Our Ref: Thames/Viano/GC

Date: 01 February 2010

Dear Ms Viano

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST

Thank you for your email of the 4 January 2010 regarding the proposed flood alleviation scheme in Marlow

The flood defences will be constructed by the Environment Agency and on completion will become EA assets and we will be responsible for their maintenance.

We are currently discussing with the Local Authorities the possibility of them undertaking some of the routine maintenance activities such as grass cutting on the flood embankments. For this it is proposed that a one off commuted sum payment from the EA would be made. The Local Authorities are also likely to have an operational involvement in the ground water pumping scheme that is to be implemented as a part of the flood alleviation works.

The maintenance and operation costs for the scheme have been estimated to be £5,300 per year.

I fully understand your concerns regarding the effect of the Marlow Flood Alleviation scheme on adjacent communities and I addressed this in my response, dated 11 November 2009, to your previous request. This included copying the Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) to you that addresses this topic.

The Scheme has been prepared to comply with the current Planning Policy (PPS25) this requires the flooding impact on others to be fully assessed. The FRA demonstrates there is no detrimental flooding impact on other communities without the flood compensation measures that are to be provided. Notwithstanding that we are spending £1.5m providing 100% compensatory storage.

I trust this response addresses the questions you raised.

Yours sincerely,

Doug Hill

Team Leader - Asset System Management

Thames Region - South East Area

01276 454513

[email address]