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Independent Reservoir Review Report
16 March 2020
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses the independent review report on the Toddbrook Reservoir incident, which led to the evacuation of residents in Whaley Bridge due to potential dam failure.
Action Requested
The government has accepted all 22 recommendations made by Professor Balmforth and will undertake a second stage review to assess reservoir safety legislation. Defra and the Environment Agency are contacting large raised reservoir undertakers with similar design concerns for urgent inspections, and will consult on requiring emergency contingency plans for all large raised reservoirs.
Key Facts
- The Toddbrook Reservoir incident occurred in July/August 2019.
- Over 1500 people were evacuated from Whaley Bridge due to potential dam failure.
- Professor David Balmforth led the independent review with support from Dr Peter Mason and Dr Paul Tedd.
- The report identifies inadequate design and intermittent maintenance as factors in the spillway's partial collapse.
- There are 22 recommendations, including improved guidance for inspections and enhanced enforcement of statutory maintenance requirements.
- Defra has commissioned a research study on Small Raised Reservoirs completed in 2017.
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