Safety |
Reservoir safety review continues
The government in England has welcomed the findings of the second part of an independent report into reservoir safety
PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE approach for reservoir inspections, ensure reservoir owners are more proactive in ensuring safety, and giving the Environment Agency more regulatory powers have been welcomed by the government in England. The second part of an independent review of
Above: Aerial view after the emergency at Toddbrook Reservoir shows the damaged spillway section and the high- capacity pumps installed to empty the reservoir
reservoir safety, which was released by Professor David Balmforth in May 2021, acknowledges that England already has some of the toughest reservoir regulations in the world and a ‘well-established’ regime to manage their safety. Floods Minister Rebecca Pow added that the legislation that supports the safety regime “is well understood by all those involved, with high levels of compliance”. However, the report recognises that although many reservoirs have appropriate surveillance, operation and maintenance it raises concerns that “this is not applied consistently across the industry as a whole”. “The report found that both the legislation and industry practice has not always kept pace with the risk-based approach adopted for health and safety in other industries, resulting in a potentially disproportionate approach for measuring risk.
24 | August 2021 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
Professor Balmforth also found that not all reports received from engineers were clear or well understood by owners and operators, which may be leading to delays in repairs, and/or ongoing regular maintenance at some sites,” Pow said, adding that the Environment Agency has limited opportunity to quality assure the overall processes and procedures, which is a key role of other regulators. “The role of Panel Engineers is central to ensuring
all our reservoirs are managed and maintained to minimise risk to public safety. This report finds that whilst the appointment process ensures competent and capable individuals are in these roles, improvements could be made in respect of the current fragmented approach and leadership for ongoing development and knowledge sharing. There is concern,” Pow continued, “that the supply of appropriately qualified and experienced engineers for the future may not keep pace with need.” The review recommends:
● Additional duties and powers for the Environment Agency, as the regulator of reservoirs, to ensure public safety is delivered by owners and operators.
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