Section 19 flood incident investigations
When a significant flood happens, Section 19 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 requires the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) to investigate the incident and publish its findings.
Odyssey provides a flood incident investigation service that helps LLFAs meet this duty and move from response into recovery and planning for future resilience.
What a Section 19 investigation covers
Our investigations produce a clear, evidence-based report that includes:
- a summary of the flood event
- the likely causes of flooding
- the roles and responsibilities of the risk management authorities
- the actions taken during and after the event, and the next steps planned
- recommendations to reduce the impact of future floods
The LLFA receives a robust report, ready to publish, that meets the legal requirement and gives practical insight for long-term flood risk management.
Beyond the investigation
Odyssey can manage the whole investigation process on the LLFA’s behalf. We can also help the authority and its partners move on to:
- flood mitigation options
- risk assessment
- site investigations
- hydraulic modelling
- engagement with residents, communities and partner authorities
- practical, evidence-led recommendations
Private and commercial property owners
Flooding does not only affect public infrastructure. Where a property is at risk, or has suffered flooding or serious drainage problems, Odyssey offers flood risk investigations for private and commercial clients. They can be scaled from a single property to a wider community.
A report can cover flood risk from all sources, now and with climate change, the roles and responsibilities of flood authorities and landowners, and guidance on dealing with specific flood risk concerns. We can also advise on flood mitigation options and, through specialist partners, on community resilience and engagement.
To discuss a flood investigation, contact our water team.