Failed defences fell short of what was required

02 July 2007
 
A new £500,000 flood defence scheme for a Perthshire village failed to protect properties because a section was built 33cm below the intended design level.
Arup Scotland, Perth & Kinross’s consultant, concluded that flooding affecting dozens of residents and businesses in Milnathort, last December, would have been ‘considerably less severe’ if an earth bund at one section had been constructed to its intended level. Arup’s investigation into the scheme it designed, independently validated by consultant Atkins, was unable to determine the reason why the earth bund was built 325mm lower than intended.
The probe also concluded that it was ‘a matter of continuing concern’ that the scheme as designed and as approved by Scottish ministers did not have any flood defence included for that part of the village. It was only once the contract was let that the earth bund was added to ensure the integrity of the scheme.
The investigation stressed, however, that the flood of 13 December, in which the earth bund was overtopped, scoured away and failed, was the largest in the area since 1993, and ‘in excess of a 100-year return period’. The report recommended ‘a more robust structure’ to replace the washed-away earth bund, either a wall or flood gate whose closure during times of high rainfall could be guaranteed. Until it was replaced, the flood-prevention scheme ‘remains compromised’.

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