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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY G.C.L. BAUDAINS OF ST. CLEMENT
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 20th NOVEMBER 2012
Question
Can the Minister advise whether his department still acknowledges that in the event of, for example, severe southerly storms coinciding with a high spring tide (as happened in October 1812), certain southern areas of the Island would become a disaster area' and, if so, would he further advise whether this area includes the Green Street car park?
Answer
I acknowledge that in extreme weather events which coincide with high tides, areas of the Island are susceptible to coastal flooding which can cause varying degrees of disruption and damage. This most recently happened along the southern coast in March 2008. Whether the results of these events are considered "disaster areas" is subjective and depends on the severity of the event.
The primary cause of coastal flooding is overtopping of the sea defence structures coupled with high flows in the surface water sewers and watercourses, and tide locked outfalls. These problems predominantly affect low lying areas close to the coast.
Whilst it is impossible to say that Green Street car park will never be affected by these types of extreme weather event, the likelihood of this happening is very low as the lower car park level at Green Street is some 4m above highest astronomical tide level so is unlikely to be affected by any overtopping issues. Furthermore, the adjacent sewers are at a high point in the network so are unlikely to cause problems for the Green Street site with regard to surcharging.