Added value from model reviews
Aegaea has been undertaking flood modelling projects since 2012, and we have over 40 years of experience among the team in building, updating and reviewing flood models, both for private clients and on behalf of the Environment Agency.
Flood modelling is a complicated process with many moving parts that need to be carefully managed, assessed, and reviewed.
Even the best flood modeller can make mistakes, and even the best model can be improved. Our QA model review process isn’t just about catching project-critical errors; it is a discursive process designed to ensure that the model does what it is supposed to in a way that makes sense for the client.
Our expertise has allowed us to provide model reviews at different stages of a planning application or project life cycle. We can advise from the conceptual stage through to the final delivery.
Below are three examples of how our services can support different projects.
Site Due Diligence
Aegaea offers screening model reviews on any site that may be under consideration.
Our approach to due diligence review is to look for opportunities where modelling perhaps hasn’t been undertaken correctly or where the hydrological application is incorrect. (If we are successful, this often goes hand in hand with a flood map challenge.) We look for areas of modelling that we can update, fix, or modify to try and help you unlock the potential of sites.
We also examine models and reviews of sites under consideration and apply a climate change impact assessment to determine whether your intended use will be suitable over the building’s lifetime (find out more in our article about updates to the NPPF) and whether there might be any planning hurdles that need to be identified.
Early review and understanding of flood (and drainage risk) is one of the most effective ways of mitigating later risks to applications and master plans and can actually enhance the value of sites.
Planning Application
The most frequent model reviews we undertake are on flood models for developers looking for our support in a planning application.
Aegaea always reviews models that we receive from other sources, even the Environment Agency, to ensure that we know what to expect, where potential sources of risk (and opportunities) may come from, and that our flood models are more likely to be accepted by the Environment Agency when it comes to the planning application.
For developers, we review the quality of flood models before progressing with other services needed to support a planning application.
The production of a model can be a significant cost, so by reviewing the model early on, we can advise whether it is fit for purpose.
If it is fit for purpose it can then be used to inform the proposed development – if not, there are still things we can do.
On occasions when the model is not fit for purpose, our experts can advise on potential costs, data gaps, and timeframes to improve it. Undertaking a model review early on provides benefits such as managing the project programme, project budget, and lenders (where required).
Independent Expert Reviews
Aegaea grew from supporting other consultants and government bodies with flood modelling. This is a service we still proudly deliver today.
Our experience with a broad range of clients and applications allows us to offer an independent model review and Quality Assurance process.
This service is useful for other small consultancies and large consultancies looking for independent verification, government organisations, and others who do not keep flood modelling experts on staff.
Aegaea has formed a review process that considers all Environment Agency standing advice and some of the common issues that often need addressing. We review from input data, model runs and results.
All of our model reviews enhance the application of the modelling, improve it, and help deliver quality in the industry. We work with consultants and organisations to help deliver that through consultation, discussion, and pragmatic reviews. This isn’t about proving “who is best;” it’s about delivering excellence in flood modelling.
