Potential groundwater impacts from civil engineering works

Civil engineering construction works often have a significant impact on groundwater conditions. Such an impact can range from the derogation of water sources by dewatering works, to the creation of barriers and pathways for groundwater flow formed by foundations or ground improvement processes. In some cases, not all these impacts are identified early enough during the planning and design process. This paper describes the full range of potential groundwater impacts which can result form construction activities. The effects are grouped into five rational categories as an aid to initial assessment. The need for accurate baseline groundwater environmental data is set out, and recommendations are made for the planning of monitoring programmes.

Reference
Preene, M. and Brassington, F.C. (2003) Potential groundwater impacts from civil engineering works. Journal of the Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management, Volume 17, Pages 59-64.