NRW takes action to reduce flood risk in North East Wales

The NRW's Development and Flood Risk team recently concluded a series of enforcement actions against several sites across the region.

The actions were aimed at addressing unpermitted activities that could have increased flood risk or caused environmental harm.

Pollution prevention advice, warning letters, and remediation notices were issued to landowners.

One of the cases involved an unpermitted earth bund within the floodplain of the River Alyn at Llong, Flintshire.

This was initially designed to reduce flood risk to the landowner's bank but could have altered flood flows and increased risk on the opposite bank.

The landowner was issued a remediation notice and eventually lowered the bund by 600mm, reducing the flood risks.

After enforcement (Image: Natural Resources Wales)

In Ruthin, NRW addressed the dredging of the River Alyn at Plas Yn Rhal, which occurred at a time when in-river works were not allowed.

The activity risked harmful geomorphological effects and increased flood risk in the area.

Remediation steps included the return of dredged sediment and the introduction of fencing and soft revetments to stabilise the banks.

At Bridge House in Wrexham, unpermitted gabion installations meant to halt riverbank erosion on Halghton Mill Brook actually increased erosion and flood risks.

In Prestatyn, a landowner installed twin culverts on the Nant Hall Drain without the required permissions.

The landowner was issued with pollution prevention advice and a warning letter, and the crossing was eventually removed.

They were also advised to apply for a flood risk activity permit to install a new access crossing over the river.

These four cases are part of 90 ongoing enforcement actions, with the number continuing to rise.

Keith Ivens, NRW operations manager, flood and water management, said: "Effective flood risk management is crucial for reducing flood risk for our communities and the environment.

"The activity undertaken by the landowners in these cases was completed without the necessary flood risk activity permits.

"The range of enforcement actions used demonstrates our commitment to ensuring compliance with flood risk regulations and safeguarding our natural resources.

"By addressing unpermitted flood risk activities, we can help reduce future flood risk and enhance the region’s ability to adapt and mitigate against future climate impacts.

"This is vital for ensuring the long-term health of our waterways and the security of our flood defences."