Flood Risk Management

We prioritise flood risk management in our planning and permitting applications (which are subject to statutory consultation and detailed technical studies). This ensures that our operations do not increase flood risk locally and equally, risks of flooding to the quarry operation are also taken into consideration. The quarry itself can assist with local flood storage capacity by creating void space through the extraction of mineral. In our day-to-day operations, we manage flood risk by changing ground levels, controlling water discharge from our operations and maintaining flood defence structures adjacent to the River Trent and Slough Dyke.

Recent Challenges

Severe flooding in 2023 and 2024, caused predominantly by Storm Babet and Storm Henk (as well as subsequent storm events), presented huge challenges for communities and business in the local villages. Floodwaters overflowed from Slough Dyke, which feeds into the River Trent. This resulted in damage to the quarry’s equipment, public footpaths and the closure of the quarry for over six months. There was also widespread flooding locally that submerged roads and caused damage to private land and property.

Actions Taken Post-Flooding

  • Restoring public footpaths damaged by the floods in partnership with local authorities.
  • Working with the Environment Agency (EA) to install CCTV cameras on Slough Dyke for real-time monitoring.
  • Working in partnership with the Internal Drainage Board (IDB) to report areas of concern regarding flood defence structures.
  • Encouraging landowners to subscribe to the EA’s flood alerts for early warnings and emergency flood planning.
  • Staying connected with the community through regular updates and meetings with the Quarry Liaison Committee, parish councillors and designated village flood wardens.