The recently published Bridging Island Plan highlights the increased chance of flooding as global warming threatens to increase freak weather events and raise sea levels. 

In response, government planners now expect a flood risk assessment carried out as part of the planning process undertaken by home builders and developers. This will determine whether any new construction faces a low, medium or high risk of flooding – either in the present or future – and what steps could be taken to minimise the possible impact if there proves to be a threat.   

Responding to the new government policy requirements and the need to support clients, local engineering company T&G has moved to ensure the necessary skills and experience are available through partnership with a UK-based company possessing extensive water management expertise and proven sustainability credentials. 

EPG has focused on flood risk assessment and sustainable water management since founding over 20 years ago. Its recent acquisition by the global design, engineering and management consultancy STRI Group has increased the company’s breadth and depth of services. 

For T&G, such a pedigree means that EPG represent ideal partners in this fast-developing area. 

‘We’ve had a good working relationship with EPG for over a decade,’ comments T&G director Marcus Taylor, ‘with the company contributing specialist water management services during that time.
‘The new government policy increases the need for such services, so a more structured partnership makes sense. The arrangement also allows T&G clients to receive cost-effective solutions tailored to suit local conditions while ensuring delivery of wider Island sustainability policies. With the threat of flooding potentially increasing in some areas of the Island in coming years, both parties are looking forward to working together leading the local response.’

Alongside flood risk assessments, T&G and EPG are also developing a range of environmentally focused flood mitigation and minimisation solutions.

‘The UK has a head start in this,’ adds EPG director Phil Williams, ‘with sustainable water management policies in place for new developments for several years. Bringing our experience in this field to complement T&G’s local industry and market knowledge will lay the foundations for a strong partnership into the future.’

The benefits of such sustainable thinking are widespread and substantial.

About Environmental Protection Group (EPG)

EPG, established in 1998, is a leading independent geo-environmental engineering design consultancy delivering cost-effective, sustainable designs; focused in the areas of contaminated land remediation and gas protection, sustainable water management, flood risk assessment and structural waterproofing. EPG is part of STRI Group, a global design, engineering and management consultancy with expertise in sports and urban markets.

About the Bridging Island Plan

The Bridging Island Plan 2022-2025 is a Government of Jersey document approved in March 2022 following an extensive review of the Island Plan launched by the Minister for the Environment in 2019. Alongside extensive analysis and commentary, it contains policies to guide development in the Island, and proposals for further work, including broader initiatives to be addressed as priorities to inform the next Island Plan.