In response to comments by Plaid Cymru Cllr Elwyn Vaughan, a spokesperson for the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme said that it does not plan to put other areas at increased flood risk.
Earlier in April, The Environment Agency announced it was considering a range of natural flood defense interventions for the Severn in a bid to reduce the impact of flooding down-river and that residents in Shropshire and Powys will have a chance to view the proposals as part of a consultation.
That led Cllr Vaughan to raise concerns around the initiative, taking issue with a suggestion that man-made dams be used to retain water higher up the Severn’s catchment areas.
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He said: “Building new damns and drowning Welsh valleys yet again is not on and is not acceptable and has to be clearly understood from the beginning.”
Regarding his comments, a Severn Valley Water Management Scheme spokesperson said: “In response to comments from Councilor Vaughan, the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme does not plan to put other areas at increased flood risk, rather it is seeking to deliver benefits for the whole Upper Severn catchment – both in Wales and England.
“At this stage, no decisions have been made and we are at the beginning of a complex process.
“In the process of developing the strategy over the next two years we are considering interventions that will positively contribute to addressing the climate crisis and halting biodiversity decline, while also providing significant flood risk benefits.
“We will investigate interventions including natural flood risk management measures that slow the flow of water in the catchment, such as tree planting or the creation of leaky dams; alternative farming and land management practices as well as engineered solutions such as the construction of flood storage areas and embankments.
“We are looking forward to developing and testing options in collaboration with partners and communities, starting with the current consultation. “We want to hear from all areas of the Severn Valley community so to have your say, visit our website and submit your response by 21 May.”
