A new association supporting the use of sustainable
drainage within all new developments will be officially launched during the
water industry’s key national trade event, Floodex 2019 at
Peterborough Arena, 27-28 Feb 2019.
ASA,
the Association of SuDS Authorities, has been created following discussion with
Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) across the country, and will be the member
organisation for professionals working with Local Authorities in the delivery
of sustainable drainage.
Working
closely alongside ADA (Association of Drainage Authorities) and the
Construction Industry Research and Information Association, CIRIA, ASA will
engage with government and industry bodies to provide a single voice in the
delivery of sustainable drainage.
ASA
is committed to promoting sustainable drainage to ensure future development can
keep pace with the challenges of the changing climate, and ensuring that SuDS
(sustainable drainage systems) are maintained over the lifetime of a
development.
Formed out of the transition of the working group of
LLFAs know as Local Authority SuDS Officer Organisation (LASOO), ASA will
formally commence as a community interest company on 1st April 2019, and will be launching during the Floodex trade show on 27th February.
Bronwyn Buntine, sustainable drainage team leader
at Kent County Council, will be amongst the ASA team introducing the Floodex
audience to the new membership body. “From the inaugural LASOO conference back in June
2017, it soon became apparent there was an appetite for the establishment of a
formal association, supporting the delivery of sustainable drainage,” explains
Ms Buntine.
The
association will act as a support mechanism for those involved in the delivery
of sustainable drainage.
“It
will be providing support via a series of services, including a closed group
web portal to facilitate discussion between association members, as well as
hosting a group of technical experts to support members on common issues,” adds
Ms Buntine.
“Regional
hubs for members will be established, quarterly newsletters and updates will be
made available alongside an annual workshop with training courses and webinars.
Membership is open to LLFAs and Local Authorities, as well as commercial
organisations as Affiliate Members.”
ASA
will maintain its close working relationship with ADA and CIRIA, with access to
further technical support.
Bronwyn
Buntine introduces ASA and looks at the economic and cost benefits of
sustainable drainage as she addresses the audience at Floodex 2019. Visit www.floodex.co.uk
for details and to register your free attendance for the trade event for those
involved in water level and flood risk management.
