An NFM project on Backstone Beck in Ilkley will begin in 2019. This approach to managing flood risk is also referred to as 'Working with Natural Processes' (WwNP). The two terms mean the same thing however; NFM is often used to refer to land management, planting and creating structures using natural materials but does not exclude the use of engineered solutions.
Although the measures vary in approach and scale, the underlying idea is to slow, store and filter water to reduce flood peaks and limit damage. The project will engage with residents, businesses, schools and local groups in Ilkley, particularly those living or working within the Backstone Beck catchment.
Backstone Beck Natural Flood Management monitoring at 3 locations:
• Ilkley Moor since 2nd September 2019.
• Sacred Heart since 10th of October 2019.
• Leeds Road since 2nd September 2019.
Water levels measured at all sites using Impress 4-20mA pressure sensors in conjunction with Hydro-Logic Flexi-Logger 100 data loggers housed within secure Flexi-Logger 100 enclosures.
https://cms.esi.info/Media/documents/28683_1562325645905.pdf
In-situ calibration by comparison with gauge boards.
Telemetry via 3G GPRS.
Continuous time stamped readings taken at 15 minute intervals.
Spot flow gauge measurements are being taken over time in order to establish the relationship between water depths (stage levels) and flow rates. A number and spread of observations of flow rate have been made to determine the relationship used to calculate the flow rate values from the observed water depths (stage levels). The details of the spot flow gauging and the current relationship are in this document extract produced by Hydro International:
