Flood defences tested by Environment Agency and Army

Flood defences were tested today at Nesscliffe training ground, by the Environment Agency and soldiers.

Staff from the Environment Agency and soldiers from the 1^st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment took part in a flooding exercise today at Nesscliffe training ground near Shrewsbury.

The training exercise that took place was based on a significant event, where an electricity substation was at serious risk of flooding quickly. Around 150M of a 1.25M high temporary flood barrier was set up around the substation, where over 80 soldiers practised sandbagging and setting up high volume water pumps.

Although the Environment Agency is the lead response for flood events, they may request assistance from the Ministry of Defence under certain circumstances, as was done in the North of England over the New Year period.

The training event is an opportunity for both the Environment Agency and the military to gain experience working together in a major flood scenario, in preparation for the possibility of serious flooding in the future.

Richard Stockdale, Environment Agency Area Manager for Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Gloucestershire said: “This was a great way for all those involved to gain practical experience using essential flood risk management equipment in a safe environment. Practical exercising before flooding means we are prepared and ready to act when a flood actually happens.”

Lieutenant Colonel Graham Shannon, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment said: “We have relished the opportunity to work in support of the Environment Agency, to test our procedures and understanding those of another government department. We are ready to work alongside the Environment Agency should flooding happen in the future.

“We take our role in civil resilience very seriously and experience has shown that we can work in support of the Environment Agency easily and utilise our manpower to exploit their expertise.”

The 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment has recently assumed the role of UK Standby Battalion, meaning that they could be called on during a large flood event to help reduce the impacts of flooding to communities that are most at risk.

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