Flood Consequences Assessment (FCA) to support planning in Wales

Technical Advice Note (TAN) 15 is a guidance document issued by the Welsh government that provides advice on the management of flood risk in Wales. The document outlines policies and guidance for local authorities and other stakeholders involved in flood risk management.

TAN 15 recommends a holistic approach to flood risk management, which includes both prevention and mitigation measures. This involves a combination of measures, such as land use planning, flood warning systems, floodplain management, and infrastructure improvements.

One of the key elements of TAN 15 is the requirement for flood risk assessments (FRAs) to be carried out for all development proposals in areas at risk of flooding. The FRA should identify the likelihood and consequences of flooding, and propose measures to reduce flood risk and manage the potential consequences.

TAN 15 also places a strong emphasis on the importance of community engagement and participation in flood risk management. This includes engaging with local communities to raise awareness of flood risk, involve them in decision-making processes, and support community-led initiatives for flood prevention and response.

FCA typically involves evaluating the impact of floods on various aspects of life, such as human health and safety, property damage, infrastructure damage, environmental damage, and economic losses. Some of the key considerations in flood consequences assessment in Wales include:

1. Mapping flood-prone areas: It is important to identify areas that are at risk of flooding, which can be achieved by mapping flood-prone areas using geographic information systems (GIS) and other mapping techniques.
2. Analyzing flood history: An analysis of past floods can help predict the likelihood of future floods, estimate the extent of damage that could occur, and identify areas that may be most vulnerable to flooding.
3. Evaluating human impact: Assessing the potential impact of floods on human health and safety is crucial. This includes identifying vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities, and developing emergency plans to ensure their safety.
4. Estimating property damage: Flood consequences assessment should also consider the potential damage to buildings, homes, and other infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and utilities. This can help inform decisions about flood prevention measures and emergency response planning.
5. Assessing environmental impact: Flooding can have a significant impact on the environment, including damage to natural habitats, contamination of water sources, and erosion of riverbanks. Evaluating these impacts can help inform decisions about flood management and mitigation.
6. Evaluating economic losses: Flooding can have a significant impact on local economies, including damage to businesses, loss of crops, and disruption to transportation and tourism. Assessing these economic impacts can help inform decisions about flood prevention and management.

Overall, flood consequences assessment in Wales requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves collaboration between government agencies, researchers, and stakeholders to develop effective flood management strategies that protect human health and safety, property, infrastructure, and the environment.