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Approach To Option Selection
The process of choosing the Preferred Flood Management Strategy for the Blyth Estuary is made up of several stages. This allows the Agency to check at each stage of strategy development that the appropriate level of detailed study has been given to each option before it is taken forward or ruled out. The process also allows the views of stakeholders to be included at each key stage. This process is set out below:

Stage 1: Defining the Flood Risk and Flood Management Options
The risk of flooding in the Blyth Estuary with the existing defences is defined. A range of general flood management options that can potentially be applied to any stretch of defence to manage the flood risk are then considered. These options are: 1. No Active Intervention, 2. Do Minimum, 3. Hold the Line, 4. Advance the Line and 5. Managed Realignment. Stage 1 was consulted on through the ‘Blyth Estuary Strategy Options Consultation Document’ in February 2004.
Stage 2: Shortlisting the Flood Management Options
The general flood management options, and combinations of these options, are tested using the Blyth Estuary computer model. This model has been validated with representatives from the Blyth Consultation Group who have detailed knowledge of the local estuary processes. The impact of an option on the estuary’s tidal nature, changing water levels and flows are derived from the modelling. Options that allow us to manage the estuary processes form a short list of options for the estuary. Options that do not allow us to manage the estuary are unlikely to be considered further.

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Stage 3: Appraisal of the Shortlisted Flood Management Options
The Shortlisted Options produced in Stage 2, and combinations of these options, undergo more detailed technical, economic and environmental analysis to identify a Preferred Estuary Option or set of Options. The Government sets strict guidelines as to how any impacts should be assessed, so that they can be compared and prioritised in relation to other flood management strategies and schemes being undertaken in other parts of the UK.
Stage 4: Identification of the Preferred Flood Management Strategy
The Preferred Estuary Option(s) identified in Stage 3 will be developed in terms of how and when it will be implemented over the next 100 year and will undergo a final level of technical, economic and environmental assessment to develop the Preferred Flood Management Strategy. The Preferred Flood Management Strategy will be the subject of further consultation.