Hydrogeology
ESP delivers hydrogeological assessments that provide expert insight into groundwater conditions, flow regimes and environmental impacts
Ground structures and groundwater behaviour are critical controls on many schemes. The hydrogeology can influence stability (temporary and long-term), contamination migration and exploitation of water, oil and other minerals.
ESP has carried out hydrogeological assessments in a wide variety of geological environments. This requires an in depth knowledge of the geological conditions and groundwater regime, as well as the project objectives and requirements of the client and is provided by our team of hydrogeologists and engineers.
Desk based research of existing information held by bodies such as the British Geological Survey, Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency is carried out, followed by on site investigations and monitoring, including variable head, constant head and other testing procedures in accordance with BS EN ISO 22282. Information is analysed and interpreted by our experienced staff.
The natural world is complex and analytical solutions have to be tested against real-world conditions. Failure to do so can put feasibility and safety at risk.
Our Hydrogeology Services
Recent Hydrogeology Projects
Case Study 1: Hydrogeological desk study in Oxfordshire
ESP delivered a hydrogeological desk study in Oxfordshire to investigate the causes of groundwater flooding beneath a residential property. Works included geological and hydrogeological data review, historical mapping analysis and assessment of the site’s topographical setting to identify the likely flooding mechanisms.
We provided a clear interpretative assessment that informed a targeted intrusive investigation and supported the development of future mitigation measures.
Case Study 2: Hydrogeology and SuDS Assessment, Rhoose
As part of the redevelopment of a greenfield site, ESP undertook assessments for a planned large residential development in Rhoose.
Based on a detailed understanding of the hydrogeology and multi-technique infiltration/permeability testing for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) the feasibility of soakaway drainage was demonstrated within the Porthkerry Member bedrock.
Case Study 3: Hydrogeological assessment for the regeneration of the Coed Ely area
A detailed appreciation of aquifer geometry across the valley was required in order to understand the artesian groundwater pressures that occurred on the site.
Predictions on the expected groundwater responses and variations in the pressure gradient as the development progressed were also provided.
This involved the use of quantitative modelling as a means to best understand and predict the aquifer behaviour.
Explore our project gallery to see our team in action. From initial investigations to final delivery, these images represent our commitment to high quality data collection and the professional standards we bring to every project.
Project Gallery
We are proud to serve as a trusted partner for a diverse range of clients, delivering specialist geotechnical and geo-environmental expertise to the UK’s most ambitious projects.
Trusted By
We operate within a framework of professional memberships and industry-recognised accreditations, including ISO9001 and ISO 14001, ensuring that our technical delivery is consistently aligned with the highest standards of quality and governance.
Our Accreditations
Our Hydrogeology Experience at ESP
Examples of ESP hydrogeology experience includes:
- Stability assessments of colliery spoil and refuse tips in the mountainous Welsh Coalfield.
- Stability design of opencast coal sites throughout the UK.
- Stability assessments for a proposed large road embankment where groundwater was present at the surface within underlying peat and clay deposits;
- Management of water resources in arid regions.
- Detailed hydrogeological and multi-technique infiltration/permeability testing for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).
- Geochemical attack on construction materials in the UK and Middle East.
- Hydrogeological assessment for coastal landfill to inform contaminant migration and viable pollutant linkages.
- Solving quarrying problems at minimum cost and disruption to the operator. Assisting in deepening, extensions, stability assessments and environmental impact assessments.
- Management of complex groundwater conditions, notably artesian groundwater conditions whilst cutting into the hillside of a Welsh valley. These conditions had the potential to cause catastrophic failure during construction and completion of the development. An understanding of hydrogeological system for the site was required and appropriate mitigation measures were designed.
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Earth Science Partnership is a leading expert in hydrogeologic services across Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. We have decades of combined experience in our team of industry-recognised experts.
Our work, for homeowners, land owners, developers, and investors is completed in compliance with the latest, relevant industry best practices and guidance. We understand that every project is unique, so we deliver our services tailored to your needs.
If you’re looking to complete a hydrogeology assessment, the ESP team can support you with a straightforward, cost-effective solution for your planning permission application.
Author
I am a UK Registered Ground Engineering Specialist and Chartered Engineering & Environmental Geologist with significant experience in Site Hazard Assessment, Remediation, Design, and Implementation across the Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical sectors in the UK and abroad.
I often work in multi-disciplinary teams advising other engineering and design professionals on the implications of ground hazards.
My work involves undertaking design, planning, management, and reporting of ground investigations. For example investigations for new developments and many bespoke studies including:
- Assessment of hydrogeological settings, materials for earthworks.
- Impact of abandoned mine workings.
- Remediation and stability assessment of soil and rock slopes/landslides, most notably the Pantteg Landslide in the Swansea Valley for which I have guided and presented assessments to Local Authority officers and the general public.