Agenda item

Presentation – Mr Bill Elliot, Regional Community Team Manager, Scottish Water.

A representative from SEPA  will also be in attendance to answer any questions relating to flooding matters.

Mr Bill Elliot, Regional Community Team Manager, South of Scotland and Mr Dougie Scott, Reservoir Engineer were present to give a presentation on the operation of Scottish Water Resources in the Tweed Catchment Upstream of Peebles.   Ms  Angela Foss, Unit Manager, Scottish Environmental Protection Agenda (SEPA)  was also present. Mr Elliot explained that Talla Reservoir (along with Megget) provided the main supply for the Edinburgh region with up to 70MI/d being abstracted from Talla Reservoir,  Approximately 100MI/d was supplied from Megget Reservoir to provide the total required volume.  The water from Talla was now used to supply the new Glencorse Water Treatment Works.   Talla Reservoir was located in a remote upland catchment, dominated by forestry and open moorland in the headwaters of the River Tweed.  The outflow from Talla Reservoir, Talla Water, met the River Tweed at Tweedsmuir, approximately 2km downstream.  Talla Reservoir was operated in conjunction with Fruid Reservoir which  provided additional supply and also compensation flows to the Tweed.   The outflow from Fruid Reservoir, Fruid Water, discharged to the Tweed 2km upstream of Talla Water,   Fruid provided a compensation flow both for itself and also for Talla by means of the supply aqueduct which could  discharge into Talla Reservoir and also to the base of the Talla impoundment.  There were two other Scottish Water reservoirs in the catchments above Peebles, namely West Water and Baddinsgill.   Scottish Water held licences under the Controlled Activities Regulations for all 4 reservoirs and these stipulated a release of water, a compensation flow, which must be released every day.  This was to ensure that water remained in the rivers when the reservoirs were not spilling.   These were also supplemented by requests by SEPA for additional releases at various points in the year, often when needed by fisheries.   All 6 Tweeddale Councillors had visited Talla Reservoir when the operation of the same had been explained to them, and now considered that Talla Reservoir did not cause the flooding  in Peebles and elsewhere on 30 December 2016.   Mr Scott  answered questions in relation to the differences in the operation between Talla Reservoir and St Mary’s Loch.   It was noted during the discussion which took place that Scottish Water’s website gave a clear indication of which body was responsible for drains, gullies etc.   Community Councillor Tulloch suggested that so as to reach out to the community that Scottish Water could have open days to show members of the public how flooding was mitigated by Scottish Water.   Mr Graham Lumb flood victim suggested that those affected by the flood might have the same opportunity as SBC Councillors to visit the Reservoir and that this could be  facilitated through  Mr John Swanson, Peebles Resilience Group.   Mr Elliot indicated visits would not be possible owing to strict health and safety issues.  He explained a dedicated model was available on the website showing how reservoirs operated.   Councillor Archibald suggested that Scottish Water invite the Chairs of Community Councils to Talla Reservoir.   Angela Foss, SEPA explained that SEPA did not undertake work in rivers but provided advice and guidance; she advised that she was happy to meet with local landowners to discuss gravel extraction from river beds.    In referring to flood risks Mr Morrison advised that the local authority had a duty to assess all bodies of water with the aim of reducing flood risks.   He referred to the development of a risk management plan first published on 22 June 2015 and of a study taking place over the next 6 years to 2022.  There was no data on gravel removal but this could be taken up when the study was being carried out as part of the management plan.  Peebles, Innerleithen and Walkerburn were ranked number one for a national study.  Community Councillor Hughes expressed various concerns and hoped there would be a higher level of co-operation between the Council and Scottish Water in future studies.

DECISION

NOTED and thanked Messrs Elliot and Scott for their informative presentation and thanked Ms Foss for her attendance.