Plans to reduce the frequency of flooding in Stonehaven have been developed by Aberdeenshire Council and its consultants.
Mott MacDonald is designing a £15 million flood protection scheme in Stonehaven to provide the town with one in 200 year flooding protection from the River Carron.
Public consultation has concluded and the flood order is being promoted this month. Under the envisaged programme, the Stonehaven flood protection scheme will be completed by the end of 2018.
Major flooding events have occurred in the coastal town six times in the past 20 years, necessitating the evacuation of nearby residents. The most recent was in December 2012.
Mott MacDonald is designing flood walls and embankments using 2D hydraulic modelling. The consultancy is also carrying out ground investigation and environmental surveys. Building information modelling is also being used to allow a collaborative approach for all parties involved on the project.
Mott MacDonald project director Stephen Knight said: “We have been improving the efficiency of the initial concept design by reducing piling requirements, overall material volumes and simplifying construction requirements.
“Working with statutory bodies, we are aiming to minimise the impact on the watercourse during construction by maintaining part of the existing river channel where possible.”