Calder Future | Environment Agency to check rivers
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Environment Agency to check rivers
Staff from the Environment Agency have begun to clear debris from the River Calder. They have begun tackling blockages along 2,300 kilometres of Yorkshire's rivers this winter as part of their annual clear-up to reduce flooding.
They will be walking the banks to inspect the watercourses, looking for objects that could cause flooding by blocking the channel or trapping more debris and building a dam. Obstructions can increase the risk of flooding in a river, so staff routinely patrol rivers, including the Calder in Calderdale, in the winter months.
The hazards can be natural ones, such as fallen trees that have been washed dowstream, and sometimes they are man-made problems such as fly-tipped waste like fridges and furniture. Peter Holmes, EA operations delivery manager, said: "We can all do our bit by disposing of waste correctly, but if people do spot large obstructions that could result in flooding they can ring our incident hotline on 0800 807060."
From: The Hebden Bridge Times, Thursday February 12th 2012 www.hebdenbridgetimes.co.uk