As part of her long-running campaign on local flooding issues, Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS – the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – has today (28 January) welcomed further proposals to reduce water spilling from Llyn Eigiau, which came as part of an update from RWE Innogy. 

RWE is currently undertaking a study to better understand the viability of the proposal to increase the capacity of Eigiau. Since their last update, the company has forecasted the effects of different implementable measures, including increasing the flow capacity of the tunnel from Eigiau to Cowlyd. The model shows that this could reduce the average spill by half.

Commenting, Janet said:  

“Thanks to the continued cooperation of RWE Innogy, much progress is being made towards finding a cost effective and efficient solution to reduce the water spillage rates from Llyn Eigiau. I know that this excellent news will be warmly welcomed by residents across the Conwy Valley.  

“RWE’s analysis modelling has drawn some surprising and welcome results, which the company say they will now look to confirm with on site testing and further data collection. This is crucial as public safety remains the single greatest priority to all parties involved.  

“I greatly value the patience of residents, as I continue to push stakeholders to undertake works that will alleviate entrenched flooding problems. This update is yet further proof that actions by committed local groups, such as our meetings at the Eagles Hotel in Llanrwst, can result in progressive steps forward that protects land and homes. 

“Alongside these meetings, I have also presented the Welsh Government with my transformative plan to protect communities from flooding. Wales is in the midst of a flooding crisis, so this plan would introduce a specific agency which is 100% focused on the situation, as opposed to the current arrangement which sees around 300 NRW officers have some responsibility.” 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors:  

• To read Janet’s previous update on the RWE work, please click here.  
• To read Janet’s six point flood plan, please click here.  
• RWE say the data used in the theoretical computer modelling is annualised spill volumes. To fully appreciate the impact of Eigiau spill on flooding, the company says it would require further work using peak flows during defined time periods.  
• The reduction in spill from Eigiau will reduce the amount going into Afon Conwy, often but not always, during periods of flooding. Further studies are required to evaluate the flood reduction impact by comparing volumes relative to the complete Conwy catchment inflow.  

Photo: Public Meeting in Llanrwst, during February 2020 - before the introduction of Coronavirus restrictions