Latest News

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FOR SALE Terratrac Aebi TT211 Year of reg 2016 Has done 3528 Hrs Comes with front mounted Tondobroyeuse Flail Cutting width 2.248m, overall [...]

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South Lincs Reservoir gate two report and annexes have been published on the Anglian Water website and can be found at: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/about-us/our-strategies-and-plans/water-reso [...]

The 7-13 November is Flood Action Week, please find attached the Environment Agency flood awareness briefing note being sent to all local MP’s. [...]
The Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board has confirmed that the case against our Chief Executive Officer, Ian Warsap, has been concluded with the Crown Prosecution Service offering no evidence and a Not Guilty verdict being recorded. The financial restrictions imposed on Ian Warsap have therefore been lifted and he resumes his role as the Board’s Chief Executive Officer with all delegated authority restored. [...]
With the expectance of prolonged reduced average rainfall the water retention levels in our non-gravitational sub catchments (Damford, Dunsby, Ewerby, Hacconby, Kirton Marsh, South Kyme & Trinity College) will be gradually increased from this week. This will offer increased aquatic biodiversity, spring irrigation via abstraction, bank stability and the benefi [...]

Click on the image to view the completed Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2022. [...]

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This project (Compartment W16 covers part of our catchments) aims to increase flood resilience to local communities, helping to safeguard homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The EA are currently i [...]

The Board commenced its early season maintenance of critical watercourses in March, to periodically mow the banks to inhibit ground nesting birds in preparation for mechanical clearance of the channels in June & July. The full annual maintenance programme will commence on Monday 1st August to mow and remove vegetation from the watercourses it maintains within the district, with works expected to be compl [...]

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Another new excavator to add to the Board’s fleet, ready for the cutting season! A JCB 150X supplied by @TCHarrisonJCB, with arm modifications to Board’s specification. Presented to Chairman of the Board, Keith Casswell, @BlackSluiceIDB by Ed Page from TCH sales at Lincolnshire Show. [...]

The ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN can be found by following this link [...]
At this years Environment Committee meeting attention was drawn to mink; it being noted that other IDBs are actively increasing the trapping of mink and it is something the Board should also be doing. Simon Harrison our Works Manager explained that the Board was now involved with the Waterlife Recovery East Project, alongside other [...]

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BLACK SLUICE INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARD Local Government Act 1972 Land Drainage Act 1991 [...]

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Our Board have agreed to extend our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) as our Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) to an extension of our previous Extended Area to provide assistance as The Flood Risk Management Authority for Consenting and Enforcement on Ordinary Watercourses within that area. Under this mechanism, our Board will [...]

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The South Lincolnshire Water Partnership (SLWP) have recently received some good news. The Regulator’s Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID) published their draft decisions for our Strategic Reginal Options (SROs), confirming that funding for the development of the South Lincolnshir [...]

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The SLWP/SLR next steps for exploring solutions with the AW explanation for the RAPID Gate 1 Report. [...]
The South Lincolnshire Water Partnership (SLWP) Gate one submission for the South Lincs Reservoir (SLR) has been published, you can find it on the link below:- https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/about- [...]

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Ian Warsap will be returning to his post of CEO on Thursday 13 May 2021, having taken external professional advice, with financial restrictions to his delegated authority. Keith Casswell Chairman of the Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board [...]
The Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board have been made aware of criminal allegations against our Chief Executive Officer, Ian Warsap that do not involve the Board. The Board has taken professional advice and suspended Ian Warsap and will be taking advice from Queens Council. [...]

The JCB JS145 completing drain works on a new cut section of watercourse, keeping it nice and straight! [...]

An up to 1 in 10 year operation, Cleansing/De-Silting/Mudding Out, are some of the names associated with removal of silt from watercourses maintained by the Board. Once dry the material removed will be spread on the adjacent agricultural land. [...]

South Lincolnshire Water Partnership hold their March monthly update meeting on World Water Day 2021. World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22 to rasie awareness about water's scarcity and preservation. [...]

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Away we go, let it begin! Only another 500 miles to go, all in order to help keep our feet dry. Fingers crossed for a timely harvest and good weather throughout. Next stop; Christmas Dinner. [...]

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Click on any of the images to open a PDF version. [...]

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Black Sluice IDB, as part of the South Lincolnshire Water Partnership, are working with Lincolnshire County Council and other organisations to improve water management in South Lincolnshire. The Smart Catchments Project will enable improvements to current floodwater management practices, the retention of water resources during dry periods and improvements to the water environment. In order to monitor the water environment the Board will be conducting a numb [...]

At Black Sluice IDB we are using the opportunity to take advantage of the low water levels at this time. Essential de-silting and mechanical repairs within the confined space of a single pump pumping station suction chamber. [...]

Our 'Key Workers' continue with important pre-programmed drain maintenance works throughout our catchment, quite happy to self-isolte in a modern air conditioned cab! [...]
The Irrigation & Abstraction meeting, planned for the 20th May 2020, has been cancelled until further notice due to the current restrictions relating to COIVD-19. [...]

An up to date time lapse image of the construction works around the Boston Barrier where they are at present dismantling the temporary cofferdam, as the aim is for the new navigation channel configuration to be through the Boston Barrier structure by May 2020. [...]

Important pumping station maintenance works must continue throughout, pumping down to inspect pumps and suction bay sumps. Not forgetting our South Forty Foot Catchment received c110mm of rain over three days in early June 2019 (be proact [...]

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In these uncertain times the Boards ‘Key Workers’ continue operating with our important role of watercourse conveyance which includes river bank maintenance. Following the very wet winter months we are encountering many bank slips such as this one where we show a before, during and after sequence of photographs. Any assistance from farmers and growers is most we [...]

Black Sluice IDB 'key worker' workforce carrying out essential watercourse maintenacne works whilst COVID-19 restrictions continue. Our thanks go out to our dedicated workforce for continnuing this important role through these difficult times. [...]

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South Forty Foot Upper Catchment Natural Flood Management Studies (NFM) We have obtained funding from the RFCC to undertake studies of our Upper Catchments in order to prepare business cases to attract further funding for NFM works throughout the catchments. [...]

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The Notice on conclusion of Audit and the completed Annual Governance and Accountability Return for 2018/19 can now be found in the document library by clicking on the images below. [...]

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Please click on the link below: Boston Barrier Scheme Update [...]

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A partnership including the Environment Agency (EA), Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board (IDB), Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), Boston Borough Council (BBC), Anglian Northern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC), the Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) and the National Farmers Union (NFU) has been working to review how water is managed in the SFF Catchmen [...]

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Click the image below for a full PDF version; [...]

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on 25th May 2018 and like many other organisations Black Sluice IDB have been working hard to make sure we comply with the new regulations. Part of this is to review our Data Protection Policy which can be found at Policy No: 32 Data Protection Policy [...]

This notice is published as directed by the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under regulation 28 [...]

In line with other Lincolnshire IDB's, the Board has introduced a new, single-format, Land Drainage Consent a [...]

Jessica Baxter who has just finished a one year apprenticeship with Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board has been named Apprentice of the Year in Business Administration at a ceremony at the Sam Newsome Music Centre in Boston last night. Studying at Boston College and gaining a level 2 diploma in Business and Administration, Jess has been employed full time with BSIDB and is carry [...]

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Floods Minister Thérèse Coffey has marked the start of works on the £100 million Boston Barrier flood defence, breaking ground on an Environment Agency scheme that will protect 14,000 homes and businesses from tidal flooding. Work is already underway to dredge more than 5,000 cubic metres of silt from the Boston Haven to make way for construction. Over the coming months, 2 [...]

The consultation papers are available by clicking on the image below. [...]

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Plans for the £100 million flood defence have been approved by the Secretary of State Michael Gove and HM Treasury The Environment Agency’s £100m Boston Barrier – which will better protect more than 14,000 properties from tidal flooding – has been given the green light by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Michael G [...]

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Click on the picture below for more information [...]
The Board's Annual return is now available on our website HERE [...]
Wash Week is back! This celebratory week-ish long series of events explores the maritime history, culture, people and wildlife of The Wash and North Norfolk. This summer from the 4th to the 13th of August Wash Week partners will deliver an exciting series of events including fun filled family activities, guided walks, boat trips, informative talks in historic places around coastal Norfolk and Lincolnshire and much more. Come and immerse yourself in this extraordinary part of the Great [...]

After much preparatory work and engagement with Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), the Environment Agency (EA) and other partners involved, ADA is delighted to announce that Defra have given the green light to a number of pilot projects to propose to “de-main” certain sections of main river across the country. The process involves investigating the passing [...]
Floodex 2017 (in partnership with the Association of Drainage Authorities) is the trade event for flood defence and the water level management sector. 17th & 18th May 2017 - Peterborough Arena (East of England Showground) The event is free to attend and there will be many top name exhibitors plus a full seminar and workshop programme. For further information, see the [...]
The House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee have published a report calling for a major reform of flood management in England. The Association of Drainage Authorities (ADA) has responded saying that the ideas contained in the report must be used to challenge England's water and flood risk m [...]

Anglian Water have launched a new campaign called Pollution Watch to raise awareness of sewage pollution and the impacts it can have on the environment, particularly in rivers and other watercourses. If anyone spots sewage pollution in a watercourse they should call Anglian Water's Pollution Hotline number 03457 145 145. [...]
The Audit of the Annual Return by our Auditors, Grant Thornton LLP, has now been completed. The Annual Return and Conclusion of Audit can now be found in the Finance Section of our resource library. [...]
Water must be seen as a precious resource, with all sectors of the industry working together to encourage and incentivise people to value good water management without the need for over-regulation and red-tape. That’s the view of Innes Thomson, chief executive, ADA, commenting on the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017 evidence report released this week (July 12). [...]

The Unaudited Financial Statements and Annual return for the Year ended 31st March 2016 have been published on our website following approval by the Board yesterday. To view the documents please click on the pictures below or they can be found in the Finance Section of the document Library. The Annual Return will now be sent to our appointed External Auditors for review. [...]

Here are the dates and venues for upcoming Lincolnshire ADA Environment Committee meetings: Wednesday 8th June 2016 at 1:30pm Black Sluice IDB, Station Road, Swineshead, Boston, PE20 3PW Wednesday 14th September 2016 at 12:30pm Welland and Deepings IDB, Deeping House, Welland Terrace, Spalding, PE11 2TD followed by a visit to Vine House Farm Wednesday 7th December 2016 at 1:30pm North East Lindsey DB, [...]

Click here larger PDF version [...]

The information leaflet sent out with the 2016 Drainage Rate Demand notices included four aerial photos taken in 1964 of the future sites of four of the Board's pumping stations. The photos below show which Pumping Stations were built in these locations and what they look like today. [...]

Floodex 2016 (in partnership with the Association of Drainage Authorities) is the trade event for flood defence and the water level management sector. 18th & 19th May 2016 - Peterborough Arena (East of England Showground) The event is free to attend and there will be over 70 exhibitors plus a full seminar and workshop programme. For further information, see the [...]
The Board will be carrying out its annual weed-control spraying programme on certain sections of Board maintained drains between 1st April and 30th May 2016. These works involve the use of Roundup Pro Biactive (Glyphosate) which is applied by hand spraying (knapsack) within and along the drain. A full list and map of the lengths that are intended to be treated can be found on the Board's web [...]

The Lincolnshire Branch of the Association of Drainage Authorities have produced a new leaflet to promote the historic steam and diesel driven pumping stations around the county. Click on the image below to view the complete leaflet or further information about each of the pumping stations can be found at the links below. [...]

Briefing note following the consulatation feedback received yesterday. [...]

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November 2015 Newsletter now available. Further information can be found on our Boston Barrier page. [...]
The Environment Agency's (EA) consultation on managing flood risk in the Black Sluice Catchment finished on the 27th September 2015. The Board's response to this consultation can be viewed by following the link below: BSIDB Response to Black Sluice Catchment Consultation Other responses to the consultation can be viewed on the EA website: [...]

The very important and long awaited consultation period has commenced and runs for six weeks until the 27th September 2015. We would advise you to attend one of the consultation events and come along to talk to ourselves and the EA staff in attendance: 25th August, Billingborough Village Hall, 1pm - 8pm 1st Septem [...]

Black Sluice IDB have been working in partnership with the Environment Agency to explore the future options for the Black Sluice Catchment. The next stage to this is for a public consultation detailed in the briefing note below. We also have a number of posters below which can be dowloaded to view or display. If you would like printed versions please contact us on the Office number [...]

Black Sluice IDB's Northern Works Committee 2015 Inspection Tour has been featured in the Boston Bulletin Daily for 10th March 2015. The article details some of the works that the Board is currently undertaking in the Wyberton Marsh area in response to the 5 December 2013 East Coast Tidal Surge. Click on the image below to view the full Boston Bulletin article. [...]
The Board will be carrying out its annual weed-control spraying programme on certain sections of Board maintained drains between 30th March and 30th May 2015. These works involve the use of Roundup Pro Biactive (Glyphosate) which is applied by hand spraying (knapsack) within and along the drain. A full list and map of the lengths that are intended to be treated can be found on the Board's we [...]
The Environment Agency (EA) are holding two public consultation events about the options for reducing the flood risk in the South Forty Foot Catchment. Following flood damage to the EA's Black Sluice Pumping Station in Boston caused by the 5 December 2013 East Coast Tidal Surge, the EA are exploring alternative flood risk managment solutions for the catchment. Further details and information can be found the in the document linked below: [...]

Following the higher than average Spring temperatures coupled with the frequent rain showers we are in a position that in order to proactively address potential flooding issues we are commencing our summer cutting season earlier than planned. Works will commence on the 23rd June on some of the higher profile drains and pump drains throughout our catchments. We [...]
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