Ground investigation work to take place in Cardigan to inform Tidal Flood Scheme

Work to inform the design of a future Natural Resources Wales (NRW) scheme aimed at reducing the risk of coastal flooding for residents in Cardigan, West Wales is set to get underway in March.

Those living in and visiting the Cardigan area will see drilling equipment in the Strand area of town and on a pontoon in the Afon Teifi as contractors working on behalf of NRW carry out ground investigation work in March and April 2022.

The information collected from this work will allow NRW to learn more about the nature of the ground in the area and will help to inform what kind of engineering design is appropriate for the proposed Cardigan Tidal Flood Risk Management Scheme.

The ground investigation will require the drilling of three bore holes in the Strand area of the town near the river, and another six in the river itself.

The work is not expected to have any negative impact on the town or the river.

Paul Isaac, NRW’s Project Executive for the Cardigan Tidal Flood Risk Management Scheme said:

“The Cardigan Tidal Flood Risk Management Scheme – like any other construction - must be built on suitable foundations. This investigation work will help us better understand the ground conditions in the area and inform the appraisal and design of the scheme.

“We expect the work to have minimal impact on people in the town, though residents may see the drilling rig in the town, and on a pontoon in the river itself while our contractors complete the investigatory boreholes.”

The Cardigan Tidal Flood Risk Management Scheme aims to reduce the risk of flooding to the town and community of Cardigan from tidal flooding while taking account of predicted sea level rise. It also aims to maintain and enhance the natural environment.

An Outline Business Case for the scheme was approved by NRW’s Flood Risk Management Board in Spring 2021. This provided the financial approval to progress to the detailed design stage of the scheme.