Preparations have begun for the continuation of a multi-million pound project to reduce the risk of tidal flooding and maintain beaches on the Lincolnshire coast on the east coast of the UK.

The Environment Agency has set up the compound for its Lincshore beach re-nourishment project. Lincshore aims to combat the decrease in sand levels and increased risk of flooding caused by coastal erosion.

Dredging for Lincshore 2010 will begin in the middle of July and is expected to finish at the end of  September. It will see 400,000 cubic metres of sand pumped onto 20km of beach, including Trusthorpe, Boygrift, Trunch Lane, Chapel Six Marshes and Moggs Eye, at a cost of £6 million.

The mammoth scheme helps to prevent flooding on the Lincolnshire coast and maintains protection against a one in 200 year flood (0.5 per cent) for 30,000 properties and 35,000 hectares of land.

In addition, the work also helps maintain the beaches as tourist attractions – without it there would be little sand.

Mike Dugher, Environment Agency Area Coastal Manager, said: “Increasing the level of the beach reduces the risk of waves reaching the main defences and going over the seawalls. It protects the clay foreshore against further erosion and prevents rapid deterioration of the defences.

“If the defences along the beaches which rely on the Lincshore project failed, there could be extensive damage to property and distress and disruption among local communities. Tens of thousands of homes would be at severe risk of flooding, along with commercial and industrial properties. A number of important environmental sites would also be affected.

“During the works, there will be some unavoidable disruption to people in the area but we will make every effort to reduce this as much as possible. We hope they will understand the importance of carrying out this work to ensure properties and business along the Lincolnshire coast remain protected against tidal flooding and the area can look forward to a vibrant economic future.”

The Lincshore re-nourishment scheme began in 1994 and covers beaches from Mablethorpe to Skegness.

Each year, sand is dredged from licensed sites offshore and pumped onto beaches to replace material lost to erosion over winter.

The project is reviewed every five years to ensure it remains the best option for protecting homes and businesses from flooding. A review last year concluded it was and this year marks the start of another five-year programme which will see £30 million spent protecting the coastline.

Story on the Dredging News Online website