The Climate Change and Nature Scrutiny Panel met to discuss local flood risk management and air quality in Swansea. Key discussions included the development of a new Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, the ongoing Mumbles sea defence project, and efforts to improve air quality across the city, particularly concerning vehicle emissions and the potential revocation of an Air Quality Management Area.

Local Flood Risk Management - Annual Update

The panel received an update on local flood risk management efforts in Swansea. A new Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) is being developed, which will incorporate a Flood Action Plan and will supersede the previous Flood Risk Management Plan (FRMP). This new strategy will focus on six strategic flood risk areas based on hydrological boundaries, rather than individual wards. The report highlighted ongoing work, including the development of the LFRMS, efforts to secure Welsh Government grant funding for flood alleviation schemes, and the utilisation of the capital drainage budget for essential works.

Councillor Mary Jones raised concerns about the construction of attenuation ponds in new developments, suggesting they could pose a danger to children and that supplementary planning guidance might be needed. Mike Sweeney, Team Leader for Highways and Transportation, explained that design standards aim to mitigate these risks, with many being dry detention basins with shallow gradients, and that developers are increasingly fencing these features off.

The panel also discussed the Mumbles sea defence project, which is nearing completion and praised for its progress and the work of those involved. Questions were raised about the potential use of catchment tanks in the Swansea Valley to prevent flooding, with confirmation that attenuation features and storage schemes are being utilised in many projects, and all new developments will include attenuation.

Regarding pollution in the River Tawe, it was noted that Natural Resources Wales is working with Welsh Water to reduce inputs and overflows, and that water quality in Swansea Bay has improved. The panel also inquired about rainfall trends, with confirmation that data is available on the Met Office website, and that recent rainfall figures in Swansea have been significantly higher than average.

Flooding on Mumbles Road was discussed, with updates on maintenance work, including the cleaning of gullies and checks on outflow systems. The panel also expressed a strong belief that relevant staff and councillors should undertake Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) training. It was confirmed that training would be arranged for the Planning Committee.

The panel requested sight of the red list for maintenance of grids and watercourses, and was informed that this information would be shared. Discussions also covered the frequency of cleansing operations, with an increase in the autumn to manage leaf fall. Coastal flooding, particularly concerning the Trafalgar Bridge walkway, was also addressed, with ongoing study work and investigations into potential localised solutions.

Finally, the panel sought clarification on the paid weekend work service offered for gully teams, which was explained as a scheme where ward members can fund additional weekend work for gully teams, with community engagement assisting with parking issues. The panel also inquired about legislation regarding permeable surfaces for driveways, with a commitment for a full written response to be provided.

Air Quality Management

The panel received an update on air quality in Swansea. Tom Price, Team Leader for Pollution Control, presented data indicating that Swansea is currently compliant with national air quality objectives for key pollutants, including Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter (PM10). The report highlighted that if compliance with the NO2 annual mean objective is demonstrated for 2023, the Council will begin the process of revoking the Air Quality Management Order 2010.

Concerns were raised about school buses idling their engines outside Bishop Gore School. Councillor David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Corporate Service and Performance, committed to addressing this through the procurement chain to ensure it ceases.

The panel also discussed the proximity of new residential properties to busy roads, with confirmation that air quality assessments are required as part of the planning process on a case-by-case basis. The potential impact of tree-lined streets on air quality and the difference between roundabouts and traffic lights were also raised. It was noted that research and monitoring are ongoing in Swansea to assess the impact of green infrastructure, and a written response will be provided regarding the air quality implications of roundabouts versus traffic lights.

The panel was informed that the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 has received Royal Assent, which will introduce a legislative target for PM2.5. The Council is working with Welsh Government and academic institutions on research related to air quality and noise pollution, including studies on engine idling and the effectiveness of green screens.

Work Plan 2023-24

The panel considered its work plan for 2023-24. It was noted that the next meeting, scheduled for 14 May 2024, would include updates on climate change, battery disposal, nature and biodiversity, and a review of the year's achievements against corporate priorities. The panel also discussed the potential inclusion of the impact of new housing developments on the environment in future discussions.