevailing storm tracks over middle latitudes, associated with the onset of the "Little Ice Age’. In contrast, during a wanner phase of the Little Ice Age, between 1681 and 1763, the frequency of localised summer flooding increased in the Ouse basin due to more frequent high intensity, short duration convective storms.
    [Show full text]