Climate Change Adaptation, Action Planning Areas, Responsibilities and Existing Adaptation Activities

Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Utilities and Waste Avon and Somerset Local Summary of Issues Resilience Forum (LRF) – Critical National Infrastructure (including utilities) within the LRF Category 2 responders Utilities (power, water and telecommunications infrastructure) could be Region has been identified by the LRF, and its vulnerability to a damaged by extreme weather including flooding, storminess or heat waves, range of risks (including extreme weather) has been assessed. National Grid with potential for interruptions in supply. Potable water could be contaminated Where significant risks have been identified, response plans have by flooding (fluvial, tidal or surface water). been or are being prepared in collaboration with the owner / Western Power Distribution responsible organisation (predominantly ‘Category 2’ responders). Climate change could increase demand for utilities, eg: However, LRF risk assessment is only undertaken with a five year Transco • Increase in communications (phone, internet) during and after an extreme time horizon. (Info on critical infrastructure is restricted) event; Water • Increased demand for water during hot summer months Work undertaken by individual utilities companies to increase • Increased demand for power and water with arrival of migrants from areas resilience to extreme weather (need to clarify scope of work Wessex Water worse affected by climate change undertaken to date)

BT Climate change may affect the types of waste we produce. The waste Strategic Framework and Policy Statement on Improving the management process could also be vulnerable to the impact of extreme Resilience of Critical Infrastructure to Disruption from Natural 2 Oldbury weather. Hazards – Cabinet Office Consultation, Oct ’09

Seabank Power Station Relevant risks and opportunities from the comprehensive assessment S Glos-wide and Avonmouth & Severnside Strategic Flood Risk 3 4 • Fluvial flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with Assessments - provide details on areas of S Glos at risk of fluvial Emergency Services associated flooding/disruption of utilities (6, 9) and tidal flooding

• Tidal flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with 5 SGC – Emergency Planning associated flooding/disruption of utilities (6, 9) Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy - provides • Surface water drainage and sewerage systems unable to cope with evidence base re flood risk and what action needs to be taken.

1 Short term (now – 2026) and Long term (thereafter) risk rating from 1 (very low risk) to 9 (very high risk), from results of SGC and Partners Climate Change Adaptation Risk Assessment undertaken during July 2009 2 http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/308367/sfps-consultation.pdf 3 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/72D86103-23D7-45C3-8033-4345C3BE1FD7/0/PTE090113.pdf 4 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/CA512EAA-E2F3-4664-BD49-9A3EBA7CCD16/0/AvonmouthSevernsideSFRA.pdf 5 http://www.severnestuary.net/frms/index.html

1 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders SGC – Waste Management increased intensity of rainfall – with associated flooding/disruption of utilities Recommendations will feed into the Severn Shoreline Management (4, 6) Plan 6 Other WoE local authorities • Damage to broadband/telecoms due to extreme weather (3, 6) (Bristol, B&NES, N Somerset) • Increased pressure on infrastructure, utilities and services (e.g. housing, Heatwave Plans education) from arrival of migrants from areas worst affected by climate change (2, 6) • Subsidence and/or heave affecting the integrity of buildings or underground infrastructure (1, 2) • Increased pressure on utilities from tourism (1, 2) Transport LRF – Category 2 responders Summary of Issues Critical National Infrastructure (including strategic transport Highways Agency Transport infrastructure could be disrupted by extreme weather including infrastructure) within the LRF Region has been identified by the LRF, flooding, storminess, heat waves, or very cold weather. Disruption to transport and its vulnerability to a range of risks (including extreme weather) Network Rail infrastructure has implications for individuals and businesses, and potentially has been assessed. Where significant risks have been identified, for emergency services seeking to access people or infrastructure and/or response plans have been or are being prepared in collaboration with Public transport operators health premises. the responsible organisation (predominantly ‘Category 2’ responders). However, LRF risk assessment is only undertaken with Emergency Services Relevant risks and opportunities from the comprehensive assessment a five year time horizon. (Info on critical infrastructure is restricted).

SGC – Emergency Planning • Tidal flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with Work undertaken by transport companies to increase resilience to associated flooding/disruption of transport infrastructure (6, 9) extreme weather (need to clarify scope of work already undertaken) SGC – Highways (Street Care • Fluvial flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with and PTSE) associated flooding/disruption of transport infrastructure (4, 6) Strategic Framework and Policy Statement on Improving the • Surface water drainage and sewerage systems unable to cope with Resilience of Critical Infrastructure to Disruption from Natural 7 SGC – Transport Policy team, increased intensity of rainfall – with associated flooding/disruption of Hazards – Cabinet Office Consultation, Oct ’09 and Integrated Transport Unit transport infrastructure (3, 3) S Glos-wide and Avonmouth & Severnside Strategic Flood Risk • Subsidence and/or heave affecting the integrity of transport infrastructure (1, 8 9 Other WoE local authorities 2) Assessments - provide details on areas of S Glos at risk of fluvial (Bristol, B&NES, N Somerset) and tidal flooding

6 http://www.severnestuary.net/secg/smp.html 7 http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/308367/sfps-consultation.pdf 8 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/72D86103-23D7-45C3-8033-4345C3BE1FD7/0/PTE090113.pdf 9 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/CA512EAA-E2F3-4664-BD49-9A3EBA7CCD16/0/AvonmouthSevernsideSFRA.pdf

2 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy 10 - provides evidence base re flood risk and what action needs to be taken. Recommendations will feed into the Severn Shoreline Management Plan 11

SGC are working with Wessex Water on a joint asset management project, with electronic mapping of highway drainage and watercourse routings, mine shafts, etc from paper records. This will enable improved flood modelling.

Street Care Operational Response Plan includes identification of known surface water flooding trouble spots – including some known flood spots on local road network

Heatwave Plans New Development SGC Members Summary of Issues Existing planning policy in place to prevent development in areas at risk of flooding, and to protect and enhance open spaces and SGC Spatial Planning (GI and Future use of land and distribution / design of new development needs to biodiversity. (Does not necessarily take into account changes in LDF) reflect anticipated changes in weather and climate, for example: demand for / role of open spaces for climate change adaptation). • Improving habitat connectivity to help enable species to adapt / move SGC Development Control • Increasing tree cover for shading during hotter summers Development of LDF • Protecting land for local production of food SGC Building Control • Protecting and enhancing the role that open spaces in S Glos play in Green Infrastructure work ongoing to inform development of S Glos slowing and containing run-off LDF and Green Spaces Strategy SGC Major Sites Team • Ensuring new development is not at unacceptable risk of flooding, and does not exacerbate flood risk elsewhere Strategic GI Consultation Event held in January 2010 SGC CYP Changes in the weather anticipated as a result of climate change could require NI189 Action Plan Environment Agency changes in the specification of some new buildings / infrastructure eg to improve water efficiency, and to reduce risk of over-heating, flooding, etc. S Glos-wide and Avonmouth & Severnside Strategic Flood Risk Natural England Assessments.

10 http://www.severnestuary.net/frms/index.html 11 http://www.severnestuary.net/secg/smp.html

3 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Regional Assembly (SW RSS) Relevant risks and opportunities from the comprehensive assessment Catchment Flood Management Plans (Severn Tidal Tributaries and Bristol Avon) Developers • Increased pressures on green spaces (for flood storage, food production, recreation, etc) in the context of an increasing population and potentially Severn Estuary Shoreline Management Plan 2 diminishing open land area (9, 9) • Isolation of species and increased habitat fragmentation (9, 9) SGC Pitt Report Draft Action Plan • Damage/disruption to properties (homes, schools, hospitals, care premises, business premises, etc) resulting from flooding and increased storminess PPS1 (Severnside – 9, 9, South Glos wide – 6, 9) PPS25 • Fluvial flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with PPS20 associated flooding/disruption of utilities (6, 9) Building Regs are set at a national level. According to BERR • Tidal flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with 12 associated flooding/disruption of transport infrastructure (6, 9) Website , periodic reviews of building regs will include • Tidal flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with considerations of impacts of changing climate, such as temperature associated flooding/disruption of utilities (6, 9) change and flooding. • Risks to agricultural economy (6, 9) • Fluvial flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with associated flooding/disruption of transport infrastructure (4, 6) • Increased health impacts related to poor nutrition (3, 6) • Decreasing availability or affordability of insurance for infrastructure/buildings in flood risk areas (2, 6) • Large scale new development adding to and/or being susceptible to flood risk (2, 4) • Increased risk to ill health from over-heated buildings (e.g. dehydration and lethargy) (6, 9) • Overheating of infrastructure/buildings in summer and increased demand for cooling (4, 6) • Damage to building elements from changing weather e.g. melting flat roofs in summer, joists drying out, wind damage with increased storms, etc (2, 3) • Water shortages impacting on water dependent industries and domestic users (4, 6)

12 http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/sectors/construction/sustainability/sustainablestrategy/climatechangeadaptation/page49586.html

4 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Existing Development Summary of Issues Building Regs are set at a national level. According to BERR SGC Building Control Website13, periodic reviews of building regs will include Existing buildings in S Glos could be damaged by changing weather (eg more considerations of impacts of changing climate, such as temperature SGC CC&H (re EPHs etc) storms) or become less habitable (eg too hot during the summer) or more change and flooding. difficult to insure (eg in flood risk areas) SGC CYP (re schools) Some adaptation responses are likely to happen without strategic Changes in the weather anticipated as a result of climate change could require planning – eg individual properties / businesses likely to improve Merlin Housing retro-fitting of existing buildings eg to improve water efficiency, and to reduce cooling as and when necessary risk of over-heating, flooding, etc Environment Agency (re The Environment Agency has written to people living in flood risk identification of properties at risk Relevant Risks and Opportunities from the Comprehensive Assessment areas to educate them about the issues. of flooding and flood warnings) • Increased risk to ill health from over-heated buildings (e.g. dehydration and EA factsheet on where insurance companies will and will not Property owners and occupiers lethargy) (6, 9) guarantee to provide cover 14 • Overheating of buildings in summer and increased demand for cooling (4, 6) Insurance Companies (repairs) • Damage/disruption to homes from flooding and increased storminess Street Care Operational Response Plan includes identification of (Severnside – 9, 9, South Glos wide – 6, 9) known surface water flooding trouble spots including at-risk • Water shortages impacting on water dependent industries and domestic properties users (4, 6) • Decreasing availability or affordability of insurance for buildings in flood risk Provision for emergency housing areas (2, 6) • Damage to building elements from changing weather e.g. melting flat roofs in summer, joists drying out, wind damage with increased storms, etc (2, 3) • Subsidence and/or heave affecting the integrity of buildings or underground infrastructure (1, 2) • Damage to building elements from changing weather e.g. melting flat roofs in summer, joists drying out, wind damage with increased storms, etc (2, 3)

13 http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/sectors/construction/sustainability/sustainablestrategy/climatechangeadaptation/page49586.html 14 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/static/documents/Leisure/jointfactsheet_882788.pdf

5 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Community Spaces / Land Management SGC Community Spaces Summary of Issues Existing management of open spaces / woodlands, and existing management regimes and plans SGC Sustainability Heritage and It is important that management of open spaces in S Glos reflects changing Environmental Projects needs resulting from anticipated future weather and climate, for example: S Glos Green Spaces Strategy being developed • Increasing tree cover for shading during hotter summers 15 SGC Green Infrastructure • Protecting and enhancing the role that open spaces in S Glos play in West of England Green Infrastructure initiative Working Group slowing and containing run-off • Improving habitat connectivity NI197 and active management of Local Sites SGC Corporate Finance • Protecting land for local production of food • Management of drainage infrastructure including SUDS to ensure its Cotswold Conservation Board Farming and Forestry Study (re West of England Green continued efficacy impacts of climate change and globalisation on farming and forestry Infrastructure Group in the Cotswolds AONB) Relevant Risks and Opportunities from the Comprehensive Assessment Avon Wildlife Trust Avon Wildlife Trust’s Living Landscapes project

• Increased pressures on green spaces (for flood storage, food production, 16 Natural England recreation, etc) in the context of an increasing population and potentially Nature Map diminishing open land area (9, 9) Forest of Avon Trust • Isolation of species and increased habitat fragmentation (9, 9) Forest of Avon Plan

• Increased risk to ill health from exposure to sun and hot weather (e.g. Cotswolds AONB Some work to reduce frequency of cutting through different planting sunburn, heatstroke, hay fever, exposure to UV radiation and/or increased regimes air pollution) (6, 9) Forestry Commission • Higher public expenditure on grounds maintenance, e.g. longer growing

season means need for more grass cutting (2, 3) Farmers / Landowners • Possible increased scope for outdoor activity including walking and cycling Local Groups (Friends Groups; due to warmer conditions (but possible decrease if it gets too hot) (2, 2) Link Groups)

15 http://www.greeninfrastructurewest.org/ 16 http://www.biodiversitysouthwest.org.uk/nmap.html

6 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Agriculture and Forestry National Farmers’ Union Summary of Issues Farming Futures 17 - an online resource providing info on climate change and farming. (Developed by a collaboration of the NFU, Forestry Commission Potential adverse effects on agriculture and forestry from changing weather Country Land and Business Association, the Agricultural and and climate include potential loss of some traditional crops, decreased soil Horticultural Research Forum, the Agricultural Industries Natural England quality; increased soil erosion due to increased run-off, need for increased Confederation, Forum for the Future and Defra). Factsheets irrigation in summer, reduced die-off of pests and diseases due to warmer provided about how climate change is likely to affect different crops, Environment Agency winters, and fewer pollinators. livestock etc, and mitigation measures available. Includes general factsheet on adaptation ideas for agriculture 18 Cotswold AONB Changes in climate could increase the need for artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Alongside increasing rainfall and intensity of rainfall this potential National Farmers Union, Country Land and Business Association, Farmers increases diffuse pollution from runoff from agricultural land. and Agricultural Industries Confederation Study and Recommendations – ‘Part of the Solution: Climate Change, European Union Relevant Risks and Opportunities from the Comprehensive Assessment Agriculture and Land Management’ 19

DEFRA • Risk to agricultural economy (6, 9) Cotswold Conservation Board Farming and Forestry Study (re • Effects on pollination – including bees, butterflies and moths (6, 9) impacts of climate change and globalisation on farming and forestry • Threats to trees from storms, drought and pests (6, 9) in the Cotswolds AONB) • Reduction in soil quality from impact of water, salinity, drought, wind and use of fertilisers and pesticides (4, 6) Greater take-up of bee keeping is being encouraged by both national and local groups.

Some work being done to address bee diseases, but perhaps less on wild pollinators eg habitat creation.

Bee houses and insect boxes are now available.

Encouraging wide verges and hedgerows on farmland (as part of environmental stewardship).

Soil Association promoting organics

17 http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk/ 18 http://www.farmingfutures.org.uk/documents/Section%20Attachments/FF_FS3_WEB.pdf 19 http://www.cla.org.uk/pdf/ClimateChangeAgricultureAndLandManagement.pdf

7 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Environmental Stewardship, minimising fertiliser / weed killer use

Natural England schemes to support farmers / landowners in reducing use of fertilisers / fungicides etc (eg Higher level Stewardship (HLS) & organic Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) agreements require this as part of the agreement. The non organic ELS schemes also include low input grassland management options.

Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative being undertaken by Natural England, Defra, and Environment Agency to reduce fertiliser use in specifics areas of the region Food Security South Gloucestershire Local Summary of Issues SGC Local Food Strategy Food Partnership The availability, diversity and price of food could be adversely affected by the Traded and Support Services local food procurement initiative SGC, Community Services (re local and global impacts of climate change on agriculture. land for growing food) Allotments Relevant Risks and Opportunities from the Comprehensive Assessment Parish / Town Councils Cotswold Conservation Board Farming and Forestry Study (re (responsibilities in relation to • Increased health impacts related to poor nutrition (3, 6) impacts of climate change and globalisation on farming and forestry allotment provision) in the Cotswolds AONB)

Cotswolds AONB

NHS-S-Glos (re availability and quality of food for patients)

SGC – Traded and Support Services re availability and quality of food

8 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Business and Economic Development Business Link SW Summary of Issues Existing business continuity plans maintained by larger businesses in S Glos. Business Link SW are working to encourage smaller GWE Business West Businesses could be affected by changing climate and weather in a variety of businesses to adopt continuity plans. ways – including risks to premises, processes, and the health and safety of BETS employees. Environment Agency / Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board monitoring / maintaining flood defences for industries already situated UWE Decreasing availability of insurance for businesses in areas at risk of flooding in flood zones, eg Severnside in S Glos could decrease the competitive advantage of the area for attracting Filton College and retaining businesses. EA communications with businesses in at-risk areas (need to check scope) SGC Economic Development Changing weather and climate will also provide some new commercial opportunities. Business link guidance – ‘Crisis Management and Business Environment Agency Continuity Planning’. Refers to flooding / storm damage as one crisis Relevant Risks and Opportunities from Risk Assessment potentially affecting business continuity 20: Businesses • Flood/storm damage to business premises and transport infrastructure (6, 9) Aspiration to develop a cluster of green business / technology in the Employers • Disruption to economic activity from over-heating of business premises (4, Avonmouth / Severnside area (cross boundary with Bristol CC). 6) Need to collaborate to bring about critical mass to facilitate this. • Water shortages impacting on water dependent industries and domestic users (4, 6) UWE offer courses on flood defence, new technologies in water • Decreasing availability or affordability of insurance for management etc. infrastructure/buildings in flood risk areas (2, 6) • Increased potential for renewable sources of energy (2, 6) IT equipment becoming more efficient, thus reducing heat expelled. • Increased commercial opportunities in water management technologies (including flood defence and water efficiency) and opportunity for education Reflective coatings on windows to reflect heat from the sun. to encourage activity (4, 4) • Opportunity to encourage people to work from home (3, 3) Air conditioning units increasingly installed (but energy consumption implications). • Increased tourism opportunities from longer more reliable summers (1, 2)

Business Link guidance ‘Employees working from home’ 21

20 http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1074458463&site=106 21 http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?site=106&=en&topicId=1074446319

9 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Health Services NHS-S-Glos Summary of Issues National study – Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK, 200822

North Bristol NHS Trust There are a variety of potential effects on human health from changing Annual Heatwave Plans prepared by the Department of Health 23 weather and climate, both during extreme weather (particularly during floods Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health and heatwaves), and as a result of more incremental changes – such as Emissions reduction legislation Partnership increased exposure to UV radiation, or increased anxiety. Air Quality Management Areas in South Glos 24 SGC - Environmental Health and Relevant Risks and Opportunities from the Risk Assessment CC&H SGC Home Energy Efficiency Team help deal with damp & • Increased risk to ill health from exposure to sun and hot weather (e.g. condensation. The Council provides funding through the ‘warm and Great Western Ambulance sunburn, heatstroke, exposure to UV radiation and/or increased air well’ scheme. Service pollution) (6, 9) • Increased risk to public safety from flooding – longer term health impacts LRF Multi Agency Flood Plan and S Glos-wide Multi Agency Flood Avon Fire and Rescue Service e.g. anxiety/isolation, contaminated water (4, 6) Plan (in preparation) set out emergency response arrangements. • Increased risk to public safety from flooding – immediate health risk/trauma to individuals, e.g. drowning (4, 6) Environment Agency flood warnings • Reduced die-off of pests and diseases during warmer winters and possible introduction of tropical diseases (2, 4) Local Resilience Forum has done some work in relation to civil • More ill health due to increasingly mild and damp winters, e.g. respiratory disruption, mainly with regard to enforcement of law and order disease (2, 4) • Increased pressure on health service from anxiety linked to physical, economic or social insecurity potentially caused by climate change and arrival of migrants from worst affected countries (2, 4) • Potential increased risk of alcohol related ill health, road traffic accidents and drowning in lakes and rivers during hot summers (2, 2) • Increase in air quality related health impacts in hot, dry summers (1, 2) • Deterioration in water quality and increase in infection (acute e.g. post flood contamination or chronic e.g. algal blooms) (1, 1) • Increased bacterial build up in foods resulting in risk of food poisoning (1, 1) • Less ill health in winter due to reduced cold conditions, e.g. hypothermia, influenza, and ice/snow related accidents, etc (1, 1)

22 http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_082836.pdf 23 http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_099015

10 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Emergency Planning Emergency Services Summary of Issues LRF Community Risk Register

Local Resilience Forum Climate change is anticipated to increase the frequency and severity of Plans in place for operation of control centres both at LRF and S Glos extreme weather events – potentially threatening public safety and/or level for coordinating multi agency emergency response. SGC - Emergency Planning continuity of power or water supply, telecommunications, and transport, and necessitating an emergency response. Emergency services’ plans and experience SGC Street Care - sandbag distribution, road diversions, Demand for emergency housing could increase during extreme weather (eg Heatwave Plans clearing watercourses of debris need to re-house residents of flooded homes), or with the arrival of migrants from areas worst affected by climate change. Existing provision for emergency re-housing SGC CC&H - emergency re- housing / rest centres etc Relevant risks and opportunities from the risk assessment LRF Multi Agency Flood Plan - sets out arrangements for multi agency response to a significant flood in the LRF Area MOD • Damage/disruption to properties (homes, schools, hospitals, care premises, business premises, etc) resulting from flooding and increased storminess Vulnerable properties within the EA’s fluvial and tidal flood risk zones Environment Agency and Met (Severnside – 9, 9, South Glos wide – 6, 9) have been identified for the draft Multi Agency S Glos Flood Plan. Office (re severe weather and • Flood/storm damage to business premises and transport infrastructure (6, 9) flood warnings) • Increased risk to public safety from flooding – immediate health risk/trauma The Street Care Operational Response Plan includes identification of to individuals, e.g. drowning (4, 6) known surface water flooding trouble spots. • Increased pressure on infrastructure, utilities and services (e.g. housing, education) from arrival of migrants from areas worst affected by climate EA flood warnings change (2, 6) • Potential increased risk of alcohol related ill health, road traffic accidents SGC Emergency Planning Unit will be hosting road shows to provide and drowning in lakes and rivers during hot summers (2, 2) information to the public on protecting themselves from flooding. • Damage to buildings/infrastructure due to increasing risk of fires (1, 2) The Environment Agency has written to people living in at-risk areas to educate them about the issues.

SFRA 25

Home fire safety visits and education

24 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/exeres/001ef674-2999-4c41-b979-97e2a23a3dd8 25 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/72D86103-23D7-45C3-8033-4345C3BE1FD7/0/PTE090113.pdf

11 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Arson task force

Avon Fire and Rescue Youth Development Centre engagement with young people

Training and techniques for wildfire response Biodiversity S Glos Biodiversity Partnership Summary of Issues S Glos Biodiversity Action Plan 26

Avon Wildlife Trust Interactions between weather and climate and biodiversity are complex, and S Glos Green Spaces Strategy under development hence difficult to predict and plan for. However, there are a number of SGC working locally with Friends anticipated interactions to take into account in planning to increase the Avon Wildlife Trust’s Living Landscapes project Groups and Link Groups resilience of the natural environment to climate change, including the BRERC following: NI197 and active management of Local Sites

S Glos Biodiversity Topic Group Relevant risks and opportunities from the risk assessment Working with DC to improve integration of habitat and connectivity with development decisions and consents Natural England • Isolation of species and increased habitat fragmentation (9, 9) • Effects on pollination – including bees, butterflies and moths (6, 9) Nature Map Environment Agency • Loss of salt marsh – Severn Estuary (6, 9) The ‘Monarch’ project looks at changes in the likely success of a • Threats to trees from storms, drought and pests (6, 9) 27 Lower Severn IDB • Disruption to seasonal climate patterns affecting flora and fauna (6, 6) variety of species with a changing climate , but still a high degree of • Drought vulnerable species less successful (6, 6) uncertainly, and potential impacts on S Glos habitats and species Association of Severn Estuary • Expansion of invasive species (6, 6) probably not sufficiently understood Relevant Authorities (for the • Effects on aquatic environment from drier summers (lower river flows with Severn Estuary European Marine Greater take-up of bee keeping is being encouraged by both national less dilution of pollutants) and wetter winters (4, 6) Site) and local groups. Bee houses and insect boxes are now available. • Drought tolerant species more successful (2, 3) Some work being done to address bee diseases (though less on wild

Forestry Commission pollinators).

Avon Invasive Weeds Forum Water levels in the Severn area are closely managed by the Drainage Board Avon Frome Partnership

26 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/exeres/aef557f2-9d2b-4232-aa6e-d26b0cf3ead1 27 http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/research/biodiversity/monarch.php

12 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Trees are being planted in South Glos eg in school grounds. Defra However, limited space for trees in urban areas, and existing urban trees are susceptible to damage eg from underground service Local / volunteer groups maintenance affecting their roots.

Land owners Some invasive species are notifiable and there are relevant legal requirements set nationally.

SGC employs a contractor to remove Himalayan Balsam / Japanese Knotweed when spotted on Council managed land, and disposal of the invasive plant material is controlled.

Informatives attached to DC consents to notify if invasive species spotted during development Fluvial Flood Risk Management Environment Agency Summary of Issues Existing drainage infrastructure and flood defence

SGC – Street Care and Spatial Parts of S Glos are already vulnerable to fluvial flooding. Flood risk is S Glos-wide and Avonmouth & Severnside Strategic Flood Risk Planning anticipated to increase with climate change, with consequent increases in risk Assessments 28 29 of flooding affecting public safety, properties, businesses, utilities, ability to Lower Severn IDB insure etc. Severn Tidal Tributaries and Bristol Avon Catchment Flood Management Plans SGC Corporate Finance Relevant risks and opportunities from the comprehensive assessment Water levels in the Severn area are closely managed by the Drainage LRF Flooding sub group • Damage/disruption to properties (homes, schools, hospitals, care premises, Board business premises, etc) resulting from flooding and increased storminess Natural England (re stewardship (Severnside – 9, 9, South Glos wide – 6, 9) Vulnerable properties within the EA’s fluvial and tidal flood risk zones grants to landowners) • Fluvial flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with have been identified for the draft Multi Agency S Glos Flood Plan. associated flooding/disruption of utilities (6, 9) Landowners • Fluvial flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with The Environment Agency has written to people living in at-risk areas associated flooding/disruption of transport infrastructure (4, 6) to educate them about the issues. Property owners • Increased risk to public safety from flooding – immediate health risk/trauma to individuals, e.g. drowning (4, 6) Pitt Report Action Plan in preparation

28 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/72D86103-23D7-45C3-8033-4345C3BE1FD7/0/PTE090113.pdf 29 http://www.southglos.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/CA512EAA-E2F3-4664-BD49-9A3EBA7CCD16/0/AvonmouthSevernsideSFRA.pdf

13 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Defra • Increased risk to public safety from flooding – longer term health impacts e.g. anxiety/isolation, contaminated water (4, 6) NI189 Action Plan • Large scale new development adding to and/or being susceptible to flood risk (2, 4) Routine watercourse maintenance including clearance of grills

Street Care annual programme of local drainage improvement schemes. Tidal Flood Risk Management Severn Estuary Partnership Summary of Issues Existing tidal flood defence

Severn Estuary Coastal Group Parts of S Glos are vulnerable to tidal flooding from the Severn. Sea level is Severn Estuary Flood Risk Management Strategy 30 anticipated to rise with climate change, with consequent increases in tidal Provides evidence base re what action needs to be taken. Environment Agency flood risk – potentially affecting public safety, properties, businesses, utilities, Consultation on draft document during Autumn ‘09. ability to insure etc. Recommendations will feed into the Severn Shoreline Management SGC (spatial planning and Street Plan 31 Care) Relevant risks and opportunities from the comprehensive assessment

LRF Flooding sub group • Damage/disruption to properties (homes, schools, hospitals, care premises, business premises, etc) from flooding and increased storminess Property owners (Severnside – 9, 9, South Glos wide – 6, 9) • Tidal flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with Defra associated flooding/disruption of transport infrastructure (6, 9) • Tidal flood defences unable to cope with increased flood risk – with associated flooding/disruption of utilities (6, 9) • Increased risk to public safety from flooding – immediate health risk/trauma to individuals, e.g. drowning (4, 6) • Increased risk to public safety from flooding – longer term health impacts e.g. anxiety/isolation, contaminated water (4, 6) • Decreasing availability or affordability of insurance for infrastructure/buildings in flood risk areas (2, 6) • Large scale new development adding to and/or being susceptible to flood risk (2, 4)

30 http://www.severnestuary.net/frms/index.html 31 http://www.severnestuary.net/secg/smp.html

14 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders Surface Water Drainage SGC – Street Care Summary of Issues: Existing drainage infrastructure

Wessex Water Surface water flooding is already an issue in S Glos. Intensity of rainfall SGC are working with Wessex Water on a joint asset management predicted to increase creating additional pressure on the surface water project, with electronic mapping of highway drainage and LRF Flooding sub group drainage system, increasing associated flood risk. watercourse routings, mine shafts, etc from paper records. This will enable improved flood modelling. Environment Agency Relevant risks and opportunities from the comprehensive assessment: National surface water mapping project undertaken – results issued SGC Corporate Finance • Exposure of species/habitats to water pollution e.g. from flooding of sewers, to LRFs or more diffuse pollution e.g. run-off from agricultural land (4, 6) • Surface water drainage and sewerage systems unable to cope with Street Care Operational Response Plan identifies known trouble increased intensity of rainfall – with associated flooding/disruption of utilities spots. (4, 6) • Increased risk to public safety from flooding – immediate health risk/trauma Street Care annual programme of local drainage improvement to individuals, e.g. drowning (4, 6) schemes. • Increased risk to public safety from flooding – longer term health impacts Defra has prepared draft guidance on the preparation of Surface e.g. anxiety/isolation, contaminated water (4, 6) 32 • Surface water drainage and sewerage systems unable to cope with Water Management Plans as a local authority led tool to manage increased intensity of rainfall – with associated flooding/disruption of surface water flood risk on a local basis. transport infrastructure (3, 3) • Large scale new development adding to and/or being susceptible to flood SGC, EA and Wessex Water liaising to identify need for SWMP(s) in risk (2, 4) South Gloucestershire.

Water Resources Water Companies Summary of Issues Bristol Water Business Plan: “Our water supply strategy up to 2015 33 includes proposals for: Environment Agency Warmer drier summers and increased intensity of rainfall are likely to make it • Expanded reservoirs at Withywood, Frome and Brent Knoll more difficult to capture and maintain a reliable and clean water supply – with • New reservoir at Cheddar LRF potential implications for domestic and business users. • Reduction in leakage levels • Increased installation of water meters Individual households, Changes in flow in watercourses are likely to result from warmer wetter winters landowners and businesses (re and hotter drier summers – with implications for the aquatic environment.

32 http://www.defra.gov.uk/environ/fcd/policy/swmp-guide.pdf 33 http://www.bristolwater.co.uk/uploads/news/PUBLIC_1.pdf

15 Action Planning Organisations Summary of Issues, and relevant risks / opportunities from the Existing Adaptation Activities / Service teams and other comprehensive assessment (with short & long term risk rating) 1 relevant stakeholders capture and storage of rain This plan is currently out to consultation, and awaiting approval from water) Relevant risks and opportunities from the comprehensive assessment Ofwat.

Water-intensive businesses (re • Effects on aquatic environment from drier summers (lower river flows with Grey water recycling and water efficient fittings being encouraged in reducing water in their less dilution of pollutants) and wetter winters (4, 6) new development processes) • Disruption to economic activity from water shortages (4, 6) • Water shortages impacting on water dependent industries and domestic All commercial water users are metered (but data on water Landowners / Farmers (re rain users (4, 6) consumption by Bristol Water’s customers is confidential). Most water capture and storage for • Deterioration in water quality and increase in infection (acute e.g. post flood larger customers have access to real time data to assist them with irrigation) contamination or chronic e.g. algal blooms) their water management. Intensive users tend to be more efficient than smaller users. Some businesses have process water recovery systems in place. Water audits are offered by Bristol Water.

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