hydrogeology and water resources management

The basis of all hydrogeological assessments is the development of an understanding of the groundwater flow system based on a knowledge of the local geology. With more than 36 years practical experience of interpretative hydrogeology, all hydrogeological assessments are based on a good understanding of the geology of an area and field evidence of groundwater flow.

Assessment of the Buxton thermal spring
The Buxton Crescent & Spa Project will result in the UK's second only natural mineral water spa and the first spa hotel for over a century when it is completed in 2007. Based in the Crescent, the project will refurbish Georgian buildings to provide an 87-bed 4 star hotel linked to a refurbished thermal natural mineral water spa in the adjoining Natural Baths. Water from the Buxton thermal spring will be used for spa treatments and is also used as the source of a bottled natural mineral water and the St Ann's Well where the public have access to the thermal waters. The developer is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the redevelopment does not interfere with the flow of the thermal spring. High Peak Borough Council, the owner of the Buxton thermal spring has appointed Rick Brassington to provide it with hydrogeological advice throughout the project.

Assessment of the hydrogeology of animal disposal site
During the foot and mouth crisis of 2001 animals were slaughtered from farms that neighboured those with animals with the disease as part of the government's policy. This resulted in very large numbers of animals, mainly sheep being buried in new landfill sites. Rick Brassington worked with a major groundwater consultancy as part of a team evaluating and designing containment measures of a site near Carlisle Cumbria. A conceptual model of the groundwater flow system was developed from limited existing data, field observations and on-site test data.

Assessment of potential impact on well water supply
A developer proposed to construct a new grain silo that involves a foundation design using deep piles that fully penetrate a gravel aquifer. Concerns were raised by an abstractor that the proposed foundations design would restrict the groundwater flow through the aquifer and reduced the yield of nearby wells. Using a combination of historical information and field measurements, it was possible to demonstrate that the natural groundwater flow direction is not towards these wells as had been assumed. Calculations also showed that any potential impact would be very small with the most likely outcome being a slight raising of groundwater levels leading to an increase the available yield from the wells.

Hydrogeological assessment of a limestone quarry
The client was considering the purchase of a limestone quarry as a potential landfill site. The project was to use available geological and groundwater data together with observations made during a walk-over survey to prepare a desk study report of the hydrogeology of the site and assess the potential environmental impact from the proposed landfill to meet the requirements of a Regulation 15 Assessment.