ORC commissioned WSP to develop a long-list of potential management options.

The long list includes both existing measures that could be expanded or modified, and new measures identified through the literature review and review of current management practices.

At this stage, the objective is not to identify a preferred solution, but rather to establish a comprehensive set of potentially feasible options for further consideration.

The long list includes a range of structural, nature-based, planning, retreat, monitoring, and emergency management measures.

Given the large number of potential measures available, an initial feasibility screening has been undertaken by WSP to identify options that warrant more detailed investigation. The screening is intended to provide a high-level assessment of each option's suitability within the Teviot Valley context, considering factors such as technical feasibility, alignment with local catchment conditions, likely effectiveness, constructability, land availability, environmental constraints, ongoing maintenance requirements, and potential community and stakeholder acceptance. Each option has been assigned a preliminary feasibility rating of High, Moderate, or Low. See the report for more details.

At the next stage, options from the initial list will be combined into proposed debris flood management plans at a group or individual catchment level, as necessary. The proposed debris flood management plans will be shared with the community in early/mid 2027 for feedback.

ORC will continue to work with partners and stakeholders, and community feedback gathered from the public will be considered in the process. Public comments and concerns will help us to understand community perspectives. Going forward we will be better placed to have more tailored discussions.