§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list(a) the works and (b) the cost of works on (i) Canvey Island's sea defences and (ii) Two Tree Island which are envisaged; and if she will make a statement. [170826]
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§ Mr. MorleyDecisions on which projects are promoted and their timing rests with the operating authorities.
(i) Canvey Island's Sea Defences
Defra is not aware of any proposals for works to Canvey Island's tidal defences. The tidal flood defences around the Island are regularly monitored by the Environment Agency.
(ii) Two Tree Island
Southend borough council has recently secured planning permission for coast protection works around the south and northeast sides of the Island. The works are estimated to cost around £1 million and are due to be submitted for Defra grant aid consideration under the Coast Protection Act.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the increased risk of flooding to Canvey Island; and what(a) research and (b) action she plans to take in the light of the increased assessment of flooding risk. [170827]
§ Mr. MorleyDecisions on which projects are promoted and their timing rests with the operating authorities.
The Environment Agency has been researching the need for capital renewal of the internal flood defences on Canvey Island and a draft Project Appraisal Report is due to be presented to the Agency's National Review Group during this summer.
Works will include the upgrading of all 12 land-drainage pumping stations on the Island. The works programme will take approx. 3 years and cost up to £6 million.
Since the 1980s the Department has provided guidance to operating authorities to make allowance for climate change in the planning and appraisal of new and replacement flood and coastal defence works. This guidance has been regularly reviewed in the light of the latest research findings and supplementary guidance was most recently issued in 2003. The aim is to take a suitably precautionary approach while not diverting funds unnecessarily from the solution of problems that affect people today. The approach and guidance will be further reviewed for the new Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has assessed the case for closing beaches in the vicinity of Two Tree Island as a result of the pollution from the old waste dump. [170828]
§ Mr. MorleyThe closure of beaches is a matter for local authorities. Local authorities are advised by the Environment Agency on prevailing water quality levels. The nearest designated bathing beach is at Leigh Bell Wharf which met the EU guideline standards in 2003 and is classed as 'excellent' quality.