WITHAM FOURTH DISTRICT INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD
MINUTES

of the proceedings of the Board at a Meeting held at the Board's Offices, 47 Norfolk Street, Boston on
Wednesday 13 February 2013.
-------
Present:J.E. Grant Esq. (Chairman)
Messrs:
J. A. Allen
P. Bedford
C. Crunkhorn
H. C. Drake
R. Hall-Jones
C. Hardy
A. Harrison
R. Harvey
R. F. Leggott
F. Pickett
P. Richardson
D. Richmond
T. W. Roberts
A. Saul
Mrs M. Dennis

Apologies for non-attendance were received from:
Messrs:
B. Bowles
K. Smith
Mrs J. Ashton
Mrs J Harrison
Mrs M. Wright
1.
1.1
CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
East Lindsey District Council Membership
Following Stephen Doughty’s resignation as a Board Member, the Chairman was delighted to
announce that Janet Harrison has been appointed to represent East Lindsey District Council but
she had given her apologies for the meeting.
1.2
Heavy Rainfall event – December 2012
The Chairman said he was pleased to see IDBs mentioned in the local press and would like to
thank Peter Bedford for the appreciation he recorded in the paper on 23 January 2013. These
together with the thanks expressed by the Board in December 2012, were passed onto operatives
at the works meeting on 25 January 2013 and the Chairman paid particular thanks to those
operatives who had worked over Christmas and New Year.
1.3
Bryan Bowles
The Chairman reported that Bryan had undergone surgery and that he would pass on the Board’s
good wishes to him for a speedy recovery.
1.4
Eric Pickles
The Chairman referred to an article on 31 January 2013 where IDBs were unfairly criticised for
being secretive and pushing up Council Tax. He had drafted a strong response to Eric Pickles,
Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, as had ADA and would share any
response with the Board.
J Allen asked if a copy of the letter had been sent to Mark Simmonds MP and the Chairman
confirmed that this would be done.
1.5
Triennial Review of the EA
A response by ADA has been circulated by email to members which promoted the split of the
Environment Agency between its environmental and maintenance functions.
2.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST ON ANY GENERAL ITEM
H Drake declared an interest in any discussion on bridges that might arise.
118
3.
3.1
3.1.1
MINUTES
Board Meeting – 12 December 2012
The Minutes of the Meeting of the Board held on 12 December 2012 were submitted and signed
by the Chairman.
Matters Arising:Reglone – Page 84
The Chairman reported that the Chemical Regulations Directorate (CRD) has acknowledged
receipt of the application for 2013 and 2014 and they were aware of the critical timing of the
application. Dr J Newman had spoken to the Chief Executive and confirmed that new herbicide
trials were planned for 2013 and 2014 using the funds raised by Lincolnshire IDBs and others.
3.1.2
Rate Arrears – Use of Commercial Debts Act – Page 94
The Chief Executive confirmed that this legislation did not apply to the Board as it was not
deemed to be a commercial organisation.
3.1.3
Bridge Repair at Barlode Bridge Cottage
The Chief Executive confirmed that the occupiers of Barlode Bridge Cottage were obtaining
quotes for the bridge repair in order that the bridge could be transferred to the owners for a
commuted sum. Once these quotes were confirmed, the Works Committee would convene to
discuss this bridge and other bridges. He confirmed that there was FDCiA indicative funding for
one bridge in 2013/14 which would also need to be discussed.
3.1.4
Parking Spaces – Update – Page 103
The Board were currently allowing two charity workers to use the Board’s car park on a trial
basis, which the charity would be able to declare as a contribution in kind.
3.1.5
Toynton Works
R Leggott reported back from the Lincolnshire Flood Risk Management Scrutiny Committee that
the list of actual 2012 flooded properties in Lincolnshire was a concern and needed to be sorted
out as soon as possible.
He said the Committee was in favour of improving standards of protection across Lincolnshire
and that there was, perhaps, a case for a national revision of ‘standards’.
The Engineering Manager stated that he had requested that the LCC consider including Toynton
St Peter in the next round of grant applications.
3.1.6
New Representative on the LGPS for Lincolnshire
The Chairman highlighted the fact that ADA would shortly need a new representative on the
LGPS for Lincolnshire. Interested Members were encouraged to speak to the Chief Executive.
3.1.7
Defra Study into IDB Indicators
The Defra study into IDB indicators needed to prioritise the headings. The Chairman suggested
putting flood protection and management ahead on environmental indicators.
3.2
Minutes of Finance & General Purposes Committee – 23 January 2013
Minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on 23 January 2013 were
submitted and signed by the Chairman.
3.2.1
Matters Arising:Adoption of Officer’s Estimates – Page 106
The Chief Executive went through the estimates shown in the Agenda pack, but also circulated a
revised schedule showing some amendments.
Further to the Finance Meeting, discussions with Lincolnshire County Council over the cause of
the many slips incurred over the last two months led to concern that 100% of the slip repairs may
not be met by LCC, where the slips were caused by highways run-off. The Engineering Manager
circulated a schedule of slips showing the LCC repair cost to be £80,000 and it was felt prudent to
provide £40,000 in the estimates being 50% of this figure.
The Chief Executive had also increased the amount to be put into the pumping station renewals
fund by £25,000 to £50,000, in common with previous years.
This additional £65,000 of cost had been mitigated by a £57,000 increase in Agricultural Drainage
Rates as a result of significant revaluations in 2012. Although the amount raised through Special
Levies had not changed as a result of the above, an additional £8,000 (net) would need to come
from reserves.
119
3.
3.2
3.2.1
MINUTES - Continued
Minutes of Finance & General Purposes Committee – 23 January 2013 - Continued
Adoption of Officer’s Estimates – Page 106 - Continued
The Chairman then asked members for comments:

H Drake said he felt uneasy setting a budget with a negative outcome. The Chairman
responded that the Board did have other reserves which meant that the overall level of
resources was not of concern.
R Leggott was concerned that the Board may be reducing the level of maintenance activity in
order to balance the books.
The Chief Executive assured members that this was not the case and the Engineering Manager
confirmed that the Board were in a better position than before with better plant and were more
efficient at the delivery of maintenance. However, the Board still has to be reactive to issues
rather than proactive, owing to the loss of effective herbicides. Therefore grass has to grow and
look untidy before we are able to go in and cut it.
Members then discussed the issue of slips and the financial implications for 2013/14:
D Richmond asked if the Board were able to plan ahead to avoid more slips happening but
the Engineering Manager explained that this would be cost prohibitive.
Members expressed concern about the steepness of some of the banks and related issues:

A Saul asked if the low water levels had contributed to the slips. The Chairman confirmed
this but stated that levels did not go down to the lowest winter level over Christmas owing to
the continued rainfall.
C Crunkhorn asked who would make the decision regarding slip repair payment by LCC.
The Chairman said that the risk to road users was all LCC Highways risk, the Board only
needed to ensure the drain was clear.
P Bedford then proposed that the revised estimate be adopted and that the Drainage Rates and
Special Levies be set as shown in the revised estimate, this was seconded by D Richmond and
unanimously
i) the Chief Executive’s Estimates be adopted.
RESOLVED
3.2.2
Drainage Rate & Special Levies 2013/14 – Page 106
Following the above discussions it was:-
RESOLVED
i)
that the rate be levied in the Sub District 1 (the former
Borough Area of Boston) to be one half of the full rate:
7.34p
ii)
that the rate be levied in Sub District 2 (the remainder of
the Internal District) be the full rate:
14.68p
iii)
that the Special Levies on Local Charging Authorities be
set as follows:
iv)
Boston Borough Council
East Lindsey District Council
120
£967,326.93
£336,679.63
4.
CONSULTATION ON A PROPOSAL TO USE A LEGISLATIVE REFORM ORDER TO
SIMPLIFY PROCEDURES IN THE LAND DRAINAGE ACT 1991
The following letter from Defra was circulated together with the Agenda for this meeting:
T: 020 7238 6332
helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
www.defra.gov.uk
Date: 21 January 2012
Consultation on a proposal to use a Legislative Reform Order to simplify procedures in the
Land Drainage Act 1991
Dear Consultee ,
I am writing to invite your views on a proposal to make a Legislative Reform Order to simplify a
number of procedures in the Land Drainage Act 1991.
Some Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) may wish to make structural changes to improve their
operational effectiveness and benefit from efficiencies of scale. However, the process contained in the
Land Drainage Act 1991 is lengthy and bureaucratic. Defra is keen to remove any unnecessary
regulatory burdens which make it harder for IDBs to operate or adapt to changing circumstances.
We are consulting on proposals to streamline the Order making process for IDB structural reforms
under section 3 and Schedule 3 of the 1991 Act. The changes would remove unnecessary delays and
reduce burdens for IDBs.
The consultation also sets out proposals to amend specific sections of the 1991 Act relating to
advertisement of notices in newspapers by IDBs and the Environment Agency. The changes would
allow more flexibility in the way notices are advertised so IDBs and the EA can choose appropriate
cost effective mechanisms to reach their target audience.
The following documents are available to view at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/open .
Consultation letter
Consultation document
Separate copy of the response form
Impact Assessment
List of Consultees
We would welcome your views and comments on the proposals contained in the consultation
document. Please see the questions in the response form in Annex B which is also attached
separately to the consultation document.
Responses
Responses should be received by 18 March 2013. These should be sent by email to
floodreports@defra.gsi.gov.uk, or by post to: Kilie Mpopo, Flood Management Team, Defra, 2D Ergon
House, Horseferry Road , London SW1P 2AL. In your response, please provide your full name and
appropriate contact details, including whether your response is on behalf of an organisation. All
responses will be given due consideration.
If you would like a hard copy of the consultation document, please contact Kilie Mpopo by email at
kilie.mpopo@defra.gsi.gov.uk
This consultation is in line with the Government’s Consultation Principles. These can be found at
www.bis.gov.uk/policies/bre/consultation-guidance.
When this consultation ends, we intend to put a copy of the responses in the Defra library at Ergon
House, London. This is in order that the public can see them. Also, members of the public may ask for
a copy of responses under freedom of information legislation.
If you do not want your response - including your name, contact details and any other personal
information – to be publicly available, please say so clearly in writing when you send your response to
the consultation. Please note, if your computer automatically includes a confidentiality disclaimer, that
won’t count as a confidentiality request.
Please explain why you need to keep details confidential. We will take your reasons into account if
someone asks for this information under freedom of information legislation. But, because of the law,
we cannot promise that we will always be able to keep those details confidential.
We will summarise all responses and place this summary on our website at
www.defra.gov.uk/consult/. This summary will include a list of names of organisations that responded
but not people’s personal names, addresses or other contact details.
121
4.
CONSULTATION ON A PROPOSAL TO USE A LEGISLATIVE REFORM ORDER TO
SIMPLIFY PROCEDURES IN THE LAND DRAINAGE ACT 1991 - Continued
To see consultation responses and summaries, please contact the library at:
Defra
Information Resource Centre
Lower Ground Floor
Ergon House
17 Smith Square
London SW1P 3JR
Telephone: 020-7238-6575
Email: defra.library@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Please give the library 24 hours’ notice. There is a charge for photocopying and postage.
If you have any comments or complaints about the consultation process, please address them to
Defra Consultation Co-ordinator, Area 2D Ergon House, Horseferry Road, 17 Smith Square, London
SW1P 3JR, or email consultation.coordinator@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Thank you for your help in this matter. If you have any queries, please contact us as above.
Yours faithfully,
Carol Tidmarsh
Flood Risk Management Team
Department for Enviroment, Food and Rural Affairs
Email: carol.tidmarsh@defra.gsi.gov.uk
The Chief Executive said he would circulate the consultation findings when they were available.
5.
WITHAM FOURTH DISTRICT IDB DIFFERENTIAL RATING HISTORY
At the Finance and General Purposes Committee on 23 January 2013, some members asked for
an explanation as to why the rateable property in District 1 (Boston Town) had a rate 50% of that
in the remainder of the district. A History of the Board’s Differential Rating is shown below:
Date
20 Jul 1935
Meeting
Finance & GP
Recommendation/Resolution
Districts 1 to 4 at full rate, District 5 (Boston Town) at 3/4 rate
but no reason given as to why. A prior proposal for this to be
2/3 was rejected
1 Aug 1935
Board
Above confirmed
26 Sep 1935
Board
Differential Rating Order had been submitted and confirmed
by MAF Order dated 14 September 1935
24 Sep 1936
Board
Rate set at the same level with rates for districts 1-4 due by
16 October and for District 5, 11 December (!)
2 Feb 1938
Finance & GP
Districts 1 to 4 at full rate, District 5 (Boston Town) to change
to 2/3 rate but no reason given as to why. An application was
made to MAFF for this change
23 Feb 1938
Board
Above amendment confirmed
15 Jun 1938
Finance & GP
Differential Rating Order had been submitted and confirmed
by MAFF Order
20 Mar 1940
Finance & GP
Districts 1 to 4 at full rate, District 5 (Boston Town) to change
to 3/5 rate but no reason given as to why. An application was
made to MAFF for this change
27 Mar 1940
Board
Above amendment confirmed
122
5.
WITHAM FOURTH DISTRICT IDB DIFFERENTIAL RATING HISTORY – Continued
23 Apr 1941
Finance & GP
The District had been amended to have sub-district 1 (Boston
Town) and sub-district 2 the remainder of the district. Subdistrict 1 (old District 5) to change to 1/2 rate but no reason
given as to why. An application was made to MAFF for this
change
14 May 1941
Board
Above amendment confirmed
17 Sep 1941
Board
Differential Rating Order had been submitted and confirmed
by MAFF Order on 27August 1941
There have been no changes made to this last order over the last 71 years
A map showing the extent of the district was displayed in the Boardroom. The Chief Executive
explained that the original Differential Rating Order reflected the fact that Boston Town was not a
pumped catchment, as was the remainder of the District.
6.
6.1
6.1.1
MEETINGS WITH OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS - December 2012 – January 2013 (Part)
Reports
Lincolnshire County Council Flood and Drainage Liaison Meetings - ELDC area,
- 11th December 2012.
Attended by the Engineering Manager
In addition to discussing flood and drainage issues these meetings have been expanded to
include pre-application discussions with developers to ensure that flood and drainage matters
have been satisfactorily addressed. Discussion also took place in respect to IDB works adjacent
to footpaths. This provided an opportunity to highlight Highways activities that impact on IDBs.
6.1.2
Environment Agency & IDB FDGiA Workshop - 17 December 2012 - ELDC Offices, Manby
Attended by the Chief Executive
Designed to provide IDBs with practical assistance with the issues that grant claims generate.
The main unresolved issue was “Double Counting”, where separate Risk Management Authorities
(RMAs) claim the same properties or other assets when demonstrating the area of benefit
protected by new schemes. This is a current issue with Hobhole refurbishment as the Boston
Barrier is claiming all of the properties in Boston Town, when some of these are actually protected
by our Board. The EA have failed to provide any practical guidance on this issue. The Chief
Executive attended a subsequent meeting with the EA to iron out this point on 7 January 2013
and the Project Appraisal Report for Hobhole is being amended in light of these discussions.
6.1.3
Lincolnshire FRM Partnership Management Group Meeting-18 December 2012
- Anglian Water Offices , Lincoln
Attended by the Chief Executive
The main topics covered were:
 The LLFA have nearly completed their review of Sect.19 flooding instances from summer
2012. Witham Fourth only have one incidence which has been discussed by the Board at
Toynton.
 Community Reliance Funding is being offered by DEFRA for any schemes or initiatives that do
not include actual flood defences. It was suggested that ‘Community Flood Stores’ be put
forward whereby up-to 50 Lincolnshire communities would be provided with a flood store
container, managed by the Parish Council, that would contain wheelbarrows, shovels and
sand bags to ensure fast & local resilience to flood risk. (This was submitted on 15 Jan).
 Anglian Water’s engagement and attendance at Partnership meetings had been poor in the 2
years since it was formed. This was however, improving with the appointment of Jonathan
Cummins who was keen to increase engagement with partners at all levels.
123
6.
6.1
6.1.4
MEETINGS WITH OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS - December 2012 – January 2013 (Part)-Cont:
Reports - Continued
Anglian Water, Covenham to Boston Water Main, 18th December 2012
Attended by the Engineering Manager
This project has been delayed by wet weather but work has now commenced on Phase 2 from
Miningsby to Boston. The meeting enables IDBs and the EA to discuss consenting issues with the
consultants and contractors working on behalf of Anglian Water.
The Engineering Manager said that the project had run into operational difficulties as there were
different versions of GIS Mapping being used by contractors for Anglian Water and the project
had stalled for a moment.
6.1.5
ADA Policy & Finance Meeting - 16 January 2013 - Farmers’ Club, London
Attended by the Chief Executive
The main outcomes were:




6.1.6
DEFRA have commissioned two studies looking at a) IDB Beneficiaries and b) Performance
indicators. IDBs have had direct input into the studies and ADA is assisting with the analysis.
A Report is due out by the end of January 2013 which will be circulated to Boards. ADA
have prepared a very useful chart (seen on the front of the last ADA Gazette) which shows
partners the many beneficiaries of IDB work. This will be sent to Boards to send out with
Annual Rate Demands/Special Levy notices.
Governance and Accountability – The Audit Commission have drafted a replacement to the
Practitioners Guide for IDBs which the Chief Executive is developing on behalf of ADA. The
new Guide will be a one-stop-shop for all sizes of IDB informing them of their governance
responsibilities and the form that their financial information should take. It will also provide a
new suite of ADA approved policies e.g. Members’ Code of Conduct that all Boards should
be following. This is being welcomed by DEFRA in light of the recent damning Caldicott &
Wentlooge IDB Report.
In Wales, The Forestry Commission, EA and Natural England will shortly amalgamate into
one Environmental body from 1 April 2013.
The Triennial Review of the EA and Natural England in England is currently out for
consultation and ADA are suggesting an alternative to the status quo or a similar
amalgamation. They suggest that the Environmental functions of the EA be amalgamated
with Natural England to set policy and police environmental matters, but that the FCERM
functions of the EA be reorganised on a catchment basis, similar to the old River Authorities.
This alternative was supported by committee members.
ADA Environment and Technical Committee - 16th January 2013 - London
Attended by the Engineering Manager
Matters covered included:






6.2
6.2.1
Discussion with a representative of Defra in respect to updating the IDB model byelaws, in
particular in relation to works underneath a watercourse
Increasing Section 23 consent charges
ADA Demonstration 2013
Chemical control of aquatic vegetation
Climate Change Act 2008 – ADA are to report on behalf of IDBs in respect to climate change
adaptation
Health and Safety – of particular note, given the weather, was the findings of the case
involving the death of an EA contractor. His machine overturned into a watercourse in icy
conditions.
Appointment of Delegates – Future ADA Meetings
Lincs ADA Branch Meeting – 21 February 2013
Any Members wishing to attend were asked to inform the Chief Executive.
124
6.
6.1
6.2.2
MEETINGS WITH OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS - December 2012 – January 2013 (Part)-Cont:
Reports - Continued
Lincs ADA Annual General Meeting – 17 April 2013
The Chief Executive explained that the AGM would be held at The Bentley Hotel in Lincoln and
would include a tour of the new Seimens site and Whisby Nature Reserve. Members wishing to
attend were asked to inform the Chief Executive.
7.
7.1
7.1
CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND FINANCE MANAGER’S REPORT
BOARD’S DEPOSITS
Bank Balances
26 January 2013
General Account
Special Interest Account
Money Market Deposits
£
£
£
7.2
Account Type
National Westminster
Lloyds TSB (Apr 2013)
Lloyds TSB (Aug 2013)
Instant Access
12 Month Bond
12 Month Bond
TOTAL
£
£
£
£
10,000
524,268
1,498,529
2,032,797
Cr
Cr
Cr
Cr
Investment
£
190,428
500,000
500,000
Interest Earnt
1.15%
3.15%
3.25%
1,190,428
Fixed Term Deposit – Reinvestment
The Board were requested to grant Delegated Powers to the Chairman and the Chief Executive
to re-invest the £500,000 Bond, due to mature in April 2013, at a suitable rate, and it was:RESOLVED
i)
ii)
7.2
Cr
Cr
Cr
Cr
Lloyds Bank Fixed Term Deposits
Bank
7.2.1
26 January 2012
902,074
1,190,428
2,092,502
that the £500,000 bond due to mature in April 2013 be reinvested for a
further 12 months at the best interest rate available at the time.
that the Chief Executive advise the Chairman of the details as soon as
they are available in accordance with the Board’s Investment Policy.
PAYMENTS MADE BY ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
2012 November (£32K Cowbridge Lock)
2012 December (£138K Atlas)
£
£
183,152
306,191
7.3
CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION
None.
7.4
7.4.1
EXPENDITURE TO 31 DECEMBER 2012
Statement of Expenditure
A statement of expenditure from 1 April 2012 to the 31 December 2012 is shown below for
Members information.
Expenditure Summary
EXPENDITURE
Annual Estimate
2012/2013
1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013
£
Administration
Employees
Establishment Charges
Computer Development
Revaluation of Agricultural Land & Buildings
Elections
£
Actual 9m Expenditure
2012/2013
Target
75%
1 April 2012 to 31 December 2012
£
£
%
271,500
190,212
70%
65,500
9,500
1,000
2,000
54,423
0
0
816
83%
0%
0%
41%
125
7.
7.4
7.4.1
CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND FINANCE MANAGER’S REPORT - Continued
EXPENDITURE TO 31 DECEMBER 2012 - Continued
Statement of Expenditure - Continued
Annual Estimate
2012/2013
EXPENDITURE
Actual 9m Expenditure
2012/2013
1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013
£
85,000
50
Pensions (Employers Contributions)
Bank Charges
1 April 2012 to 31 December 2012
£
£
63,667
298
309,416
%
75%
596%
71%
1,348,933
1,102,068
97%
62%
180%
38%
68%
79%
82%
100,210
10,000
25,000
50,000
61,000
310,000
43,075
7,790
44,221
68,722
154,879
0%
113%
50%
2,339,693
1,730,171
74%
434,550
Maintenance
Weed Control
Cleansing
Asset Improvements - Urban Watercourses
Asset Improvements - Ordinary Watercourses
Pumping Stations
Depot
562,500
222,000
35,000
20,000
469,433
40,000
Environment & Conservation
Additional Plant
Bridge replacements
Cowbridge lock repairs
Pumping Station Replacement Fund
Loan Charges
Environment Agency Precept
Target
75%
£
544,466
137,385
62,848
7,675
318,111
31,583
43%
78%
0%
7.4.2
Observations of the Expenditure Account to Date
The observations for this period are as reported to the Finance and General Purposes Committee
on 23 January 2013
7.5
Revaluation of Assessments
The Board are requested to determine the following ‘in house’ new values in respect of
Agricultural Assessments
A/c
No
Assessment
No
Reason
Present
Value £
56
52010103
52010104
52010105
52010106
52012345
Appealed against
separate value for
Poultry Unit
7793
6082
18924
5980
43456
7943
6199
19288
1256
11242
482
53010498
53010499
1011.53
1454.02
1031.76
1483.10
614
51010156
Buildings on on
Filed No.2445
-Poor Condition
Erection of Cattle
Shed
450sq metres
(incl P.Unit)
Recommended
Value £
£16,980
17,307
126
Comments
Back dated to
1.4.12
Ratepayer/ agent
disputed poultry unit
being rated
separately
(23.693ac @£50
+6%)
0 to 2%
Increased from
4% to 6%
If built.
(Land prepared
Jan’13)
7.
7.5
CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND FINANCE MANAGER’S REPORT - Continued
Revaluation of Assessments - Continued
A/c
No
Assessment
No
1697
28011492
28011493
28011494
Ag Build on site
60’x65’
1101
29011112
Buildings on site
1174
08010193
08011038
08011039
180sq.m.
Extension to
existing building
NB Not
previously
charged for any
building
Erection of Agr.
Store shed
2139
20010754
78
52010152
52010154
52010156
52010157
53010073
Reason
Buildings on
TF4253-3467
Present
Value £
Recommended
Value £
71
23
106
2% added
72
23
108
181
185
1235
1499
662
1260
1529
675
351
358
94.54
187.82
78.83
354.47
892.66
94.39
191.58
80.41
361.56
910.51
Comments
0 to 2%
Increase from
0 to 2%
0 to 2%
Foundations in
Jan’13
0 to 2%
RESOLVED that the above recommended values be determined.
7.6
Rate Arrears Update
31.3.12
22.5.12
8.8.12
14.9.12
9.10.12
20.11.12
12.12.12
26.1.13
Debts from
31.3.2012 +
prior
£137,262
£109,090
£94,870
£94,147.90
£81,209.57
£81,045.01
£81,069.29
£70,645.87
Percentage
100%
79%
69%
68.59%
59.16%
59.04%
59.06%
51.47%
1.4.12
22.5.12
8.8.12
13.9.12
9.10.12
20.11.12
12.12.12
26.1.12
£1,090,878.33
£1,038,196.33
£420,427.14
£339,257.90
£282,954.43
£157,659.90
£111,524.38
£89,755.12
100%
95%
38.50%
31.10%
25.94%
14.45%
10.22%
8.23%
Debts for
2012/13
(Aug 2011 =
53%)
RESOLVED that the above Rate Arrears Update be noted.
7.7
Pay award for 2013/14
The Pay & Conditions Committee have not yet discussed this with the Union, but it is expected
that IDBs, as small public bodies, will comply with the Government’s 1% cap on public sector pay
for 2013/14 and 2014/15.
7.8
Night-working terms and Conditions
The intense working over the Christmas period threw up an anomaly whereby pump operatives
working at night (6pm – 6am) at weekends, receive the same rate of pay as those working during
the day (6am – 6pm). This needs to be rectified in accordance with the provisions in the white
book.
RESOLVED that the rate be amended to fall in line with provisions in the White Book.
127
7.
7.9
CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND FINANCE MANAGER’S REPORT - Continued
FDGiA Progress
FDGiA Progress at 28 January 2013
Code
Key
Date
%
applie
Grant
d
Costs
£
Grant
£
2011-12 Vertical Door at
Cowbridge
Emergency
CM
Apr-11
45%
44,000
10,000 Approved and claim in progress
2011-12
Hobhole Tidal
Door
W4CAP11(A)
DEF
Jul-10 100%
42,000
42,000 FDGIA approved in 2011/12
but not able to claim as merged
into project W4CAP 11(B) in
2012/13
2012-13
Culverted
Watercourse
lining
W4CAP9
CM
Jun-12 100%
45,000
45,000 PAR with E.A. for Approval
2012-13
Hobhole
Refurbishment
W4CAP11(B)
DEF
Jun-12 100%
577,000
577,000 Attended PAB Meeting on 27
June 2012. PAR re-written.
Now with EA for final approval.
Year
Project
Status
The Chief Executive highlighted the Hobhole Refurbishment project which had still not received
EA approval.
The latest hold-up was in respect of Fish & Eel Pass Regulations following a case-study report by
consultants Royal Haskoning, working for the Environment Agency. They had suggested £1.6m
of work at the Pumping Station on the back of a £577k project which was understandably being
resisted by the Board.
The Chief Executive expected to be able to reach a compromise in order that the project could be
approved but the report had only just been received.
RESOLVED that the Chief Executive and Finance Manager’s Report be adopted and approved.
8.
8.1
8.1.1
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Maintenance Works
Weed Control
The bulk of the weed control work is complete with flailing of drains and sewers finished.
Weedcutting (herder basket) work will continue into February. Hand roding (scythe work) is
complete.
8.1.2
Sunken Tunnels
A number of the Board’s watercourses pass beneath the Environment Agency Catchwater
system. As carriers of highland run-off it is particularly important that the upstream ends of the
“sunken tunnels” are kept free of debris. These were inspected and cleared during December.
8.1.3
Bush and Tree Control
Bush removal has taken place on the Twenty Foot Drain. Programmed bush and tree clearance
on the Bellwater and Houghbridge drains has been postponed due to priority work on slip repairs
(see below).
8.1.4
8.1.4.1
Slip Repairs
Fodderdyke Drain
The repairs to a slip just upstream of Midville railway crossing was completed on 20th December.
As the slip was caused by a burst water main the cost of this work is to be met by Anglian Water.
128
8.
8.1
8.1.4
8.1.4.1
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13 - Continued
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Maintenance Works - Continued
Slip Repairs - Continued
Fodderdyke Drain - Continued
Fodderdyke Drain upstream of Midville railway
8.1.4.2
Winter Slips 2012/13
Following the heavy rainfall over Christmas there have been a lot of slips in drains and sewers
ranging from small slips that can be removed with a digger to much larger requiring piling.
Whilst preliminary site work commenced on the repair of slips on the upper Hobhole Drain the ongoing problems with waterlogged ground and January snowfall meant it was unsafe to continue
due to bank stability concerns.
The slips on the Gride at Old Leake have undermined the highway resulting in a road closure and
diversion as there is a risk of collapse of the road. The closure is almost universally ignored by
the public and in particular lorries that are most at risk, however the Lincolnshire County Council
are taking steps to improve the situation.
A meeting was scheduled for 21st January with officers of the LCC to discuss slips near highways
however it was postponed at their request due to overnight snowfall and has yet to be rescheduled.
A summary table of slips is shown below:
Number of slips
No.
Location
Description/cause
/Total Length
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3/115, The
4 No, 95m
Highways run-off, no verge
Gride
approx25m
Upper Hobhole
Saturated batters, poor
3 No, 80m
various
ground conditions
Upper Hobhole
Saturated batters, poor
To be confirmed
various
ground conditions
Fodder Dike,
Saturated batters, poor
80m
New Leake
ground conditions
Lower Hobhole,
Saturated batters, poor
50m
Nunns Bridge
ground conditions
Anglian Water, burst water
Castle Dyke
15m
main
2/70, Cannister
3 slips, highways run-off, no
20m
Lane, Frithville
verge
129
Repair
method
Priority
Timetable/
Notes
P
High
Jan/Feb
LCC to pay?
P
High
Jan/Feb
S
Med
Feb/Mar
P
Med
Mar/Apr
tbc
Low
Autumn
F
Med
tbc
Low
Before April
AW to pay.
Summer
LCC to pay?
8.
8.1
8.1.4
8.1.4.2
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13 - Continued
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Maintenance Works - Continued
Slip Repairs - Continued
Winter Slips 2012/13 – Continued
No.
8
9
10
Location
1/27b, New
York Rd,
Dogdyke
1/33, Castle
Dyke Bank
4/22, Off Church
Rd, Frieston
Number of slips
/Total Length
Description/cause
Repair
method
Priority
Timetable/
Notes
50m
Highways run-off, no verge
tbc
Med
Spring/summer
LCC to pay?
F
Low
Summer
F
Low
Summer
F
Med
tbc
Low
tbc
Low
tbc
F
Low
tbc
F
Low
tbc
tbc
11
West Fen Drain
12m
12
Faunt Bridge
7m
13
14
15
4/22, West of
Church Road
2/64, Trader
Bank
3/106, Trader
Bank
Saturated batters, poor
ground conditions
3 slips, saturated batters,
poor ground conditions
10m
Anglian Water contractors
25m – 2 slips
25m
Anglian Water, burst water
main
Saturated batters, poor
ground conditions
Saturated batters, poor
ground conditions
16m, 8m, 8m
3 slips,
Spring,
AW to pay
Summer,
AW to pay
Repair method – P = piling, S = stoning, F = faggoting
Note – Priority is determined in respect to drainage. Highways Authority may view priority differently.
Agreement has been reached with Anglian Water in respect to payment for slip repairs but at the
time of writing this report we are still waiting for a response from the LCC.
It is expected to find more slips in smaller watercourses over the coming year. A number of small
slips in sewers have already been repaired.
.
Large slip on the Hobhole Drain
130
8.
8.1
8.1.4
8.1.4.2
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13 - Continued
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Maintenance Works - Continued
Slip Repairs - Continued
Winter Slips 2012/13 – Continued
Collapse of bank adjacent to highway on The Gride. Note undermining of carriageway.
Typical patch repair to highway on The Gride. Note encroachment of the
highway on to the verge, getting ever closer to the drain edge.

J Allen asked if the Board had closed the Gride? The Engineering Manager stated that this
was done by LCC Highways.
131
8.
8.1
8.1.4
8.1.4.2
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13 - Continued
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Maintenance Works - Continued
Slip Repairs - Continued
Winter Slips 2012/13 – Continued

C Hardy asked what was there to stop another slip happening in the same place?

D Richmond was concerned that without a proper kerb, articulated lorries would continue to
drive near or over the edge of the road.
The Chairman summarised by saying that he and the Engineering Manager would shortly meet
LCC to discuss the way forward and establish a principle for future slips and highway
maintenance.
8.2
8.2.1
Rainfall
Monthly Rainfall Totals – Lade Bank
Total
Rainfall
(mm)
Average
Nov
Dec
Jan
79.7
117.9
44.2
53.78
50.79
47.28
148
232
94
Total
241.8
151.85
159
Month
2012
% of
Average
Rainfall was recorded on 26 days out of 31 in December at Lade Bank. It was the third wettest
December on record.
8.2.2
2012 Rainfall
2012 was the second wettest year on record at 794.5mm (1883 saw 852mm). At least two nonmet office rain gauges reported rainfall in excess of that amount with E W Bowser recording
951mm.
If you disregard the drought at the start of the year, the period April to December was the wettest
on record at 720mm (160% of average of 450.45mm) and exceeds any year in living memory by
at least 70mm.
Met Office Data for 2012 shows that by March 2012 rainfall was 50 to 75% of average but during
the summer it had increased to between 110 and 170% of average across our catchment.
Details of the 2012 Annual Rainfall are shown on the following pages.
132
Lade Bank - Rainfall Statistics
at 31 December 2012
JANUARY
Maximum
Minimum
YEAR Mm
YEAR mm
1956 133.15 1953 17.53
1943 105.45 2005 16.20
1948
97.32 1901 14.23
1999
95.30 1905 13.98
1960
91.98 1997 13.40
AVER.
47.28
2012
33.70
2007
1979
1967
1937
1937
1889
AVER.
2012
MAY
108.10
105.10
104.69
103.67
103.67
95.54
44.39
48.20
1883
1896
1965
1993
1991
AVER.
2012
SEPTEMBER
205.57 1915
138.99 1996
106.47 1969
102.70 1959
102.40 1898
47.99
42.20
1947
1959
1935
1970
1989
FEBRUARY
Maximum
Minimum
YEAR mm
YEAR mm
1900 110.03 1947
5.59
1977 109.00 1886
5.34
1958
85.89 1959
5.08
1966
81.57 1891
1.78
1980
75.90 1985
1.70
AVER.
36.39
2012
13.40
10.67
6.35
5.59
5.34
4.00
2012
2007
1966
1978
1978
1997
AVER.
2012
JUNE
129.80
126.70
123.49
122.90
122.90
120.00
46.94
129.80
10.16
6.70
6.35
4.57
4.07
1903
1960
1885
1892
1891
AVER.
2012
OCTOBER
145.35
133.15
121.97
119.17
104.44
55.60
74.10
Wettest month in 2012
1976
1887
1960
1962
1925
7.90
7.62
7.62
4.57
2.03
1920
1965
1978
1947
1972
10.93
9.40
8.90
5.84
4.32
MARCH
Maximum
Minimum
YEAR mm
YEAR mm
1947 96.56 1929
7.11
1981 92.20 1944
6.61
1909 79.53 1935
6.61
5.08
1988 77.60 1938
4.50
1951 75.47 2011
AVER. 37.48
2012 27.40
1915
1936
1888
2007
2002
AVER
2012
JULY
168.47
151.70
138.23
136.30
125.30
54.00
67.00
1921
1952
1911
1906
1982
NOVEMBER
1970 115.11 1889
1946 115.11 1896
2000 100.10 2011
1939 99.10 1909
1969 98.34 1920
AVER. 53.78
2012 79.70
APRIL
Maximum
Minimum
YEAR mm
YEAR mm
2012 117.50 1974
5.30
2000 106.00 1938
4.32
1970 81.57 2007
4.30
1983 79.00 2011
3.90
1981 77.40 1893
2.54
1981
77.4077
AVER. 37.20
2012 117.50
10.42
9.66
8.13
6.10
3.90
1912
1917
1903
1927
1927
1992
AVER.
2012
AUGUST
156.27 1983
113.07 2003
110.53 1995
107.48 1913
107.48 1947
106.00
58.67
43.60
20.33
18.30
18.10
17.02
11.43
1915
1965
2012
1978
1914
AVER.
2012
DECEMBER
124.76 1941
121.71 1913
117.90 1933
117.00 1890
112.06 1932
50.79
117.90
5 Wettest months
recorded
Driest month in 2012
TOP 10 ANNUAL RAINFALLS RECORDED
Maximum
YEAR
mm
1883 852.00
2012 794.50
1960 761.54
1903 733.08
1966 730.28
2000 711.25
1912 705.89
1886 704.37
1965 703.60
1992 701.50
Minimum
mm
YEAR
1921 337.19
1887 393.35
1890 396.14
1995 428.80
1947 438.32
1934 439.59
1964 443.66
1959 444.68
2011 446.60
1905 450.77
AVER. 569.51
2012 794.50
Maximum Daily Totals
YEAR MONTH DATE mm
1883 SEP ?
91.00
1968 JUL 10
63.75
1993 OCT 12
59.10
1912 AUG 26
57.15
1956 JAN
8
54.61
2002 JUL 30
53.40
1931 AUG
8
51.05
1967 AUG 10
48.51
1900 DEC 31
48.26
1978 JUN 29
47.50
2012
24.8
1894 - 2012 (excluding 1901)
data unavailable for missing year
133
9.20
6.30
3.00
0.76
0.51
15.75
15.75
13.47
12.45
8.64
5 Driest months
recorded
Rainfall 2012
Rainfall Station
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Total
(mm)
Lade Bank
Hobhole
Carrington Estates
New York
Leverton
33.7
37.0
38.3
36.0
49.4
13.4
21.5
12.4
16.2
8.7
27.4
25.9
30.8
35.4
22.0
117.5
130.0
113.9
112.7
120.6
48.2
36.3
52.2
48.0
47.4
129.8
109.6
135.4
128.8
113.9
67.0
107.6
52.5
51.9
66.1
43.6
50.9
66.9
49.8
49.1
42.2
40.3
47.7
42.9
39.5
74.1
78.2
59.8
53.3
80.2
79.7
82.9
75.7
72.5
84.5
117.9
100.5
114.9
98.2
106.1
794.5
820.7
800.5
745.7
787.5
Av.
(mm)
(ins)
(mm)
(ins)
Monthly Av. (mm)
Monthly Av. (ins)
38.88
1.53
14.44
0.57
28.30
1.11
118.94
4.68
Monthly Average Lade Bank 1883 to 2011 (129 years)
(mm) 47.28
36.39
37.48
37.2
(ins) 1.86
1.43
1.48
1.46
2012 Average/Lade Bank 129 Year Average %
82.2% 39.7%
75.5%
319.7%
46.42
1.83
123.50
4.86
69.02
2.72
52.06
2.05
42.52
1.67
69.12
2.72
79.06
3.11
107.52
4.23
Yearly
789.78
31.09
44.39
1.75
46.94
1.85
54
2.13
58.67
2.31
46.99
1.85
55.6
2.19
53.78
2.12
50.79
2.00
569.51
22.42
104.6%
263.1%
127.8%
88.7%
90.5%
124.3%
147.0%
211.7%
138.7%
2006
552.33
21.75
96.0%
2007
685.3
26.98
119.1%
2008
616.8
24.28
107.2%
2009
580.57
22.86
100.9%
2010
551.7
21.72
95.8%
2011
446.6
17.58
77.6%
The 30 Year International Standard Average at Lade Bank (1961 to 1990)
Lade Bank - Previous years
Year
Av. Total for Area (mm)
Av. Total for Area (ins)
% Int. Standard Av.
2000
711.25
28.00
123.6%
2001
652.48
25.69
113.4%
2002
709.92
27.95
123.3%
2003
529.03
20.83
91.9%
Total
(ins)
138.0%
142.6%
139.1%
129.5%
136.8%
575.62**
2004
672.18
26.46
116.8%
2005
545.58
21.48
94.8%
134
% International
Standard Av.
at Lade Bank**
2012
789.78
31.09
137.2%
137.2%
135
8.
8.3
8.3.1
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13 - Continued
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Water Level Management
Pumping and Sluicing
Heavy rainfall saw diesel pumping at Lade Bank and Hobhole Pumping Stations at the beginning
of November and then again at the end of the month into the first week in December. By this time
the catchment had become very wet and almost any extra rainfall resulted in diesel pumping.
Twenty four hours a day diesel pumping commenced on 21 December 2012 continuing through
the holiday period ceasing at Lade Bank on 27th December 2012 and at Hobhole on 1st January
2013.
During 2012 the Board had pumped around 29 billion gallons of water which was enough to fill
Rutland Water.
R Leggott suggested that this was a fact we ought to put in the press, highlighting the reason why
Boston had been prevented from flooding.
A Saul queried the rainfall difference between Benington and Leverton but the Engineering
Manager said that this showed the impact of severe localised weather events.
Due to the 24 hr pumping at Hobhole the station was using a tank full of diesel in about 5 days. Of
the 4 diesel tanks on site two have been drained down in preparation for their replacement so
stocks of diesel over the holidays were of concern. We were able to secure regular re-supply
however contingency plans were put in place to obtain fuel via the Black Sluice IDB and Board
Members in an emergency.
All pumps performed satisfactorily throughout however at the completion of operations a small
number of repairs were necessary at Hobhole Pumping Station.
Sluicing at Cowbridge has been continual since the start off winter but the heavy rainfall of
December saw all three sluice doors wide open for long periods. At one point one door became
stuck open due to a piece of wood jammed in the door recess but this was successfully removed.
During the period the telemetry system proved most useful permitting all operatives engaged in
water level management to monitor and control levels. Problems with the telephone line were
experienced at Wrangle Pumping Station resulting in a loss of data communication and
consideration will need to be given to switching to mobile telephone technology for this location.
The weekend of 26th and 27th January, snowfall followed by rainfall and a rapid thaw resulted in a
rapid raising of water levels and all pumps operational again. Water levels were higher than
those experienced over the holidays for a very short period of time.
8.3.2
Operational Issues
Over the holiday period a number of localised problems were reported. These mostly related to
blocked culverts or weed blockages resulting in problems with septic tanks or localised high water
levels. The District Foremen responded to these problems over the holiday period. No problems
with property flooding were reported.
8.4
8.4.1
Pumping Stations
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance and inspections have been carried out at all sites.
8.4.2
Hobhole Pumping Station
A number of faults were reported at the December Board meeting. The current position is as
follows:
Pump
Fault
Current Status
Pump 2
Very noisy in operation.
Control panel fault – door interlock fused
switch failed.
Pump repaired and installed.
Pump 3
Control panel fault - temperature overload
detection unit faulty
Repaired.
Pump 4
Seized up causing panel capacitors to fail
Pump repaired and installed.
Capacitors renewed.
136
8.
8.4
8.4.3
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13 - Continued
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Pumping Stations - Continued
Pumping Station Annual Statistics
Total Pump
Hours
2012
Total Volume
2012
(Million m3)
Hobhole
Oil
Electric
1100
6738
88.28
41.60
(54 yrs)
212
Lade Bank
Oil
Electric
831
3099
32.70
23.15
(72 yrs)
141
Wrangle
1645
5.22
3.32
(51 yrs)
162
Leverton
1301
2.20
1.59
(36 yrs)
138
Benington
1963
3.32
1.97
(36 yrs)
169
Station
8.5
Annual Average
Volume Y/E 2011
(Million m3)
2012 % of
Annual
Average
Planning Matters
No. of Applications
November
December
January (pt)
Returned with Comments
Boston Borough Council
East Lindsey District Council
Lincolnshire County Council
9
1
-
10
3
-
4
-
Returned ‘No Observations’
Boston Borough Council
East Lindsey District Council
Lincolnshire County Council
1
-
1
1
-
1
-
TOTAL
11
15
5
8.6
Waste Management
Fly-tipped rubbish has been collected around the District. The following expenditure has been
incurred:
November
Detail
December
January
Labour
116
Plant
44
Misc
Fly Swat
1,000
TOTAL
1,160
8.7
Commercial Management of Fish Stock in Board’s Drains
The Board has been approached by Mainstream Fisheries Ltd based in Spilsby, with a view to the
managed netting and sale of fish from the Board’s watercourses in a sustainable manner.
Mainstream Fisheries Ltd is a major supplier of coarse fish to the Environment Agency, coarse
fishing lakes and for the restocking of watercourses following environmental accidents. Whilst
they have commercial breeding programmes they also have a regular demand for fish from
natural waterways.
Mainstream are regulated by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
(agents of Defra). Removal of fish from the Board’s system would be carried out following fully
licensed, audited and monitored procedures on a sustainable basis.
137
8.
8.7
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13 - Continued
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Commercial Management of Fish Stock in Board’s Drains - Continued
Average income from managed waters is approximately £1800 per acre, with Bream selling for
£2 per pound and specimen Carp worth between £233 (20lb) and £1258 (over 35lb) each.
The Board can only sell fish from watercourses that it owns (i.e. the majority of the main drains)
and not all channels will be suitable for management in this way but the West Fen Drain alone
covers about 20 Acres with potential for significant income to the Board.
The Board are requested to consider this matter.
RESOLVED that the sale of fish should be permitted, perhaps for a 12 month trial period, but
that extraction area should be away from those drains with fishing rights.
8.8
8.8.1
Plant Replacement
Plant Renewals
On 9th January 2013 the Board took delivery of an Atlas 160LC tracked hydraulic excavator to
replace its JCB JS130 purchased in 2001. The new machine was purchased from T D L,
Tankersley, South Yorks at a price of £115,000 and has just had its first service.
8.8.2
Sale of Plant
A list of plant items replaced during the year and other equipment no longer required has been
prepared and advertised for sale by tender, with sealed bids to be received by the 21 February
2013.
8.9
Cowbridge Lock
On 3rd January 2013 the Board’s lorry driver was driving home past Cowbridge Lock in the early
evening. He spotted lights and activity around the lock. The matter was brought to the attention of
the Engineering Manager who immediately went out to see what was happening. As the activity
was still taking place he called the Police who came out within about 10 minutes but the persons
involved had by then left. An inspection around the lock found 3 dead fish in the lock and another
on the lock side but no damage to the lock itself.
Details of a van seen at the location were given to the Police who subsequently found the vehicle
parked near the West Fen Drain in Frithville. No further response or information has been
received from the Police.
8.10
Water Framework Directive
The Engineering Manager met with officers of the Environment Agency on 16 th October to
discuss Water Framework Directive Mitigation Measure Investigations. The purpose of the
investigations was to look at potential changes to watercourse morphology (e.g. creation of riffles,
138
8.
8.10
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13 - Continued
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Water Framework Directive - Continued
meanders, etc) to provide environmental enhancement. The investigations affected parts of the
Newham Drain, Bellwater Drain and watercourses in the West Fen.
The outcome of the discussions was that change to morphology is not appropriate for the
affected IDB watercourses and no further action is required.
The EA are considering a fish pass at a flow gauging site at Tumby Woodside on the West Fen
Catchwater Drain.
8.11
Lead Local Flood Authority Investigations
The Lincolnshire County Council are in the process of finalising their investigations into flooding of
properties in 2012. Only one property was reported to have experienced internal flooding in the
Board’s area at Holland Lane, Toynton St Peter. The LCC have to determine if the Risk
Management Authorities responsible for managing the incident are exercising their duties and
have concluded that the Witham 4th have done so.
8.12
8.12.1
Health & Safety
Accident Reporting
No accidents have been reported for the period of the report.
8.12.2
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
All lifting gear has been inspected in accordance with the regulations.
8.12.3
Electrical Safety
All electrical equipment has been inspected and tested (“PAT” testing).
8.12.4
Pressure System Safety Regulations
All pressure vessels (i.e. workshop compressors, pumping station compressors and air starter
bottles, etc) have been inspected in accordance with the regulations and Board’s written scheme
of examination.
8.12.5
Training
Two operatives have been trained in the safe use of rodenticides for the control of rabbits and
moles. This is due to changes in legislation that require users to have a relevant qualification in
order to purchase as well as use certain vermin control products.
8.12.6
Employee Meeting
At a meeting with all District Operatives and Pumping Station Staff on 25th January, new additions
to the employees handbook were issued. Employees also appointed their safety representatives
for the coming year.
8.13
Rechargeable Works
Rechargeable works invoiced for the period 1st November to 31st December 2012, are shown
below:
Hire of Low Loader
Witham Third IDB
Black Sluice IDB
Environment Agency
M Belton
Hire of Pick-up
Establishment Expenses
Energreen UK Ltd
(Show Sponsorship)
Stock Purchase
R Collin Ltd
£
1,434.23
1,722.65
3,069.02
382.80
21.84
83.33
163.86
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8.
8.13
ENGINEERING MANAGER’S REPORT NO: 1/13 - Continued
Works carried out during November, December & January (part) 2012
Rechargeable Works - Continued
Commercial Hire of Low Loader
Eastern Harvesters Ltd
170.51
Works Carried out
Anglian Water
Mr P Cade
W Bradley and Sons
The Occupier
632.57
163.03
162.30
191.04
RESOLVED that the Engineering Manager’s Report No: 1/13 be adopted and approved.
9.
9.1
9.2
ENVIRONMENT OFFICER’S REPORT
Biodiversity Updates:
Subject
Boston Borough Council
Local Wildlife Site review
Details
 The Borough recently commissioned ecologists to conduct a 5 yearly survey of their
designated LWS’s. While the final report has yet to be issued, the Greater
Lincolnshire Nature Partnership has since been in touch regarding the important
marsh mallow in sewer 4/23. This survey revealed that as a result of the Boards
management regime for this sewer, many more plants are now established on 650m
downstream in 4/22. This reflects the positive management the Board implements
during its routine operations. In March the GLNP LWS panel will meet to decide if
this additional 650m should be an extension to the existing LWS.
Woodland management

Tree and bush management is tentatively programmed for the Bellwater Drain in
February which will involve closing one lane of the adjacent highway to work under
live power lines. LWT have also agreed to further tree management of the hawthorn
thicket LWS on the lower Hobhole if time allows. Other tree management work
planned for West Fen and Houghbridge Drains has been postponed due to
inclement weather and ground conditions.
Hedge Grant 50% £787.34

In October, the Board secured a Lincolnshire County Council hedge planting grant
for 1,800 native British mixed species saplings to fill a 450m gap along the lower
Hobhole western bank. Our Operatives, local volunteers and perhaps a few inmates
from HMP North Sea Camp will assist with planting in early February.
Boston Borough Council Operation Fly Swat
On behalf of the partnership, in December, the Environment Officer submitted an entry for the
Environment Agency’s ‘Project Excellence Awards 2013’ in the Partnership and Sustainability
category. “The Project Excellence Awards will allow those project teams who are making a
significant contribution to the realisation of delivering more for the environment, taking a positive
approach, embracing diversity and helping deprived communities to be held up to others as
examples of how we [the Agency] want to work in the future. This will also include how the teams
have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing habitats and tackling the challenges of the Water
Framework Directive”. Many Fly Swat partners have been complimentary of the entry, the winner
of which will be announced in March.
Operation Fly Swat has also been short listed for a national local government public sector
partnership award. The winner will be announced at a formal ceremony in London on March 13th.
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9.
9.2
ENVIRONMENT OFFICER’S REPORT - Continued
Boston Borough Council Operation Fly Swat - Continued
Also on March 13th, Jen Moore, Boston Borough Council’s Environment and Sustainability Officer,
will give a presentation alongside Ian Warsap, Black Sluice IDB Operations Engineer, on Fly Swat
partnership working at the ADA Executive Meeting in Peterborough.
9.3
Greater Lincolnshire Nature Partnership (GLNP)
Following the successful GLNP launch on November 8th, the Biodiversity Services Officer,
Catherine Collop, who played a significant strategic role in the partnership, left to undertake a
PhD leaving a significant post vacant. No suitable candidates were interviewed after an initial
advertisement of the post but a second attempt proved a success. Amy Robinson, an
experienced and qualified wildlife officer will fill this position in April.
9.4
Fens for the Future – update
After a positive launch in November, this initiative is now seeking to appoint a part-time Project
Officer to move the strategy forward. Considerable momentum has gathered since the launch
(detailed on P.34 in the Winter 2012 ADA Gazette), with the Department of Ecology at the
University of East Anglia proposing to model existing data on flora and aquatic plant diversity in
fenland ditches and drains to create an index of ditch quality. This data will be entered into a
Geographical Information System (GIS) detailing IDB watercourses, Environment Agency main
rivers, and those remaining riparian watercourses covering 350,000ha. This data will used
determine if 1) whether particular IDB's contain better ditch quality better than others due to
differing management regimes 2) whether riparian ditches in the arable landscape are better
quality when they are located closer to, or further from, IDB main drains, or the fen terrestrial
boundary, or buffer strips 3) and what effect soil type (e.g. peat depth) has in determining habitat
using soil survey data under licence from the University of Cranfield. Potentially, this model can
determine if IDB watercourse management practices are of benefit or detriment to ditch
biodiversity in comparison to main rivers and riparian watercourses.
The Environment Officer has recently been approached by Natural England to assist the UEA in
acquiring this GIS data from fenland IDBs. This data has been acquired and sent to the UEA. No
single map detailing the location of all such IDB watercourses has ever been produced before, so
the results of this research will form an important resource and benefit further work and our
understanding of this vital IDB network. ADA have been approached to see if they would be
willing to act as a creditable and central repository for any IDB GIS data relating to the Fens, as
there are bound to be more data requests for IDB watercourse locations in the future regarding
catchment modelling and academia.
9.5
Hobhole Pumping Station Eel and Fish Passage Report
The Environment Agency commissioned scoping report on provision for eel and fish passage
produced by Royal Haskoning in Peterborough amounted to a prohibitively expensive scheme
costing £1,700,000. Communication has been maintained with Royal Haskoning since the report
emerged and a further meeting is due to take place with their engineers in February to discuss
the wider implications for disproportionate schemes at IDB coastal pumping stations, particularly
relating to inappropriate screening that risks blocking in high flows and for stations due for
replacement in coming years. Other more cost effective and practical innovations continue to
emerge in the UK and Europe and several local engineering fabrication firms are capable of
fabricating necessary equipment.
The Engineering Manager attended an ADA Technical & Environment Committee Meeting on
January 16th and a copy of the Hobhole report was requested for circulation amongst members.
ADA is seeking to develop a template Eel and Fish Passage Management Plan for IDBs, in order
for Boards to take steps to prioritise their own structures and take ownership of the issue so this
report may assist.
9.6
Owl box relocation Covenham to Boston Anglian Water Pipeline
The preferred route for the pipeline will require relocation of the owl box on sewer 3/118 on the
Hilldyke as it passes within 6m of the easement route. The barn owl is a Schedule 1 and 9
species of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 and as such, the birds, their nests, eggs and
young are fully protected at all times throughout the UK. A fine of up to £5,000 and/or a custodial
sentence can be issued if they or their nest sites are disturbed. A licence from DEFRA is required
to move an owl box in such circumstances. Despite this multi million pound project going ahead,
Anglian Water and their consultant engineers at Mott Mac Donald have sadly refused to provide
owl expert Colin Shawyer of the Wildlife Conservation Partnership a few hundred pounds in
mitigation to relocate the box or provide a few others elsewhere on the pipeline route. Instead, the
box will be blocked off shortly to deter any owl nesting in 2013 for the works duration. Rather
disappointing really, as the barn owl is a key species in the Boards Biodiversity Action Plan and
the Lincolnshire BAP.
141
9.
9.6
ENVIRONMENT OFFICER’S REPORT - Continued
Owl box relocation Covenham to Boston Anglian Water Pipeline - Continued

R Hall-Jones asked if there had been any more reports of mink in the area.

A Saul said he had seen one and the Environment Officer said the Board would provide a
mink trap for this.
9.7
Meetings Attended
30/11/12 ~ Boston Borough Council Operation Fly Swat
06/12/12 ~ Black Sluice IDB Environment Committee
12/12/12 ~ Cablesafe Forum
10/01/13 ~ Dr Peter Chowne regarding his new pending book on Lincolnshire
RESOLVED that the Environment Officer’s report be noted.
10.
10.1
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Retired Assistant Engineer

A Saul asked if the Board could write to Don Fletcher, as he was poorly.
Chairman
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