A solution: Assessing drainage potential

摘要

As part of the government's pledge to tackle flooding in the UK, in April this year it introduced a policy (part of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010) that requires all new developments and redevelopments in England and Wales to have drainage plans for surface water run-off. The new mandatory consideration of Sustainable Drainage schemes (SuDs) is part of a commitment from the government to make better use of the planning system to secure sustainable drainage systems. The primary purpose of SuDs is to mimic the natural 'greenfield' drainage of a site prior to development. This is achieved by capturing rainfall and allowing as much as possible to soak into the ground close to where it fell, through infiltration systems, or slowing down its entry into the watercourse through retention systems. Any pollutants such as metals or hydrocarbons from roads or car parks are reduced, and the water entering the local watercourse is subsequently cleaner.