ESI’s Year in Review

ESI is the UK’s leading independent environmental and scientific consultancy, specialising in Water Resource Management, Land Quality (Contaminated Land and Landfill) and Ground Source Energy. With offices in the UK and Italy, ESI supports clients across Europe to develop their opportunities, understand and comply with environmental legislation and manage their risks through the combination of sound science and a clear commercial understanding.

OverviewESI has experienced an increase in demand across our portfolio of specialist environmental services. We have successfully delivered a range of diverse projects through the application of sound science and our leading technical ‘know how’. As our clients face economic challenges our focus has been on understanding their needs and providing high quality tailored solutions. ESI’s capability in Ground Source Energy has grown and our technical leadership position in this field is now recognised through our increasing involvement in delivering sustainable energy solutions both domestically and internationally.

We are pleased to showcase some of the prestigious and exciting projects that we have recently been engaged on.• Conceptual modelling of the London Basin Aquifer for the Environment Agency • Expert witness work relating to land contamination, human health and controlled waters risk assessment • Abstraction impacts on stream eco-systems for Severn Trent Water • Project management of a major diesel spill protecting a Blue Chip client’s reputation • Implementing a Local Authority contaminated land inspection strategy • Evaluating pollutant risks at one of the UK’s largest brownfield sites • Supporting United Utilities to develop a new groundwater source • Evaluating London’s Ground Source Energy potential for the Environment Agency • Developing technical training courses to support client compliance with environmental legislation • Ground Source Energy advice and modelling for a new IKEA store in Italy

“It has been another exciting year at ESI and, as my first as Chairman, I am particularly proud of our achievements. In addition to streamlining our organisation and making key appointments, we have consolidated our international activities and established a clear strategy for our future direction. We have now embarked on a new growth phase building on our core strengths and allied technical specialisms, which includes ground source energy” Richard McCaffrey - Chairman, ESI Ltd.

“Our consultancy team takes pride in “getting it right”. Through a rigorous scientific approach and a focus on quality, ESI has developed over the last 15 years by recommendation and word of mouth. We are keen to raise our profile and realise our full potential. We would like to keep you abreast of ongoing developments of our capability and show you how we make a difference for our clients, which we feel is best achieved by providing you with some examples of our recent work” Mark Fermor - Managing Director, ESI Ltd.

Chairman’s Statement

A message from our Managing Director

The aquifer beneath London is subject to a considerable number of pressures. As rising groundwater levels are controlled, issues remain with abstraction sustainability, artificial recharge, ground source energy, saline intrusion, groundwater flooding and the Olympics. Whilst the aquifer is large on a UK scale, the groundwater resource is relatively limited and replenishes over long timescales.

The London aquifer is one of the most densely investigated and data-rich in the UK. After comprehensive literature review and data analysis, ESI developed a conceptual understanding of

relevant hydrogeological processes. Based on the most up-to-date geological interpretation of Chalk layering, ESI has been able to provide the Environment Agency with a deeper understanding of the aquifer system and the geological controls on groundwater flow within it.

This robust and quantified conceptual model will act as a starting point for the development of a new numerical groundwater model for London and ESI is now undertaking further studies of the London basin for the Environment Agency.

1. Developing an up-to-date conceptual model of London hydrogeology

ESI has advanced the hydrogeological understanding of the London Basin aquifer.

Client: Environment Agency

Following failure of pipework a major retailer lost up to 100,000 litres of diesel to the shallow subsurface close to a river in northern England. The migration of hydrocarbons through the shallow groundwater and drains system led to river impacts, and an active remediation system based on soil vapour extraction and product skimming was implemented at the site. ESI was asked to provide expert witness services, advising on the migration and fate of diesel in the subsurface environment, and assessment of the residual risk and remedial actions required to address controlled waters and human health risks.

This work included advising as an independent appointed expert for the retailer on best practice in the assessment and management of risks and liabilities arising from uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons and their impact on neighboring sites and surface watercourses, and appraisal of remedial actions. Following completion of investigations and a detailed quantitative risk assessment, the findings demonstrated that active remediation has addressed all significant contamination risks at the site. Further consultation is now ongoing to ensure that all stakeholders can provide relevant input before final report issue, remedial system decommissioning, and nearby site development for residential end use.

2. Expert Witness – Advising on contamination risks and liabilities from diesel spill

ESI’s specialist staff undertake numerous expert witness appointments to assist parties facing possible or actual litigation or regulatory enforcement action, or in support of waste management permitting and water resources or planning appeal hearings.

Client: A UK law firm on behalf of a leading petrol retailer

Over the last eight years ESI and consortium partners (ecologists, APEM and hydrologists, Hydro-logic) have been working closely with STWL on key groundwater dependent streams and wetlands in the Midlands. Work has spanned the AMP3 and AMP4 programmes in 18 catchments and ESI has reviewed the impact of over 30 abstractions.

ESI has now been commissioned to carry out work on a further 20 sites during AMP5, initially carrying out desk studies of the hydrological and ecological conditions in each catchment. ESI will develop an understanding of the hydrology and hydrogeology of these catchments and quantitatively assess the

risk that abstractions are causing perceived low flow problems. If further investigations are needed, ESI will scope out the works. For some AMP3 and AMP4 sites new observation boreholes have been installed and extensive monitoring programmes have been undertaken. At some of the sites the new data is clearly demonstrating that there is no abstraction related low flow problems, at other sites the scale of the problem is now being quantified and this will provide important data for the next phase of work which is identification and costing of remedial options.

3. Understanding abstraction impacts on stream ecosystems

ESI has established a dedicated consortium to provide state-of the-art eco-hydrology services to water companies.

Client: Severn Trent Water

The rupture of ageing pipe work at a large engineering plant in the West Midlands resulted in over 40,000 litres of red diesel being discharged to ground overnight.

The diesel moved rapidly away from the underground leakage via on-site drains and was subsequently discharged to a tributary of the River Severn.

Within hours of the leak’s discovery ESI was on site working with the client team. An emergency action plan was promptly formulated, using the collective knowledge and skills of the client, ESI, the local water company and the Environment Agency. The speed and appropriateness of the project team response, coordinated by ESI, was

later commended in a letter from the Environment Agency. ESI’s contribution was regarded as significant in minimising the long term impacts of the leak.

Based on the findings of an intensive site investigation programme (incorporating drilling, trial pitting, CCTV drainage surveys and forensic laboratory testing), the extent of the fuel leak was defined. A three month remediation programme followed, as a consequence of which over 80 percent of the leaked diesel was recovered.

As a direct consequence of the robust site characterisation and remediation programme undertaken the Environment Agency elected not to fine or prosecute the client in relation to the incident.

4. Emergency clean-up of a 40,000 litre diesel leak

ESI minimised the environmental, reputational and financial liabilities associated with a high profile fuel leak.

Client: Multinational manufacturing company

Local Authorities in the UK have a statutory duty under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to “identify, in a rational, ordered and efficient manner, land which merits detailed individual inspection, identifying the most pressing and serious problems first.”

ESI has developed bespoke software which supports Local Authorities to identify and rank potentially contaminated sites within the district forming the basis of their prioritised inspection strategy.

The software enables instant ranking and prioritisation of sites within a Local Authority’s overall strategy. As new environmental information becomes available and is added to the system, the model is updated.

The ranking approach is clearly structured and readily updateable allowing relevant local issues to be integrated into the risk ranking system and ensuring a robust and effective inspection strategy.

5. Implementing a Local Authority’s Part IIA contaminated land inspection strategy

ESI developed risk ranking software which takes into account the specific contamination issues in northeast Derbyshire.

Client: North East Derbyshire District Council

The East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) was responsible for an ambitious regeneration programme associated with a former coking and chemical works. The 98 hectare brownfield site included various solid waste tips and effluent waste lagoons. The risks posed by the historical wastes to the local environment were identified during the initial phases of the regeneration programme. Specific concerns were raised regarding the ongoing pollution impacts on the River Rother, which passes through the site.

The pollution impacts on the River Rother were assessed using a stochastic risk assessment modelling approach. A number of numerical risk models were configured using ESI’s specialist software (RAM). The models allowed current impacts on the River Rother to be quantified, as well as the residual impacts following the implementation of selected remedial engineering options. As such, ESI’s findings assisted EMDA to select the optimal remediation strategy for managing future impacts on the water environment at this nationally renowned site.

6. Assessing the pollution risks from one of UK’s largest contaminated sites

ESI’s detailed pollution assessment led to the selection of the best value remedial option.

Client: on behalf of the East Midlands Development Agency

United Utilities forecasts a shortfall in water resource availability in West Cumbria by 2015, as abstraction is reduced from Ennerdale Water to support a downstream population of the freshwater pearl mussel. To meet this shortfall, UU is undertaking a project to deliver a new water resources scheme, water efficiency measures and reduce mains leakage.

A key part of the scheme is the development of a sustainable groundwater resource from the West

Cumbria aquifer. In support of this ESI’s Water Resources Team first carried out a scoping study and initial field investigations to identify any issues that might constrain development of the resource in a sustainable manner. ESI developed a plan for borehole test pumping and four new production boreholes were drilled during autumn 2010. ESI is currently collecting and analysing monitoring data to support a future abstraction licence application to the Environment Agency.

7. West Cumbria groundwater resource development

ESI is providing valuable support to United Utilities’ groundwater team to develop a new groundwater source in West Cumbria.

Client: United Utilities

ESI’s groundwater and thermo geology modelling expertise is in growing demand as the number of Ground Energy systems being installed increases. The need for effective thermal modelling using FEFLOW (finite element code for modelling groundwater and heat transport) and some of our other tools is now recognised to assess both the potential for thermal interference and the long term efficiency of installations.

ESI has been commissioned by the Environment Agency - Thames Region, to develop a groundwater model that can be used to assess the individual and

cumulative impacts of Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) schemes in London. The work involves further development of the FEFLOW models that ESI developed for London Underground as part of the Cooling the Tube programme. ESI is taking into account information held by the Environment Agency on new and proposed GSHP schemes throughout central London. The project also builds on ESI’s recent work to develop and document a conceptual model of the hydrogeology of the London Basin for the Environment Agency.

8. Groundwater modelling: In support of Ground Source Energy systems

ESI’s new Ground Source Energy team is providing valuable support to both potential developers and regulators of Ground Source Energy schemes.

Client: Various public and private sector clients

As environmental legislation evolves, environmental professionals from regulators and in-house advisors to independent consultants have an ongoing and increasing need to continually update their skills and technical knowledge. ESI has developed a portfolio of courses, including modular and bespoke that can be tailored to individual or corporate needs.

In 2010 ESI has continued to deliver a range of high quality courses from our training facility in Shrewsbury; topics range from environmental

geostatistics to human health risk assessment. In recognition of the budgetary constraints currently being experienced across the regulatory and consulting communities ESI has also delivered a variety of condensed training sessions (lasting between 2 and 6 hours) to client groups at various locations across the UK. These bite-sized regional workshops and hands-on training courses have proved highly successful and will be further developed throughout 2011 and beyond to include new topics such as Ground Source Energy.

9. ESI Technical Training Courses

ESI is the UK’s leading provider of technical training for professionals working in soil and groundwater science.

Client: Various, public and private sector

Ground source cooling and heating is a major part of ESI’s Italian business. ESI has established itself as a leading consultant in the Italian renewable energy market. We help businesses develop energy saving heating and cooling schemes and obtain the necessary regulatory approval. Ground source cooling schemes are strictly regulated in Italy where thermal impacts on aquifers could otherwise create environmental problems. A typical large project is the 1.4MW closed loop scheme for the Corsico IKEA store in Milan for which ESI provided modelling to support the design and impact assessment.

The scheme is a 300 borehole closed loop scheme which feeds the combined heating and cooling needs of the store, a well balanced energy demand over the annual cycle. ESI carried out the detailed modelling studies and heat plume predictions in support of regulatory negotiation and permitting. ESI showed that the scheme provided a sustainable, energy efficient solution to the building’s needs without any unacceptable impacts on the aquifer. The scheme has now been successfully installed.

10. Ground Source Energy for IKEA, Italy

ESI is one of the leading consultants in renewable energy and Ground Source Energy in Italy.

Client: IKEA Italy

Director Overview

ChairmanRichard McCaffrey

Managing DirectorMark FermorMark is a hydrogeologist with particular expertise in quantitative methods for resource management, contamination assessment and groundwater modelling.  He has practical experience of investigating and remediating a wide range of contamination hazards in soil and groundwater and in undertaking hydrogeological risk assessments using both qualitative and quantitative methods.  Mark has provided advice regarding regulatory compliance and water quality legislation and standards for numerous industrial and government clients.  He also has extensive experience in providing expert witness services and litigation support and negotiations, and provision of environmental assessments for planning applications and appeals.

Director – Ground Source EnergyAlan HerbertAlan is a hydrogeologist with over 25 years experience of groundwater resource assessment, contaminant transport and heat transfer modelling. He has applied this knowledge and experience to the issues facing Ground Source Energy below the subsurface. Alan has considerable modelling and mathematical expertise applied toGround Source Energy problems through research and lecturing, where the development of models to address heat transport was a particular interest.

Richard is a successful Board Director and chartered civil engineer with over 30 years experience in environmental services. Most recently he was COO of an international engineering and environmental Plc where he contributed to a major growth phase serving environmental markets. Previously, he established the environmental division of a leading UK consultancy pioneering innovative landfill design and acting as expert witness at arbitrations involving contaminated land. He now advises companies within the environmental space on business strategy and is an accredited mediator on environmental disputes. Richard joined ESI as Chairman in January 2009 where he has been instrumental in devising the company’s corporate development plan.

Director – Water Resource GroupMike StreetlyMike is a very experienced hydrogeologist and project director who is well known throughout the industry for his skills and experience in water resource assessment.  He has strong numerical skills which have been applied to solving a wide variety of hydrogeological problems and has extensive practical experience, particularly in the design, installation and operation of hydrometric networks and pumping tests. Mike is a regular contributor to professional conferences and has published papers on a variety of topics.  He has served as a member of the committee of the Hydrogeological Group. He has project managed numerous hydrogeological impact assessments for the extractive industry, including several of the largest limestone quarries in the UK. 

Director – Land GroupHannah Fraser

Director - Company SecretaryStephen Sykes

Hannah is an experienced hydrogeologist with a broad range of experience in contaminated land assessment and remediation, human health and environmental risk assessment, mining and quarrying hydrogeology, and groundwater resource assessment and development. She has worked nationally and internationally on a variety of projects, with her technical roles including project design and management, contaminated land assessment, remediation design and implementation, regulatory liaison and negotiation, groundwater and risk assessment modelling, fieldwork and drilling supervision, groundwater resource assessment and development. Hannah has extensive experience of investigation of residential properties for the purpose of human health risk assessment and has been involved in the design and implementation of both the investigation and remediation of such sites.

Stephen is a well known environmental lawyer with broad commercial experience and a strong track record in developing environmental products, services and businesses. He has worked in the City of London since 1995 when he co-founded Certa (UK) Limited (underwriting agent to Allianz), insuring brownfield sites in the UK and Europe for public and private sector enterprises, including FTSE 100 and Fortune 100 companies and their lenders, He was Chairman of Argyll Environmental (a desk top report provider) from launch through to its sale to Landmark in 2010. He is the Managing Partner of Sykes Environmental LLP. Stephen has been closely involved with the UK Environmental Lawyers’ Association for many years, acting as Vice Chairman from 2002 to 2005.

For more information on any of these projects or how ESI can help support your organisation to make better environmental decisions, please contact Andrew James andrewjames@esinternational.com or call 01743 276100

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