PROJECT NEWS
Slope Stability Assessment, Tameside
Steep slope stability at the rear of properties was monitored by land surveying as there was evidence of land instability, which materialised along a busy public footpath.
A site investigation was procured to allow for examination of ground conditions in the area of shallow surface movement and to obtain parameters for a slope stability assessment.
Restricted access meant that a windowless sampling rig could only be used, rather than a cable percussive rig, which would have allowed for inspection of deeper strata.
The resultant drilling proved a weak horizon at 2m which could be attributed to slope movement.
Dynamic Cone Penetration testing allowed for recording SPT N equivalent values to a depth of 10m.
These further higlighted the weak zone at a shallow depth.
Ten Cumbria Sites
In the last quarter of 2017 the Stockport office was busy conducting site investgiations on ten sites in Cumbria for new telecommunication masts on electricity sub-station sites.
The work involved a combination of window sampling, cable percussive and rotary coring drilling on live electricity sub-station sites (or planned new sites).
All work was undertaken on consecutive days, moving between sites and enjoying the stunning Lake District views.
Many sites were challenging due to access restrictions and the presence of many services.
A Ground Probing Radar was used to assist with the delineation of services.
New Retail Store, Morecambe
Following an earlier Phase 1 GeoEnvironmental Drsk Study assessment we were asked to conduct a site investigation inside a bowling alley, where a new retail store was planned.
At the time of the site investigation the bowling alley was still present and this proved difficult for the drilling process. All rigs needed to be stripped, with exhaust gases ventilated to external doorways.
The site investigation surprisingly proved a laterally continuous competent clay horizon that allowed for the design of shallow strip/pad foundations for the new structure.
Air Quality Assessments, UK Wide
As part of the planning application process we have conducted a number of air quality assessments for clients.
The first stage in the assessment is to consult with the environmental health department to obtain their most recent Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) reports and pollutant monitoring data for the area, as well as to discuss and confirm the acceptability of our proposed methodology.
Detailed dispersion modelling is undertaken using ADMS-Roads in order to fully quantify levels of NO2 and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10μm (PM10) at the site and identify any potential exposure of future occupants to unacceptable concentrations. ADMS-Roads is a commonly used software package for the prediction of pollution dispersion and the results are accepted by Local Authorities throughout the UK.
Flood Risk Assessments, Surface Water Management and Drainage Design, UK Wide
We are often asked to provide flood risk assessments, SUDS reports and the design of drainage networks.
The EA flood map serves aa the initial primary source of information for any flood risk assessment.
Our flood risk assessment work includes: Analysis of available flood map data; Analysis of local authority Risk Assessment; Flood Risk Assessment of all potential sources of flooding; Mitigation features to be included in design of the buildings if required.
The local authority will always require a surface water management report and drainage strategy drawings which will include: Surface water management report detailing the discharge destination and SuDS hierarchy; and pollution control methods; Calculations for the pre and post development run-off rates; run-off volumes; and attenuation volumes using WinDes computer software; Drawings detailing the proposed drainage network including the SuDS elements flow control details; attenuation structure details; outfall details; and flow exceedance routes;
Details and drawings of management and maintenance of the SuDS elements.
Site Investigation, Ripponden
A site investigation has recently been completed for a long standing client for a new housing development. The project is the third in the last four years in the beautiful Ripponden valley.
The site is partially located with a flood risk zone and on a steeply sloping site. Site works were complete in January during a period of inclement weather, which made crossing the site difficult.
Ongoing works includes the completion of laboratory environmental and geotechnical testing, ground gas monitoring and the completion of the interpretative report.
This report will advise on ground conditions for foundation design purposes and to determine whether there are any contamination issues.
Teggsnose Reservoir, Macclesfield
Work recently commenced on our second reservoir project in the Stockport office. We are engaged by a contractor to oversee temporary and permanent groundworks.
Construction works includes the construction of a new wave wall on the dam, with foundations placed within the clay core.
Ongoing works includes the completion of laboratory environmental and geotechnical testing, ground gas monitoring and the completion of the interpretative report.
This report will advise on ground conditions for foundation design purposes and to determine whether there are any contamination issues.
Stockport Office News
After some rebuilding of the team towards the back-end of 2017 things finished well as the newly gelled larger team were kept very busy up until finishing for the Christmas period.
After being able to reflect on another successful year during the short break, EEG have hit the ground running entering 2018 with a constant flow of work in an economy where industry competitors are encountering difficulties.
The recent implementations of HoleBase SI Pro and KeyAGS has enhanced the efficiency and the quality of the production of borehole logs produced by EEG. In addition to logs the team are now able to generate 2D cross sections and location maps in which we can also manipulate chemical data to generate concentration hotspots, providing a very clear visual understanding for the client.
A computer programme has also been acquired which allows for probabilistic slope stability assessments.
Staff News
Nigel Ramsumair our new Senior Consultant arrived from CJA Associates, bringing with him four years of industry experience in the supervision of large projects and geo-environmental consulting.
With such a positive influx of work at our Stockport office it was imperative to further develop the team leading to the more recent additions of Jessica Sheridan and Jonathan Cummins.
Our newest graduate Jonathan Cummins who recently completed his master’s in environmental geology and contamination. He is now heavily involved in environmental monitoring, site investigation soils logging, site supervision and report writing, thriving in our fast-paced working environment.
Our Stockport Office now consists of a young innovative team that have all have master’s degrees and are always keeping up to date with new practises within our discipline.
