Pumps plan to relieve flooding
MORE emergency work is to be carried out to try to prevent another flooding disaster in Catcliffe.
Experts have come up with plans to use a series of pumps to help reduce floodwater levels in two tributaries which flow into the River Rother.
This has been identified as one of the causes of two devastating floods in 2000, and again last year when scores of homes were left under several feet of water.
The scheme, which will cost more than 200,000, will enable the six portable pumps to be deployed to Catcliffe as quickly as possible as soon as there are warnings of possible flooding.
The pumps will be powered by a generator and will reduce the water level in two culverts which flow under Sheffield Lane and Poplar Way by pumping it directly over flood defences into the nearby river.
The cost of the scheme will be split equally between the Environment Agency and Rotherham Council, and should be ready to spring into action later this year.
Environment Agency area flood risk manager Peter Holmes said: "Once the scheme has been completed the pumps can be quickly deployed by Rotherham Council following a warning from the Environment Agency."
In June last year the River Rother was so inundated with water that the culvert in Poplar Way was unable to discharge into the main river. The culvert was backed up with water, which flowed out of manholes along Poplar Way and flooded the surrounding area.
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The manhole covers along a private surface water sewer in Poplar Way have now been sealed by Sheffield Council.
Graham Kaye, Section Engineer for Rotherham Council, said: "The council and its partners, along with Catcliffe Parish Council and the Flood Action Group, are working towards reducing the risk of flooding in the Catcliffe area.
"It is now proposed that an action plan will be agreed with all relevant partners to provide advance flood warning messages and enable us to provide and operate pumps and generators on site, which will reduce the risk of flooding in these vulnerable areas."
The Catcliffe flood improvement scheme also involves Yorkshire Water providing backup generators for its pumping station at Main Street, opposite The Plough Hotel, and at California Drive, both affected by power cuts last June during the floods.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
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