In the article “Natural Engineering offers solutions against future flooding”, it was stated that there are solutions inspired by nature which can prevent flooding in areas affected due to an increased rate of water flow upstream (Newcastle University, 2014). One example of this solution implemented in Belford shows how this natural flood management scheme can be applied in other areas around the UK where flooding is prevalent. The scheme is an effective method to prevent flooding in low lying areas by altering the natural flow pathways and reducing the runoff from the land. Managing the downstream flow gives people more time to prepare in the event a flood occurs. This also reduces pollution by adverting phosphorus and nitrates from being washed off the land. The scheme uses soft engineering solutions to prevent flooding by storing water, increasing soil infiltration, increasing resistance to water flow or redirecting water. Implementation of the natural flood management systems can be significantly cheaper as compared to conventional flood management systems.
Thesis: This Science daily news release provides information on what has been done to solve the flooding problem by using natural solutions. The article has substantial evidence from the previous trial to prove the success of the engineering solution. However, just applying the same concept to another location does not promise success as there could be underlying factors that may be different.
First supporting idea- Even as Belford is not unique, no one place is exactly the same to another. Due to this, such implementation of the scheme does not promise success.
Second supporting idea- It was stated that the locals are a crucial part of the scheme.
Even though the study conducted in Belford was stated that “Belford is not unique”, there is no evidence that other areas are similar to Belford. For the solution to work, each area has to be very similar to Belford. As there are no two places exactly the same, implementation of the solution to other areas can result in a different outcome. There has to be a study in other areas to prove that the solution is viable in other areas. In addition, the locals played a crucial part in the Belford scheme. This specific factor cannot be assumed that it is playable in other areas of the UK. Such underlying factors such as this might change the outcome. Hence, just by applying the same concept on to areas does not promise a successful scheme.
Newcastle University. “Natural engineering offers solution against future flooding” ScienceDaily, 28 January 2014 <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/14012809453>
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