Appendix A
MIDDLESBROUGH COUNCIL DRAFT CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION ACTION PLAN
CONTEXT
1. The debate on climate change has shifted from whether society needs to act, to how much has to be done by who and how quickly. A broad range of national and international reports have focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and taking practical actions to adapt to the inevitable consequences and of global warming. Greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere for over 50 years so the atmosphere will continue to warm up even if a dramatic reduction in emissions can be achieved soon, so the impact will be felt for decades if not centuries.
2. Climate change has moved up the political agenda as society is coming to terms with the predicted environmental and social impacts and financial implications of climate change. The government has created three national indicators for climate change intervention work to measure progress at the local level. These are;
NI 185 - how local authorities are reducing carbon dioxide emissions. NI 186 - how local communities are reducing carbon dioxide emissions. NI 188 - how a local authority is leading the community to adapt to climate change
3. The Sustainable Community Strategy is responsive to the need to act effectively and has the following strategic priority ' Reduce carbon emissions and adapt to Climate Change’ and Middlesbrough's Local Area Agreement has a supporting priority target which is a key requirement for meeting Level 3 of NI188 by March 2010. This document is the Action Plan required to meet Level 3. The Middlesbrough Vision and all Community Strategy themes require an effective response to the projected changing weather patterns, which are explained in this document.
4. The contents of this Action Plan, therefore, support commitments in the Local Area Agreement and the Sustainable Community Strategy and comply with the requirements of N1188. The actions are essential if Middlesbrough is to have a sustainable future. The Action Plan will also provide an important contribution to Middlesbrough's developing One Planet Living framework, which is being led by Middlesbrough Council and the Middlesbrough Partnership, with support from Middlesbrough Environment City.
1
International and National Issues
5. At the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that human induced warming of the climate system is unequivocal. This is evident from increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global sea level. Dr Pachauri went on to state that societies must now respond to climate change by adapting to its impacts and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are viable adaptation options that can be implemented at relatively low cost and/or with high benefit-cost ratios. Research suggests that high benefit solutions can be achieved at relatively low cost by implementing key adaptation measures at an early stage.
6. The United Kingdom Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) states that while it is essential to reduce future greenhouse gas emissions, the effects of past emissions will continue to be felt for decades. The latest climate change scenarios for the UK are provided by the “UK Climate Projections”. These provide information about expected climate changes in the UK over the 21st century for low, medium and high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. As well as changes in average seasonal climate, there is also information on changes in climatic extremes. For the first time ever, UK climate change information is based on probability. The 10%, 50%, and 90% probability levels reinforce the idea that most of the climate projections do not provide a single estimate of change.
Action in Middlesbrough
7. The Middlesbrough Sustainable Community Strategy sets out the long- term vision that ‘Middlesbrough will be a thriving, vibrant community where people and businesses succeed’. To realise the vision for Middlesbrough, the Middlesbrough Partnership has structured the Strategy around shared national and local government priorities. These priorities form six key themes and Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability has four strategic priorities. The fourth of these is ‘reduce carbon emissions and adapt for the adverse effects of climate change’. The Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan contributes directly to this priority and to Middlesbrough Council’s work on National Indicator 188 (NI 188), Planning to Adapt to Climate Change. NI 188 is one of the 35 National Indicators in Middlesbrough’s Local Area Agreement (LAA).
8. This Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan for Middlesbrough looks at the projections for climate conditions for 2050 and beyond and considers the likely impacts of the changing climate on the town. By assessing the town’s vulnerabilities, the aim is to use this information to
2
guide the work of Middlesbrough Council, and various partner organisations, over the next 40 years. Building climate change adaptation considerations into this work will help the town incorporate appropriate adaptations into routine maintenance work and capital projects. Not only will this help the community to cope with the negative impacts of climate change, but it will also put the town in an excellent position to grasp potential business opportunities.
9. This Adaptation Action Plan contains existing initiatives and extends local activities and, therefore, continues a long and challenging journey. In some areas, such as flood risk management, a great deal of work has already been undertaken. In other areas, such as adaptation- based business opportunities, there is much to be done to raise the profile across the business community. The aim of this action plan is to identify the situation in 2009/2010 and to establish an Action Plan for the immediate priorities for further work. It is likely that this initial work will be monitored, developed, and built on over the next forty years through the same planning process.
Environmental Sustainability and One Planet Living®
10. Middlesbrough Council has adopted a One Planet Living® approach to achieving environmental sustainability and this action plan will support our one planet living commitments agreed by Middlesbrough Council’s Executive in July 2009, and subsequently by the Middlesbrough Partnership.
National Indicator 188, Planning to Adapt to Climate Change
11. The Adaptation Action Plan is an integral part of Middlesbrough Council’s work on National Indicator 188 (NI 188), Planning to Adapt to Climate Change. NI 188 has five levels of achievement (0-4). Middlesbrough Council achieved NI 188 Level 2 in March 2009. This places Middlesbrough Council among the top 6% of English Local Authorities. Level 2 focuses on a comprehensive risk based assessment and prioritised action in some areas. Middlesbrough’s vulnerabilities to climate change were assessed using a Local Climate Impacts Profile for Middlesbrough. This profile made use of data available from the United Kingdom Climate Impacts Projections (2002) and Environment Agency’s Rainfall and Weather Impact Generator (EARWIG). This original data has been greatly improved by the publication of the United Kingdom Climate Projections (2009).
12. Meeting Middlesbrough’s Local Area Agreement target of achieving NI 188 Level 3 by March 2010 requires the publication of this comprehensive action plan and prioritised action in all priority areas. Level 3 also requires climate change adaptation to be embedded in the council’s decision making processes and for the council to be supporting the Local Strategic Partnership in developing its own
3
Climate Change Adaptation activity. Level 4, to be achieved by March 2011, requires implementation, monitoring and continuous review’ of the actions identified in the Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan.
Implementation and Performance Monitoring
13. Heads of Service will include actions identified in this action plan in service plans across Middlesbrough Council. Delivery of these service plans is monitored as part of Middlesbrough Council’s corporate performance management system. In addition, each Service will carry out appropriate climate change risk assessments and update business continuity plans as part of their 2010/11 work programme.
Future Climate Change Projections
14. The UK Climate Projections (2009) provide information on how the UK’s climate is likely to change in the 21st century, as it responds to rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study (2008) pre-dated the publication of these projections and made use of assessments from the Environment Agency’s Rainfall and Weather Impact Generator (EARWIG) for ten locations across the North East region to determine the climate changes projected by the 2050s. Key findings from this assessment across the North East region are:
a. Annual rainfall is projected to reduce throughout the region by up to 10%. b. Rainfall is projected to show increased seasonality with increases of up to around 21% in winter and reductions of up to around 37% in summer. c. There is projected variability in extreme rainfall events, but increases of up to around 20% will be felt in some areas. d. Average seasonal temperatures are projected to increase, with a region-wide annual average daily temperature change of just under 2°C. e. Extreme hot temperatures will increase by around 3°C. f. Heat waves are likely to increase in frequency of occurrence. g. There is projected to be a reduction in the number of frost days. h. There is projected to be a major reduction in winter snowfall, of around 45% to 83% across the region. i. There is variability in the projected winter wind climate. Small increases will be felt in some areas. j. There is projected to be an increase in mean sea levels of around 0.3m. k. There is projected to be an increase in sea surge levels of around 0.30m to 0.35m.
15. Headline predictions include:
An increase in winter average daily temperatures of 1.3oC An increase in summer average temperature of 2.1oC An increase in winter average rainfall of 12.7%
4
A decrease in summer average rainfall of 33.2% A decrease in winter average daily snowfall of 67.7% A decrease in frost days (minimum temperature <0oC) of 51.8%
16. The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study 2008 projects climate changes across the North East region to 2050 and assesses the impacts of the projected climate changes on current services, assets, communities, business and infrastructure. The study identifies 18 Principal Climate Change Related Impacts (PCCRI) across the region. This action plan considers the specific vulnerabilities of Middlesbrough to each of these predicted impacts and identifies work currently underway and planned to prepare for these changes.
Middlesbrough Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan
17. The following table assesses the vulnerability of Middlesbrough to each of these 18 impact areas and identifies the action that has already been taken to address them and where further action or assessment is required. For each action a time scale has been given. Where possible, a specific date is given but where continuous actions are required this is indicated. The ‘Known Budget’ implications of each action are also considered. In many cases the actions are part and parcel of the current activity of Middlesbrough Council. As such, no additional cost to Middlesbrough Council will be incurred. In other cases, where outside agencies will be responsible for funding an action, it is simply indicated that there will be no known Budget Implications for Middlesbrough Council. Where work is planned, the amount and source of the budget is indicated. Action numbering is provisional at this stage. These will be cross-referenced to departmental plans in due course.
5
PCCRI 1 Increased frequency of flooding from rivers, streams and the sea Changes in winter rainfall, extreme rainfall events, mean sea levels and surges will place increasing pressure on existing flood and sea defences and cause more frequent flooding of presently undefended areas. The standard of service provided by existing defence structures, where present, will reduce over time as the peak river flows and extreme sea levels increase with climate change, leading to increased likelihood of overtopping, overflowing or breaching of defences (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008).
Middlesbrough’s northern boundary is the River Tees. Six becks flow through the town into the River Tees. These are affected by heavy rainfall and by high tides. Current Status Actions Timescale Known Budget Responsible Implications Officer/Agency The Environment Agency (EA) is (A1) Environment Agency to Strategy None for Environment producing (draft February 2008) the publish the Tees Tidal Flood publication by Middlesbrough Agency Tees Tidal Flood Risk Management Risk Management Strategy. 31 December Council. Strategy to manage flood risk in a Environment Agency to 2010. Environment long-term and sustainable way over implement the strategy in Agency budgets to the next 100 years. The flood risk on conjunction with others Strategy cover the identified the lower Tees up to the A66 road subject to funding approval. implementation work programme. bridge is tidal, rather than fluvial. The programme 25 strategy proposes to hold the line on years. the current defences. The strategy is coordinated nationally by the Environment Agency and is due for publication in 2010. The strategy identifies 9 independent areas (flood cells) along the River Tees. Three of these cells are within Middlesbrough.
6
Transporter flood cell – The whole of (A2) A flood risk assessment Continuous. Funded from Development this cell is to be redeveloped as part will be undertaken for Middlehaven Control of the Middlehaven project. A flood developments in this area. budgets. (Regeneration, risk assessment was carried out for Middlesbrough the first stage of the development Council) and it is proposed that the land is raised in areas to be developed to 5.0m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD). North Ormesby flood cell –The (A3) The preferred option December None for Environment Environment Agency proposes to (tidal only, there may be 2015. Middlesbrough Agency raise Ormesby Beck barrage. This fluvial aspects upstream of Council. flood cell contains a refinery to the barrage) is to hold the line by Environment south of Cargo Fleet Lane, an area of raising Ormesby Beck’s Agency budgets to the Middlehaven development existing tidal barrage. This cover the identified between Stephenson Way and will be implemented during work programme. Marsh Road, a 1km length of the the first 5 years of the Tees adjacent railway line to the south of Tidal Flood Risk ‘The Leeway’ and a section of the Management Strategy B1513. (subject to funding).
The existing walls along Ormesby (A4) The Environment December None for Environment Beck are in poor condition and are Agency to investigate the 2015. Middlesbrough Agency expected to breach. In 1995, the walls around the confluence Council. beck walls were raised to a minimum of Ormesby and Marton West Environment of 4.57m Above Ordnance Datum becks and will coordinate any Agency budgets to (AOD) as part of the North Ormesby resulting needs (subject to cover the identified flood relief scheme. funding) work programme.
7
Riverside Park flood cell - The (A5) The Environment December None for Environment Environment Agency’s preferred Agency recommend that this 2020 Middlesbrough Agency option is to hold the existing line of work should be included in Council. defence. This should be maintained years 6 to 10 of the Tees Environment to a 1% (1 in 100-year) standard of Tidal Flood Risk Agency budgets to protection (including future sea level Management Strategy. The cover the identified rise). Due to the existing level of the Environment Agency work programme. frontage, works are not required recommend further detailed immediately. appraisal and investigations are undertaken to confirm the preferred option. All developments in areas vulnerable (A6) Continue to apply Continuous Funded by Development to flooding are required to submit a planning policy statement 25 developers/ Control flood risk assessment as part of the (PPS25) to assess the applicants. (Regeneration, planning application process. All present and future flooding Middlesbrough such developments are referred to risks to all new Council) the Environment Agency for detail developments. comment. Where appropriate these comments are included as conditions on the planning consent.
8
The Middlesbrough Local (A7) Continue to apply the Core Strategy Funded from the Urban Policy Development Framework (LDF) Core policy effectively, to ensure adopted and existing (Regeneration, Strategy Policy CS4 (Sustainable inappropriate development is effective to Regeneration Middlesbrough Development) requires all not carried out in the 2023. revenue budget. Council) development to contribute to floodplain and sustainable achieving sustainable development drainage systems are utilized principles by achieving the criteria where appropriate. within the policy, where appropriate. This includes ensuring inappropriate development is not carried out in the floodplain and sustainable methods of surface drainage are used. This should include the incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Systems on new developments to mitigate against localised flooding.
9
Policy CS5 of the Middlesbrough (A8) Continue to apply the Core Strategy Funded from the Urban Policy LDF Core Strategy requires policy effectively, to ensure adopted and existing (Regeneration, development proposals to be appropriate development is effective to Regeneration Middlesbrough completed to a high quality of design completed to the required 2023. revenue budget. Council) and contribute to achieving the standard. criteria set out in the policy. This Construction costs includes all new residential N.B. The BRE Ecohomes to be borne by the developments being completed to a standard for residential developer. Buildings Research Establishment developments has now been (BRE) EcoHomes rating of very good replaced by the Code for or excellent, and all new non- Sustainable Homes. residential developments to be completed to a Buildings Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) rating of very good or excellent. BREEAM aims to direct development to areas at lower risk of flooding or encourage taking measures to reduce the impact of flooding on buildings in areas with a medium or high risk of flooding.
10
The Core Strategy provides the (A9) Adopt the Urban Design December Funded from the Urban Policy policy framework to ensure new Framework Supplementary 2011 existing (Regeneration, development makes an appropriate Planning Document (SPD). Regeneration Middlesbrough contribution towards climate change revenue budget. Council) issues. This will be developed further through more detailed LDF documents such as the emerging Urban Design Framework Supplementary Planning document (SPD), which is currently under preparation. The Scoping Report for the (A10) Adopt the Environment December Funded from the Urban Policy Environment Development Plan Development Plan Document 2013 existing (Regeneration, Document (DPD) is currently under (DPD). Regeneration Middlesbrough preparation. Upon adoption, the revenue budget. Council) Environment DPD will form part of the Middlesbrough LDF. Climate change and sustainability issues will be considered when preparing the DPD. Flood Risk Group for the Tees Valley (A11) Middlesbrough Council Continuous Funded from the Ron Dawson (membership drawn from all 5 unitary to attend six-weekly Flood existing (Environment, authorities) meets every six weeks. Risk group meetings. Environment Middlesbrough revenue budget. Council)
11
Four becks (Middle Beck, Ormesby (A12) Environment Agency March 2011 None for Environment Beck, Marton West Beck, and commissioned, pre-feasibility Middlesbrough Agency Newham Beck) are classified as studies to be carried out to Council. main rivers and their management is consider the flood risk along Environment overseen by the Environment these 4 becks. Agency budgets to Agency. The Cleveland Local cover the identified Resilience Forum Flood Risk Group work programme. has compiled an outline action plan for Rapid Response Catchments of the four becks. Two other becks; Spencer Beck (A13) Management of April 2010 Funded from the Ron Dawson (Middlesbrough/Redcar and Spencer and Blue Bell Becks existing (Environment, Cleveland boundary) and Blue Bell to be included in Service Environment Middlesbrough Beck are classed as ordinary Plans 2010/11. revenue budget. Council) watercourses (non-main river) and are not included in the Environment Agency’s area of responsibility. Middlesbrough Council manages these two becks.
12
The ‘Boro Becks’ Project is a (A14) Implement the three- March 2013 External funding of Anne Gladwin/ partnership between Middlesbrough year project starting in 2010 project has been Sam Garside Council (the accountable body), Tees (subject to funding). sort from the Big (Environment, Valley Wildlife Trust and the Lottery Fund’s Middlesbrough Environment Agency. A funding Access to Nature Council) application has been submitted to scheme. Access to Nature (administered by Natural England). If successful the project will employ three staff (via a service level agreement with Tees Valley Wildlife Trust) to encourage community interest in the beck corridors and to carry out habitat improvement work on the becks. The project will have several benefits including enhanced habitat for wildlife, greater community engagement and involvement in the becks and green space through the creation of Friends groups, volunteer rangers, events and environmental education sessions. There will be benefits in terms of flood risk alleviation. This arises from work to hold water within the system (wetland creation) and by tackling fly-tipping (major cause of blockages and related flooding).
13
Prissick Base has had a culverted (A15) Ensure water from new Continuous Funded from Urban Policy watercourse drainage survey carried development (still to be revenue budgets (Regeneration, out in preparation for development of determined) is managed so and by developers/ Middlesbrough the site. This has considered both as to reduce potential of applicants. Council) remedial and development options flooding in Ormesby Beck for this water management system. The Heritage Lottery Fund has (A16) Main building and civils March 2011 Funded by a grant Liz Small awarded £4.4 million to a work to start in November from a combined (Environment, refurbishment scheme for Stewart 2010. Big Lottery and the Middlesbrough Park that is due for completion in Heritage Lottery Council) 2012. This will include planting to Complete Stewart Park December Fund (Parks for address the issues of flooding onto refurbishment project. 2012 People). Ladgate Lane alongside the installation of sustainable urban drainage systems to control the flow of drainage throughout the course of the park. This group of actions (1 to 16) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 5 – Enhancing the Local Economy Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
14
PCCRI 2 Increased adverse health and welfare effects during warmer summers One of the Department of Health’s top three priorities for adaptation policies is adapting the health and social care infrastructure (hospitals, nursing homes) to be more resilient to the effects of climate change. Another top three priority for adaptation policy is to ensure that national and local adaptation plans exist for the expected health impacts from climate change. The third priority for adaptation policy is to increase awareness amongst the public and the medical profession of the health impacts of climate change, and what to do to reduce and adapt to them. Rising temperatures and more heat waves will have negative health impacts, particularly on vulnerable members of society, such as the young, infirm and elderly.
The main impacts will be:
• Increased incidents of skin-related afflictions such as sunburn and skin cancer; • Increased incidents of midge and tick bites leading to increases in vector-borne diseases; • Exacerbation of respiratory problems; • Greater discomfort to passengers travelling on public transport especially trains where windows cannot be opened for ventilation. • Greater discomfort to residents, school pupils, college and university students, office and factory based workers and other people in confined spaces, such as prisoners; • Increased heart problems due to heat stresses and heat stroke; • Increased circulation problems such as deep vein thrombosis due to reduced mobility of vulnerable people during warmer weather; and • Increased mortality rates due to heat-related effects.
All of the above factors will place increased pressure on the resources of emergency response units, hospitals, mortuaries and cemeteries. These heat-related impacts of climate change will be further exacerbated by the changing population demographics of the region by the 2050s, with more people in the most vulnerable age group (over 75 years). National and international migration due to climate change may also fundamentally change the demography of the region (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). It will be vital that cooling should not increase energy consumption (mal-adaptation). Priority should be given to passive design, natural ventilation, and green infrastructure options such as tree planting and living roofs/walls, followed by low carbon options such as heat pumps (which can also heat in winter).
15
Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications No information was available relating to (A17) It is recommended that NHS March NHS NHS the provision of cooling within the Middlesbrough consider the hospital’s 2011 Middlesbrough Middlesbrough hospital estate. response to heat wave and the to cover costs protection of vulnerable patients. within budgets. Most services are contracted out and (A18) Maintain the provision of cool Continuous Funded from Richard Pink the council deals with 46 care homes rooms within care homes. the existing (Social Care, and 4 domiciliary care providers within Social Care Middlesbrough Middlesbrough. Provision of ‘cool’ revenue Council) rooms has been made in these homes. budget. Main action has been the Heat Health (A19) Maintain Heat Health Watch Continuous Funded from Richard Pink Watch, which has been instigated once Service. the existing (Social Care, since its inception. All service providers Social Care Middlesbrough are aware of heat wave advice. Early revenue Council) warning systems are in place from the budget. Met Office via the National Severe Weather Warnings Service (NSWWS) and the Heat Health Watch Service. NHS Middlesbrough relies on (A20) Quarterly meetings of the Tees Continuous Funded from Wayne Flowers intelligence from the Health Protection Public Health group. the existing (Environment, Agency regarding changes in disease Environment Middlesbrough range. All notifiable diseases are revenue Council) reported quarterly (by the HPA) to the budget. Tees Public Health Group.
16
The Affordable Warmth Strategy aims to (A21) Implement Affordable Warmth Continuous Government Housing help households move out of fuel Strategy. Funding via Services poverty and into affordable warmth by National (Regeneration), working in partnership and through the Energy Action Middlesbrough promotion of schemes such as Council) Gowarm, Warm Front, Winter Warmth Project and MEC’s Energy Advisor. Emergency Planning within (A22) Continue with two yearly training March Funded from Richard Pink Middlesbrough’s Climate Change programme for rest centre staff– next 2012 the existing (Social Care, Community Action Plan includes the due in 2011/12. Social Care Middlesbrough provision of rest centres for displaced revenue Council) people (a requirement under the Civil budget. Contingencies Act). Rest Centre training for Social Care staff took place in 2009. Training has been delivered to Social (A23) Continue to promote business March Funded from Richard Pink Care staff and service providers in continuity planning; supported by the 2011 the existing (Social Care, Business Continuity Planning two yearly training programme for rest Social Care Middlesbrough (particularly relating to swine flu) but centre staff (see A22). revenue Council) equally relevant to other causes of budget. disruption to services such as extreme Training in 2010/11 will be with weather events. The promotion of individual officers to clarify their roles business continuity is a continuous and responsibilities. process, which happens when existing services are reviewed or inspected and is part of the tendering and evaluation process when commission new services.
17
Cleveland Emergency Planning Unit (A24) Carry out quarterly reviews of Continuous Funded from Chris (CEPU) produces the Cleveland risk assessments. the existing Cleminson Community Risk Register that is Corporate (Corporate updated every quarter. Each quarterly Services Services, review updates approximately 8 of the revenue Middlesbrough risk assessments so that all identified budget. Council) risks are assessed over a 12-month period. The most recent register was published in July 2009. Social Care has a SWIFT system (A25) Maintain SWIFT system and March Funded from Richard Pink (electronic database), which has been respond to Cleveland Emergency 2011 the existing (Social Care, used to identify people vulnerable to Planning Unit requests for information. Social Care Middlesbrough extremes of weather. The Cleveland revenue Council) Emergency Planning Unit has a list of budget. contacts who can provide information on vulnerable people in the event of a major incident. Social Care is a part of this, interrogating the SWIFT system to find details of vulnerable people. All Middlesbrough Schools participate in (A26) Continue to promote healthy Continuous Funded from Janette the Healthy Schools programme, which schools within Middlesbrough Schools. . the existing Bainbridge includes elements on the provision of Children, (Children, water bottles to children during hot Ensure all schools incorporate heat Families and Families and weather and guidance on the use of sun wave plans into school policies March Learning Learning, hats and barrier creams. 2011 revenue Middlesbrough budget. Council)
18
Cancer Research UK promotes a (A27) Distribution of SunSmart Continuous None for NHS SunSmart campaign to raise awareness Campaign information. . Middlesbrough Middlesbrough of the risks associated with exposure to Council. ultraviolet radiation.
This group of actions (17 to 27) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 3 – Supporting Children and Young People. Theme 4 – Promoting Adult Health and Well-being, Tackling Exclusion and Promoting Equality. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
19
PCCRI 3 Increased incidence of wild fires and parkland fires Rising temperatures and reduced annual and summer rainfall will mean that grassland and moorland will at times be tinder dry (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Current Status Actions Timescal Known Responsible e Budget Officer/Agency Implications There are no areas of moorland within None identified N/A N/A N/A Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough Council manages 6 public (A28) Include Wild Fire risk March Funded from Claire Bell parks. All of these parks have had an assessment in the 2010 Environmental 2011. the existing (Environment, environmental review under Management System review. Environment Middlesbrough Middlesbrough Council’s Environmental revenue Council) Management Scheme (EMS) and the budget. issue of wild fires was only identified as a risk in one of these parks (Albert Park). This will need to be reconsidered in future EMS assessments. Potential risk from wild flower meadows (A29) Ensure that the removal of March Subject to Anne Gladwin/ where arisings (cut material) is left to dry arisings is specified within future 2011 budget review Sam Garside (and drop seed) after cutting. maintenance contracts. process. (Environment, Middlesbrough Council) This group of actions (28 to 29) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 2 – Creating Safer Communities Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
20
PCCRI 4 Increased frequency of flooding from drainage systems Middlesbrough has already suffered a number of surface water flooding incidents. In 2000/1 over 400 properties were affected, including an area to the north of Albert Park, Ormesby High Street (Middle Beck flooding due to a blocked culvert – culvert is in Redcar and Cleveland but agreement has been reached for Middlesbrough Council to maintain it), Park End (from Ormesby Hall), Pallister Park (beck flooding), and Hemlington. Opportunities will arise to embedding resilience into ongoing refurbishment programmes. Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications In 2009 Middlesbrough Council (A30) Surface Water Management March Funded from Ron Dawson established the Surface Water team to meet bi-monthly in 2010. 2011 the existing (Environment, Management Team (Environment Environment Middlesbrough Agency, Northumbrian Water Limited revenue Council) and Middlesbrough Council) to look at budget. Middlesbrough specific surface water management issues (becks, land water, surface water drains and sewerage). National Guidance is now available and (A31) Completion of Asset March Funded from Ron Dawson this has triggered an Asset Management plan. 2012 the existing (Environment, Management Plan. Work to assess the Environment Middlesbrough drainage system is underway and is revenue Council) due to be completed in 2011. This will budget. include identifying areas within the LDF that could be set aside for water.
21
National Indicator 189 (Strategic Flood (A32) Meet NI189 targets in 2010. March Funded from Ron Dawson Risk) is one of the 35 National 2010 the existing (Environment, Indicators adopted as Strategic Targets Environment Middlesbrough in Middlesbrough’s Local Area revenue Council) Agreement. Middlesbrough Council is budget. currently in Year 2 of the indicator that contains 5 agreed actions. Middlesbrough Council’s Strategic (A33) Undertake Strategic Surface March Funded from Urban Policy Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) was Water Flooding Assessment. 2010 Tees Valley (Environment, published in February 2007 and forms Growth Point Middlesbrough part of the evidence base for the Local budget. No Council) Development Framework (LDF). It is cost to proposed to update elements of the Middlesbrough SFRA through a Strategic Surface Council. Water Flooding Assessment to be carried out by 31 March 2010. This will focus on the identification of candidate critical drainage areas. All developments over one hectare (A34) Middlesbrough Council has an Continuou Funded from Development (Ha), or in areas vulnerable to flooding, agreed Strategic Flood Risk s the existing Control are required to submit a flood risk Assessment in place, which fulfils the Regeneration (Regeneration, assessment as part of the planning aspirations of PPS25. All planning revenue Middlesbrough application process. All such applications will have an adequate budget. Council) developments are referred to the Flood Risk Assessment in place before Environment Agency for detail consultation with the Environment comment. Where appropriate these Agency comments are included as conditions on the planning consent.
22
Flood Advice leaflets Are you prepared (A35) Leaflets to be updated and re- March Funded from Ron Dawson for a flood? and Advice after flooding printed. 2011 the existing (Environment, are available. Environment Middlesbrough revenue Council) budget. The Environmental Scrutiny Panel (A36) Sandbag Policy to be adopted by March Funded from Ron Dawson Report to Council (including the new Middlesbrough Council. 2011 the existing (Environment, recommended Sandbag Policy) was Environment Middlesbrough considered to be a realistic and sensible revenue Council) approach. Emphasis is on the property budget. owner to prepare for flooding. Middlesbrough Council is working in (A37) Improved information available March Funded from Ron Dawson partnership with the Environment using a variety of methods including 2011 the existing (Environment, Agency to provide information and letter drops, council website, road Environment Middlesbrough advice to individual property owners shows and at council offices. revenue Council) and businesses on improving flood budget. Environment resilience and flood proofing. Agency Plans to increase the number of (A38) Ensure flood-warning plan is Continuou Funded from Ron Dawson properties registered to receive free operational at all times. s the existing (Environment, flood warning service. Environment Middlesbrough and Social Council) Care revenue Richard Pink budgets. (Social Care, Middlesbrough Council) The Environment Agency provides a (A39) Tees Valley Climate Change March None for Tees Valley flood warning service to registered Partnership to monitor registration of 2011 Middlesbrough Climate properties in the Tees Valley. property owners with the scheme. Council. Change Partnership
23
As part of the Government's response (A40) Produce the Middlesbrough May 2010 Funded by Stephen Binks to the Pitt Review, Ministers announced Surface Water Management Plan part of the (Environment, (18 August 2009) how £16 million would (MWH have been commissioned by £100K Middlesbrough be allocated to local authorities and Middlesbrough Council to carry out this Government Council) this included a £100K grant to work). grant. Middlesbrough to develop a Surface Water Management Plan. The Council plans to support residents (A41) Consultants to produce report on March Funded from Ron Dawson in applying for funding (from a £15 cost/benefit analysis for compliance. 2011 the existing (Environment, million national scheme) to make Environment Middlesbrough structural changes to their own homes. revenue Council) The focus is on encouraging individual budget. residents to be prepared for flooding. The Flood and Water Management Bill (A42) Implement requirements of the Continuou To be Ron Dawson was announced in the Queen’s Speech Flood and Water Management Bill. s considered at (Environment), in November 2009. Responsibilities for Annual Budget Development managing all flood risks are clearly Reviews. Control and defined; Local Authorities will have Urban Policy responsibility for surface water flooding. (Regeneration) (Middlesbrough Council) Opportunities exist to incorporate (A43) Assess the suitability of Continuou Costs to be Development Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes Sustainable Urban Drainage schemes s. identified Control and (SUDS) into new developments. within all new developments and where within costings Urban Policy appropriate, incorporate into for new (Regeneration, development briefs, master plans and developments. Middlesbrough development proposals. Council)
24
This group of actions (30 to 43) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 5 – Enhancing the Local Economy Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
25
PCCRI 5 Increase in infectious diseases in humans and livestock Food poisoning cases are associated with poor standards of hygiene rather than with higher temperatures, although higher temperatures do exacerbate problems caused by poor hygiene standards.
Rising temperatures will result in increased abundance and longer survival of midges and ticks that can spread infectious diseases amongst humans and animals. Infectious diseases, especially those transmitted via insect vectors or water, are sensitive to climatic conditions and changes. Vector-borne diseases such as malaria are highly unlikely to be experienced in the North East region by the 2050s. There will, however, be increased likelihood of tick-borne diseases such as encephalitis and Lyme disease (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008).
The Health Protection Agency undertake horizon scanning activities with the aim of identifying and assessing the threats posed by new or re-emerging infectious diseases that might be introduced into the UK. This work is performed by the Microbial Risk Assessment group.
There is likely to be increased tendency for vector borne diseases such as bluetongue amongst cattle, sheep, deer and goats. Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications Middlesbrough Council monitor food (A44) Continue to inspect food premises Continuous Funded from Wayne Flowers hygiene standards in all food related within Middlesbrough to ensure hygiene the existing (Environment, premises. Interventions range from standards are met. Environment Middlesbrough training and guidance to legal action. revenue Council) budget.
26
The increased use of barbeques in (A45) Support Department of Health’s Occasional Nominal cost Wayne Flowers hotter weather is also associated with information campaigns on food hygiene projects. from existing (Environment, an increase in food poisoning. (particularly relating to barbeque Environment Middlesbrough cooking). revenue Council) budget (less than £300 per year) The Health Protection Agency co- (A46) Tees Public Health Group to Continuous Funded from Wayne Flowers ordinate record keeping for notifiable continue to monitor notifiable the existing (Environment, infectious diseases in the region. infections/diseases on a quarterly basis Environment Middlesbrough Notifiable diseases are defined in the revenue Council) Public Health Act and Public Health budget. regulations. The HPA submit a quarterly report on notifiable infections/diseases to the Tees Public Health Group. Middlesbrough Council is represented on this group. It is predicted that malaria may occur in (A47) Work with the Health Protection Continuous Funded from Health previously malaria free tourist Agency to ensure updated advice is the existing Protection destinations such as Florida and issued to GP practices. Environment Agency Turkey and this will impact on health revenue advice given to tourists by GPs and budget. other health workers
27
Middlesbrough is a predominantly (A48) Maintain regular programme of Continuous Funded from Jim Moody urban conurbation with a small number veterinary inspection to ensure up to the existing (Environment, of farms on the southern edge of the date information is available on trends. Environment Middlesbrough town. Middlesbrough Council has revenue Council) livestock at two of its facilities (Stewart budget. Park and Newham Grange Leisure Farm). British Veterinary Association and Department of Food and Rural Affairs are monitoring the impact of climate change on animal diseases. This group of actions (44 to 48) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 3 – Supporting Children and Young People Theme 4 – Promoting Adult Health and Well-being, Tackling Exclusion and Promoting Equality. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
28
PCCRI 6 Increase in pests Rising temperatures will increase the number of breeding cycles of some pests and will produce conditions more conducive to their presence and spread. In particular rodents and insects are likely to increase in urban areas. The changing wetting and drying patterns of structures associated with changes in rainfall intensity and temperatures will result in more wet rot and dry rot in buildings susceptible to water ingress due to lack of maintenance. Also, there will be increased likelihood of insect infestations such as wood boring beetles in buildings containing timbers, including many of the structures of key heritage interest. Models predict that under likely scenarios of UK climate change, fly populations could increase substantially, with increases of up to 244% by 2080 compared with current levels (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008).
Pest control is a priority for Middlesbrough Council and a statutory duty for a landowner to keep their land free of vermin. It is already recognised that rat populations have increased in Middlesbrough. Some of this is attributed to warmer winters and an extended breeding season but is also linked to food waste, increased harbourage, bird feeding, composting, take-away waste, and waste accumulations. Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications Middlesbrough Council has no known (A49) Continue to monitor changes in Continuous Funded from Linda Cummins vulnerabilities relating to pest control the distribution of pest specie and the existing (Environment, provision. The pest control industry is provide an affordable pest control Environment Middlesbrough keeping abreast of climate related service. revenue Council) changes in species distribution and the budget. necessary resources would be available in case of a specific outbreak. Middlesbrough Council ensures domestic (A50) Ensure collection frequency is Continuous Funded from Ken Sherwood waste collection is adequate. appropriate. the existing (Environment, Environment Middlesbrough revenue Council) budget.
29
Middlesbrough Council (as a landowner) (A51) Ensure effective pest monitoring Continuous Funded from Martin may have vulnerabilities to increases in and control methods are in place and . the existing Shepherd certain pest species. The Chartered investigate problems that arise. Corporate (Corporate Institute of Environmental Health Services Services, published The impact of climate change revenue Middlesbrough on pest populations and public health in budget. Council) November 2008, which identifies the likely changes to pest populations due to climate change. This group of actions (49 to 51) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 4 – Promoting Adult Health and Well-being, tackling exclusion and promoting equality. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
30
PCCRI 7 Increased damage to fabric and structure of buildings Increases in winter rainfall, annual temperature and winter wind speed will result in more damage to the fabric and structure of buildings through impacts such as material expansion, water ingress and dislodged elements. Antiquated (e.g. single-glazed), poorly maintained or derelict building stock will be particularly vulnerable to these impacts (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Opportunities exist to utilise the potential of green roofs to ameliorate flood/drainage impacts as well as benefit energy conservation and biodiversity. Current Status Actions Timescale Known Budget Responsible Implications Officer/Agency Middlesbrough Council’s Asset (A52) Meeting Introduced There is a £30 million Martin Shepherd Management Plan has been requirements of the from April building improvement (Corporate Services, published recently and is targeting a Carbon Reduction 2010. programme (£3 million Middlesbrough Council) 30% reduction in carbon emissions Commitment from 1 per year for 10 years). by 2020. This includes better April 2010 will insulation and improved glazing. include measures that maintain and improve building structure.
31
A CMT report is being prepared that (A53) Future Asset December To be identified in future Martin Shepherd will recommend the introduction of Management Plans 2012. plan for consideration in (Corporate Services, practical measures to reduce carbon will include budget reviews. Middlesbrough Council) emissions. There has been no assessment of flood assessment of climate impacts on and storm water council buildings. Flooding is not (roof), and increased perceived as a general issue temperature although there have been problems vulnerabilities. with the town hall basement. There were problems with roof drainage systems on a number of buildings that had been unable to cope with recent very heavy rain events. Children, Families and Learning are (A54) Publish the May 2010 Funded from the existing Julie Cordiner, (Children responsible for school buildings Asset Management Children, Families and Families and Learning, (including pupil referral units). Plan 2009-2014. This Learning revenue Middlesbrough Council). will include climate budget. change adaptation. The first phase of Middlesbrough‘s (A55) Ensure all BSF December £100m of Government Steven Fletcher, Building Schools for the Future Schools meet the 2012 funding will renew all (Children Families and (BSF) programme includes Acklam BREEAM ‘very good’ Middlesbrough's state Learning, Grange, Ormesby and Priory Woods. rating. secondary schools by Middlesbrough Council). The National BSF programme is the end of 2012 managed by Partnership for Schools who ensure that the all BSF Schools are built according to the design criteria specified in the Government Framework.
32
Primary Strategy for Change. The (A56) Ensure all of Phase 1 due The Government’s Julie Cordiner, (Children future of Primary Education in the new schools are for Primary Capital Families and Learning, Middlesbrough (published June built to the principles completion Programme could bring Middlesbrough Council). 2008) outlines the key principles for of sustainability as before up to £50 million of design briefs. Phase 1 includes indicated in the June September funding to Beechwood and Marton Grove and 2008 document. 2011 Middlesbrough over its Caldicotes, Brambles Farm and lifetime. Thorntree. In a 15 year period 50% of primary schools will be re- modelled or re-built. This group of actions (52 to 56) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 3 – Supporting Children and Young People Theme 5 – Enhance the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
33
PCCRI 8 Loss of business/service productivity or continuity Rising temperatures could lead to uncomfortably hot working conditions resulting in reduced efficiency and productivity. More frequent computer and mechanical failures may occur due to operating in high temperatures. Businesses dependent on continuity of transport connections will also be affected by increased frequency of flooding disrupting key road and rail links. The increase in frequency of winter flooding or summer heat waves may put pressure on organisations both for responses and for information (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008).
The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 places a duty on local authorities to give advice and assistance to business and voluntary organisations. The Act requires local authorities to provide advice and assistance to those undertaking commercial activities and to voluntary organisations in their areas in relation to Business Continuity Management (BCM). Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications Middlesbrough Council maintains a (A57) Undertake annual September 2010 and then Funded from Ann-Marie Corporate Business Continuity review to ensure that the annually. the existing Johnstone Plan that focuses on internal Corporate Business Corporate (Corporate business continuity planning for all Continuity Plan, Service Services Services, services and functions and Area Departmental revenue Middlesbrough includes those services that are Business Continuity Plans budget. Council) delivered in partnership with key and supporting documents partners. This includes the remain ‘fit for purpose’. interface with the Emergency Planning Unit where a civil emergency event has a knock on effect and also results in disruption to Council services
34
Training materials for (A58) Presentation on the Training packages to be Funded from Chris Francis Middlesbrough Council employees impacts of Climate Change completed by March 2011. the existing (Environment, are currently being updated. to be prepared for the Environment Middlesbrough Business Community and revenue Council) Business in the Community has a delivered to: local Business budget. working with North East Adaptation Advisor for Forum, Chamber of Business in the businesses. Commerce members, Community Green Business Network Adaptation and Federation of Small Advisor. Businesses. Supporting materials to be produced for websites and as printed items. ClimateNE have commissioned the (A59) Review results of Review to be completed by Funded from Chris Francis Economic Implications of Climate study and incorporate into September 2010. the existing (Environment, Change North East Study to look at training packages. Environment Middlesbrough the economic implications of to revenue Council) sectoral adaptation to climate budget. change in North East England. It will include a cost benefit analysis of the adaptation responses required, the move toward a low carbon economy, and the impact of new and emerging legislation, policy and regulation. This group of actions (58 to 59) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Theme: Theme 5 – Enhance the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
35
PCCRI 9 Increased business opportunities associated with adaptation Rising temperatures will make the north east region an even more favourable destination for tourists. The warmer climate will encourage increased recreational use of the region’s beaches, riversides and upland moors and fells. Some of the additional or new resources required by the region to adapt to the impacts of climate change (e.g. personal protective equipment, flood protection equipment, heat pumps, water pumps and boats for flood responses) can be manufactured within the region and training can be provided in their use and maintenance. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns will mean that arable land can be used for growing different crops, such as grapes or even oranges, placing new products on the regional market. (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Current Status Actions Timesca Known Responsible le Budget Officer/Agency Implications Middlesbrough Council does not (A60) Presentation on the impacts of March Funded from Richard undertake formal work to encourage Climate Change to be prepared for the 2011 the existing Dowson exploration of business opportunities. Business Community and delivered to Corporate (Corporate local Business Forum, Chamber of Services and Services, Commerce members, Green Business Environment Middlesbrough Network and Federation of Small revenue Council) Businesses. Supporting written material budgets. to be produced for websites and as Chris Francis printed items. (Environment, Middlesbrough Council) Organisations such as the Clean (A61) Research work of CLEMANCE, March Funded from Chris Francis Environment Management Centre NISP and other regional organisations in 2011 the existing (Environment, (CLEMANCE) and National Industrial relation to Climate Change Adaptation Environment Middlesbrough Symbiosis Programme (NISP) work to linked businesses opportunities. revenue Council) support businesses improve their Consideration to be given to effective budget. environmental performance primarily promotion of opportunities and focussed on mitigation. developments.
36
This group of actions (60 to 61) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Theme: Theme 5 – Enhance the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
37
PCCRI 10 Increased pressure on emergency services With the anticipated impacts associated with flooding, heat waves and wild fires in particular, the emergency services may become progressively stretched in responding to an increasing number of events. There is a major risk that insufficient resources will be available to adequately respond to each event and that the services will not be equipped with appropriate tools. To assist with an increasing number of flood events, the demand for sandbags, boats and high-pressure pumps will increase. Numerous simultaneous incidents, which often happen with weather-related events, will further stretch the services requiring a pan-regional and inter-regional working approach. There is also the risk that if services are increasingly deployed on ‘secondary events’ such as small scale local flooding or small parkland fires, they may not be able to respond to a major event that occurs at the same time (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Current Status Actions Timesca Known Responsible le Budget Officer/Agency Implications Cleveland Emergency Planning Unit (CEPU) produces the (A62) Undertake March Funded from Chris Cleveland Community Risk Register that is updated every quarterly reviews 2011 the existing Cleminson quarter. Each quarterly review updates approximately 8 of the of risk Corporate (Corporate risk assessments so that all identified risks are assessed over a assessments. Services Services, 12-month period. The most recent register was published in July revenue Middlesbrough 2009. The register concentrates on the current risks and the budget. Council) response required. Consideration of future risks is made by the (A63) Climate March Funded from Chris Francis Strategic Flood Risk Assessments carried out by the Change 2011 the existing (Environment, Environment Agency/Local Authority/JBA Consulting. The Adaptation Environment Middlesbrough Cleveland Community Risk Register contains a local risk Training to be revenue Council) assessment for each risk. These are signposted to the National delivered to budget. Risk Register maintained by the Home Office. CEPU This group of actions (62 to 63) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 2 – Creating Safer Communities Theme 5 – Enhance the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
38
PCCRI 11 Increased disruption to service continuity Many people depend on public, private or voluntary sector support for a range of services. This includes ‘at home’ services, such as Meals on Wheels and nurse/ midwife/ doctor visits to people’s homes, and transport to and from daycare or social activity centres. Increased frequency of flooding will adversely affect the ability of services to be provided to more vulnerable people. At present across the region there are notable disruptions from wind-blown debris blocking road and rail networks, and striking power lines causing disruption to electricity supply. Whilst the risk of this is only very slightly greater by the 2050s than the present day, the risk of such an incident coinciding with a flood event is greater (since the frequency of flooding is set to increase with significant changes in winter rainfall), placing people in need of medical and welfare assistance at even greater risk (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications Several service areas within Middlesbrough (A64) All service areas to March Plan will use Heads of Council have assessed potential disruption to complete a climate change 2011 existing Service service continuity within the Climate Change risk assessment before staffing (Middlesbrough Impacts Module of the Environmental March 2011. resource. Council). Management System (EMS). Estimate of 10 Results to be incorporated hours work to Environmental The full list of those service areas completing the into business continuity plans complete Sustainability EMS Module is given as Appendix 2 and service plans for 2011/12 climate Team as appropriate. change risk (Middlesbrough A Service Plan template is being developed to assessment. Council). incorporate climate change adaptation alongside The Community Protection other environmental sustainability issues (One Service’s Environmental Planet Living®, Carbon Reduction Commitment). Sustainability Team will provide support on request
39
Measures to help ensure service continuity are (A65) CRACA reps to report March Funded from CRACA reps included in the Climate Adaptation section of progress as part of quarterly 2011 the existing (Middlesbrough Carbon Reduction and Climate Adaptation reporting process. department Council) (CRACA) plans. These plans are formally revenue reported within the council’s CRACA reporting budgets. structure on a quarterly basis. CE Electric UK operate and maintain the (A66) Meet the requirements Continuous None for CE Electric UK electricity distribution in the North East through of the Adaptation Reporting Middlesbrough the electricity distribution company NEDL.CE Power under section 65 of Council. CE Electric UK carry out risk assessments on their the Climate Change Act Electric UK entire primary, supply point, and grid supply point 2008. will fund work. substations that are situated on the Flood Plain. [The Act gives the Secretary High-risk sites are permanently defended while of State the power to direct demountable flood risk management kits are organisations with functions used to protect medium risk sites. Existing of a public nature and distribution substations are not considered for statutory undertakers to flood mitigation unless they have been previously produce reports on: affected by a flood event. a. the current and future predicted impacts of climate change on their organisation; b. proposals for adapting to climate change]
40
Under the Civil Contingencies Act the Northern (A67) Meet the requirements Continuous None for Northern Gas Gas Network assesses the vulnerability of its of the Adaptation Reporting . Middlesbrough Network network. The pipelines are not vulnerable to Power under section 65 of Council. flooding but the pressure reduction stations can the Climate Change Act Northern Gas be vulnerable to extreme flooding (6-7feet). Only 2008. Network will one pressure reduction station has been fund work. identified as a moderate risk, which is at Cowpen Bewley (TS23) – this is in Stockton but may supply parts of Middlesbrough. Moderate risk is defined as between 1 in 75 and 1 in 200 year events. The pressure reduction stations are mainly pipework and could cope with flooding – but contain heaters for the gas, which would not operate under water. Northumbrian Water Limited (NWL) has carried (A68) Meet the requirements November None for Northumbrian out work to establish the vulnerability of its of the Adaptation Reporting 2011. Middlesbrough Water Ltd infrastructure to flooding. Power under section 65 of Council. Work the Climate Change Act will be funded 2008. by Northumbrian Water Ltd. Further information is required on the (A69) Review vulnerability June 2010. Funded from Chris Francis vulnerability of other essential/key services such assessment of other key the existing (Environment, as mobile phone networks and telephone services and infrastructure. Environment Middlesbrough landlines. This to include key infrastructure such revenue Council) as roads, bridges, and railways. budget.
41
Emergency services will need to be able to (A70) Support Emergency March Funded from Chris Francis deliver service in a changing climate. The Services in preparation of 2011. the existing (Environment, Cleveland Emergency Planning Unit identifies Climate Change Adaptation Environment Middlesbrough specific emergency events but consideration Plans. revenue Council) needs to be given to the emergency services’ budget. ability to respond in a changed climate. This group of actions (64 to 70) support the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 2 – Creating Safer Communities Theme 5 – Enhance the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
PCCRI 12 Increased pollution from contaminated land More than 90% of sites on Middlesbrough Council’s Historic Land Use Register (HLR) are found in the north of the town close to the River Tees. Large-scale regeneration of these former industrial areas has been undertaken (Middlehaven/Riverside Park). Hard standing covers the majority of the land and overall potential environmental risks are judged to be LOW or MEDIUM. Current Status Actions Timescale Known Budget Responsible Implications Officer/Agency Middlesbrough does not currently have (A71) Assess any land use Continuous. Funded from the Jos Bell any designated areas of ‘contaminated changes using the appropriate existing (Environment, land’ under the provisions of Part IIA of development control measures. Environment Middlesbrough the Environmental Protection Act 1990. revenue Council) & Maintain an up to date historic budgets, and by Development land use register. developers/ Control applicants. (Regeneration, Middlesbrough Council). This action (71) supports the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 5 – Enhance the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability
42
PCCRI 13 Increased erosion of the coastline Increasing mean and extreme sea levels will result in the erosion of the coastline in areas composed of softer sediments like sand or mud, as opposed to harder rock. This means that beaches and dunes will migrate landward and soft cliffs will recede. In many places this will result in loss of open space or agricultural land, but elsewhere assets such as cliff-top roads and footpaths as well as isolated properties or small communities will be affected (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Current Status Actions Timescal Known Responsible e Budget Officer/Agency Implications Middlesbrough does not have any (A72) Consult with Redcar and March Funded from Chris Francis boundary designated as coastline. Cleveland and Hartlepool Councils to 2011 the existing (Environment, Middlesbrough does have some determine vulnerability of key Environment Middlesbrough vulnerability to coastal flooding in that infrastructure to climate change. revenue Council) key components serving the town budget. infrastructure are located out side the town boundary, on the coast. These include the Bran Sands Sewage Treatment Works (Redcar and Cleveland) and Hartlepool Power Station (Hartlepool).
43
The Sustainability Appraisal for the (A73) Middlesbrough Council to To meet No cost to Ed Chicken proposed site for the replacement contribute to the consultation process consultati Middlesbrough (Environment, Nuclear Power Station at Hartlepool on the proposed site for the on Council as the Middlesbrough identified potential adverse effects replacement Nuclear Power Station. deadlines. Power Station Council) relating to flood risk arising from is situated predicted rising sea levels caused by within the climate change. The Environment Borough of Agency has advised that it is potentially Hartlepool. reasonable to conclude that any likely power station development within the site boundary can be protected against flood risk throughout its operational lifetime, including the potential effects of climate change, storm surge and tsunami, taking into account relevant countermeasures. These actions (72 to 73) supports the following Sustainable Community Strategy Themes: Theme 5 – Enhance the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability
44
PCCRI 14 Increased wildlife impacts on construction and maintenance activities Changes in growing seasons of flora and breeding seasons of fauna will have direct effects on maintenance activities such as grass and hedgerow cutting. Parks and roadsides will need to be maintained for longer each year. There may also be constraints on the timing of maintenance and construction activities due to their adverse wildlife impacts (for example nesting, roosting or over-wintering birds). This will impact on the resourcing and programming of essential maintenance and construction activities (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Climate change will also impact directly on the biodiversity of the area. Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications The Tees Valley Green Infrastructure (A74) Appoint Green Infrastructure March Funded by Groundwork Strategy was published in 2008 and has Programme Manager (funded for 18 2010 Groundwork North East been endorsed by all five Tees Valley months). North East local authorities. The strategy has six (A75) Consultants to produce a report March Funded by Tees Valley principal aims. Aim 3 is to ‘assist with to identify the economic benefits of 2010 Tees Valley Joint Strategy climate change adaptations, actions and green infrastructure. The draft report Joint Unit initiatives’. has identified 11 key economic Strategy benefits of green infrastructure. Unit. The Tees Valley Biodiversity Action Plan (A76) Continue review of Biodiversity Continuous Funded by Tees Valley (BAP) sets out actions to protect and Action Plans to consider impact of Tees Valley Joint Strategy enhance biodiversity. Middlesbrough climate change on each habitat and Joint Unit Council is a partner in the implementation species. Strategy of the Tees Valley BAP (contains 15 Unit. Species and 21 Habitat Action Plans for the whole of the Tees Valley).
45
Middlesbrough Council reports on (A77) Produce management plans for March Funded from Anne Gladwin National Indicator 197 Improved local two more Local Sites (Blue Bell Beck 2010 the existing Sam Garside biodiversity – active management of local and Bonny Grove) Environment (Environment, sites. This reviews the management of 17 revenue Middlesbrough Local Sites in Middlesbrough. 35% (6) of budget. Council) these sites are in positive management. (A78) Produce management plans for March Funded from Anne Gladwin two more Local Sites (to be identified) 2011 the existing Sam Garside Environment (Environment, revenue Middlesbrough budget. Council) (A79) Commission a review of all 17 March Subject to Anne Gladwin Local Sites. 2012 budget Sam Garside review (Environment, process. Middlesbrough Council) Green garden waste collection currently (A80) Continue to review the growing Continuous Funded from Ken Sherwood runs from Spring to November. season and ensure that the frequency . the existing (Environment, of the green garden waste collection Environment Middlesbrough service meets customer needs. revenue Council) budget. These actions (74 to 80) supports the following Sustainable Community Strategy Theme: Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability
46
PCCRI 15 Reduced adverse health effects during warmer winters Rising mean and extreme temperatures will mean fewer cold-related deaths and illnesses during winter months, but this is unlikely to be as significant as the adverse heat-related changes since winter temperatures will still, at times, drop below freezing (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). There is also evidence that where winters are consistently warmer excess winter deaths can be higher than in colder countries due to people being less prepared for the cold. Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications The Cleveland Emergency Planning Unit (A81) Maintain register of vulnerable Continuous Funded from Richard Pink has a list of contacts who can provide residents to ensure appropriate the existing (Social Care, information on vulnerable people in the response during cold periods. Social Care Middlesbrough event of a major incident. Social Care is a revenue Council) part of this, interrogating the SWIFT system budget. PCT to find details of vulnerable people. This action (81) supports the following Sustainable Community Strategy Theme: Theme 2 – Promoting Adult Health and Well-being, tackling exclusion and promoting equality. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
47
PCCRI 16 Increased storm-related debris The projected large increases in winter rainfall and winter wind speed will result in more storm-related debris. This may include (very minor) increases in incidents of blown-trees striking power lines and buildings and blocking road and rail networks. It may also increase the blockage of drains, gulleys, culverts and trash screens by sediment, debris and litter, resulting in increased maintenance requirements (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications Various organisations have responsibility (A82) Review maintenance regimes Continuous Annual Environment for the maintenance of assets affected (and associated budgets) are adequate Budget Agency by storm debris. for increased debris. Reviews Northumbrian Water Limited Ron Dawson (Environment, Middlesbrough Council) Highways Agency. This action (82) supports the following Sustainable Community Strategy Theme: Theme 5 – Enhancing the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
48
PCCRI 17 Increased footpath and cycle path erosion Increased winter rainfall and intense storm rainfall could directly lead to runoff that will erode parts of Middlesbrough’s public footpaths and cycleways. These are key assets to the town’s tourism and recreation economy, and this erosion could be further compounded by the increased use of these facilities due to increasing temperatures. Where cycle paths are of a basic design comprising hardcore and shale dusting and public footpaths are simple worn tracks, they are particularly susceptible to erosion (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Current Status Actions Timescale Known Budget Responsible Implications Officer/Agency Middlesbrough Council makes use of (A83) The Rights of Way March 2011 Funded from the Stewart Williams definitive maps that define public rights of Officer to identify all areas of existing (Environment, way. Existing maps originated in 1955 concern. Environment Middlesbrough (North Yorkshire) with updates under revenue budget. Council) Cleveland County Council. However, most of the urban area of Middlesbrough was classed as excluded areas and has not been mapped. The council is currently adding rights of way for the urban areas of Middlesbrough and has until 2026 to record these rights of way on a definitive map.
49
Marton West Beck has ongoing problems (A84) The Rights of Way March 2011 Funded from the Stewart Williams with the loss of footpath along its banks. Improvement Plan (not existing (Environment, This is exacerbated by the close adopted yet by the Council) is Environment Middlesbrough proximity of privately owned gardens, to be re-written in line with the revenue budget. Council) which prevent path re-alignment. Local Transport Plan (LTP) and will include specific reference to both climate change mitigation and adaptation Longer growing seasons have already (A85) Maintenance regimes Continuous Funded from the Stewart Williams been noted and this will impact on will be reviewed annually in existing (Environment, maintenance of vegetation along response to the extended Environment Middlesbrough footpaths. growing season. Budgets may revenue budget. Council) need to be altered to meet any additional costs. Most of Middlesbrough’s Cycle Ways are (A86) Maintain existing cycle Continuous Funded from the Chris Orr surfaced with tarmac and maintained to a network to current standards. existing (Environment, high standard. All need to be of adopted Environment Middlesbrough standards in terms of surface (tarmac), revenue budget. Council) lighting and with a maintenance regime assigned (with budget). Part of National Cycle Network Route 1 (along the River Tees from Newport Bridge to Teesaurus Park) is unconsolidated. This section will primarily be used for leisure once the new section giving direct access to central Middlesbrough is completed.
50
Flood risk is seen as minimal as the (A87) Include measures to March 2011 Funded from the Chris Orr tarmac sections are designed to address Climate Change existing (Environment, withstand flooding. The routes along Adaptation within the new Environment Middlesbrough becks are situated away from the beck cycling strategy. revenue budget. Council) itself so there are no identified issues of cycle way erosion due to water flow in the becks. These actions (83-87) supports the following Sustainable Community Strategy Theme: Theme 5 – Enhancing the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
51
PCCRI 18 Changes in winter road maintenance regimes The large projected reductions in snowfall across the region will mean that snow-ploughing and gritting/salting to clear key road arteries of snow will probably be required far less frequently by the 2050s on average. There will still be some snowfall occurring, and therefore road maintenance crews cannot do away with snowploughs altogether. Also, winter rainfall is set to increase and with winter temperatures still dropping below freezing, pre and post gritting/salting against ice will continue to be required. More ‘marginal’ calls for gritting may well be expected and increasing frequency of wash off may reduce grit life on roads (The North East Climate Change Adaptation Study, 2008). Current Status Actions Timescale Known Responsible Budget Officer/Agency Implications Middlesbrough Council receives weather (A88 Continue to use METEOR Continuous Funded from Paul Russell information from METEOR and grits roads when data to plan gritting schedules. the existing (Environment, forecast temperatures are below 1oC. The Environment Middlesbrough 2008/9 winter was mild but with a number of revenue Council) short cold spells. The 2009/10 winter also budget. included a prolonged period of freezing temperatures and snow. This action (88) supports the following Sustainable Community Strategy Theme: Theme 5 – Enhancing the Local Economy. Theme 6 – Securing Environmental Sustainability.
52
The Middlesbrough Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan.
The actions above identify predicted risks arising from climate change in Middlesbrough. For each risk the current status had been given and, where appropriate actions have been identified. The following actions will be undertaken through the service plan development process in 2010 onwards.
Develop and deliver a Climate Change Adaptation module within Middlesbrough Council’s Corporate Training programme Develop and deliver a Climate Change Risk Assessment workshop to support individual service units in considering their response to climate change. Develop a short climate change adaptation presentation, with associated printed and web-based materials, targeted at officers and members of Middlesbrough Council. Develop a Climate Change Adaptation page on the Middlesbrough Council website Develop a short (10 minutes) climate change adaptation presentation targeted at the Middlesbrough Business Community. To be delivered via the Middlesbrough Business Forum, North East Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, and the Green Business Network.
53
Appendix 1: EARWIG results for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough Council Baseline 2050s Change TEMPERATURE Annual average daily temperature (oC) 9.2 10.9 +1.8 Winter average daily temperature (oC) 4.5 5.8 +1.3 Spring average daily temperature (oC) 7.7 9.3 +1.6 Summer average daily temperature (oC) 14.4 16.5 +2.1 Autumn average daily temperature (oC) 10.0 12.0 +2.1 Annual average average maximum temperature 12.3 14.2 +1.9 (oC). Winter daily average maximum temperature (oC). 7.2 8.4 +1.3 Spring daily average maximum temperature (oC). 10.9 12.6 +1.7 Summer daily average maximum temperature 17.9 20.3 +2.4 (oC). Autumn daily average maximum temperature 13.0 15.2 +2.2 (oC). Annual average average minimum temperature 6.1 7.7 +1.6 (oC). Winter daily average minimum temperature (oC). 1.9 3.1 +1.2 Spring daily average minimum temperature (oC). 4.5 6 +1.5 Summer daily average minimum temperature 10.9 12.7 +1.8 (oC). Autumn daily average minimum temperature 6.9 8.9 +2.0 (oC). Winter extreme 5th percentile (cold) temperature -3.1 -1.7 +1.4 (oC). Spring extreme 5th percentile (cold) temperature -0.8 0.7 +1.5 (oC). Summer extreme 5th percentile (cold) 6.5 7.8 +1.4 temperature (oC). Autumn extreme 5th percentile (cold) temperature 0.6 2.3 +1.8 (oC). Winter extreme 10th percentile (cold) temperature -1.9 -0.6 +1.3 (oC). Spring extreme 10th percentile (cold) temperature 0.3 1.8 +1.5 (oC). Summer extreme 10th percentile (cold) 7.5 9.0 +1.4 temperature (oC). Autumn extreme 10th percentile (cold) 2.1 3.8 +1.7 temperature (oC). Winter extreme 90th percentile (hot) temp (oC). 10.9 12.2 +1.2 Spring extreme 90th percentile (hot) temp (oC). 15.6 17.6 +2.0 Summer extreme 90th percentile (hot) temp (oC). 21.3 24.1 +2.8 Autumn extreme 90th percentile (hot) temp (oC). 18.0 20.8 +2.8 Winter extreme 95th percentile (hot) temp (oC). 12.1 13.2 +1.1 Spring extreme 95th percentile (hot) temp (oC). 16.8 19.0 +2.2 Summer extreme 95th percentile (hot) temp (oC). 22.4 25.2 +2.8 Autumn extreme 95th percentile (hot) temp (oC). 19.2 22.0 +2.8
55
RAINFALL Average annual rainfall (mm/year) 696 636 -8.6% Average winter rainfall (mm/year) 56 63 +12.7% Average spring rainfall (mm/year) 50 48 -3.6% Average summer rainfall (mm/year) 62 42 -33.2% Average autumn rainfall (mm/year) 64 59 -7.1% 1-hour extreme 50% AEP rainfall event (mm). 12 11 -8.8% 3-hour extreme 50% AEP rainfall event (mm). 17 16 -1.8% 6-hour extreme 50% AEP rainfall event (mm). 21 20 -5.4% 12-hour extreme 50% AEP rainfall event (mm). 23 22 -5.4% 1-hour extreme 10% AEP rainfall event (mm). 15 16 +10.1% 3-hour extreme 10% AEP rainfall event (mm). 23 25 +9.7% 6-hour extreme 10% AEP rainfall event (mm). 30 27 -7.9% 12-hour extreme 10% AEP rainfall event (mm). 35 34 -4.2% 1-day extreme 50% AEP rainfall event (mm). 21 23 +13.6% 2-day extreme 50% AEP rainfall event (mm). 30 29 -4.8% 5-day extreme 50% AEP rainfall event (mm). 43 39 -8.3% 10-day extreme 50% AEP rainfall event (mm). 59 56 -5.0% 1-day extreme 5% AEP rainfall event (mm). 34 35 +3.2% 2-day extreme 5% AEP rainfall event (mm). 43 49 +13.4% 5-day extreme 5% AEP rainfall event (mm). 59 61 +3.1% 10-day extreme 5% AEP rainfall event (mm). 85 79 -7.4% SNOWFALL Annual average daily snowfall (mm) 0.09 0.03 -71.6% Winter average daily snowfall (mm) 0.33 0.11 -67.7% Spring average daily snowfall (mm) 0.04 0.00 -98.8% Summer average daily snowfall (mm) 0.00 0.00 0.00% Autumn average daily snowfall (mm) 0.01 0.00 -87.8% FROST Frost days (Tmin<0) per year. 33.9 16.4 -51.8% WIND Average annual wind speed (m/s) 5.5 5.4 -0.1 Average winter wind speed (m/s) 6.3 6.2 -0.1 Average spring wind speed (m/s) 5.6 5.5 0.0 Average summer wind speed (m/s) 4.6 4.5 -0.2 Average autumn wind speed (m/s) 5.5 5.4 0.0 Mean annual maximum wind speed (m/s) 13.2 13.4 +0.2 SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT Winter soil moisture content (mm) 80.2 80.4 +0.2 Spring soil moisture content (mm) 85.3 87.7 +2.4 Summer soil moisture content (mm) 35.2 31.2 -4.0 Autumn soil moisture content (mm) 32.7 27.8 -4.9
56
Appendix 2: Climate Change Impacts EMS Module Participants (highlighted).
Directorate Team Regeneration Planning and Regeneration Programmes Economic & Community Regeneration Museums & Galleries Culture and Tourism Libraries West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust Environment Streetscene General Albert Park Hemlington Recreation Centre Lingfield Countryside Centre Newham Grange Leisure Farm Pallister Park Stewart Park Community Protection Community Safety Service Crematorium Environmental Sustainability Environmental Protection (Food) Pest Control Sports & Leisure Tees Valley Measurement Trading Standards Transport & design Services Built Environment Solution Group Laboratory Services Transport Policy Children, Families & Safeguarding Learning Achievement Commissioning and Resources Performance and Young People's Services Social Care Mental Health & Learning 11a Sunningdale Disabilities Road Older People & Physical Cumberland Disabilities Resource Centre Performance & Planning Central Services Executive Office Management Press Office Client Role Middlesbrough Partnership Governance
57
Assistant Chief Performance Management Executive Corporate Development Middlesbrough Partnership Performance Management BSF Human Resources Partnership. Strategy & Information Communications Organisational Development Human Resources Strategic Resources Strategic Resources Finance Strategic Commissioning and Procurement Loans and Investments Legal & Democratic Legal Services Members' Office Scrutiny Mouchel (formerly HBS IT HBS) External Agencies Ground Work South Tees Middlesbrough Environment City Community Transport Stronger Together in East Middlesbrough
Completed Climate Change Adaptation EMS Module.
58