The Act – Section by Section Part 3 – Flood Risk Assessment, Maps and Plans Section 9 – SEPA to prepare flood risk assessments
32.This section requires SEPA to prepare a flood risk assessment for each flood risk management district identified under section 8. It implements Article 4 of the Directive. The deadline for preparation of these flood risk assessments is 22nd December 2011, which is the deadline set by the Directive.
33.A flood risk assessment is to be based on available and readily derivable information (subsection (3)). Information on the maps that must be produced to accompany this work is set out in subsection (4)(a).
34.Subsection (4)(b) requires each flood risk assessment to include a description of any past floods that had a significant adverse impact where similar future floods are still probable and would have a significant adverse impact. The description must also include information on the extent and conveyance route of flood waters.
35.Subsection (4)(c) requires each flood risk assessment to include a description of past floods which would have significant adverse consequences if similar floods were to occur now. The past floods mentioned under this paragraph may not have had significant adverse impacts or there may be no information available about their impacts. This allows consideration to be given to things like changes in land use, for example, a flood in the past may have had little impact if the area affected was undeveloped; however, if that area is now developed, it may be that a similar flood event could have adverse consequences.
36.Each flood risk assessment also must include an assessment of the potential adverse consequences of future floods. Subsection (4)(d) contains a list of issues which should be taken into account when carrying out this assessment. This is based on the list in Article 4(2)(d) of the Directive and also includes reference to natural features and characteristics of any river basin or coastal area.
37.Subsection (5) allows SEPA to include other information in a flood risk assessment where it considers appropriate.