Assessment and delineation of a chlorinated solvent plume in Falkirk, UK
In Falkirk, a technical college on land used as an engineering works in the 1960s was going to be redeveloped to have a modern campus. The owner contracted RSK Geosciences to undertake a geoenvironmental assessment before finalising the redevelopment plans.
Several previous investigations had indicated elevated concentrations of chlorinated solvents in the shallow groundwater underlying the site. The contamination posed a potential risk to humans and water environment receptors. Our work involved investigating and documenting the extent and significance of the contamination, which helped the client to apply for and get planning permission and begin constructing the teaching units in a timely manner.
We designed a supplementary risk assessment investigation to document the chlorinated solvent groundwater plume and enable a site-specific, detailed quantitative risk assessment. A key part of the project was developing a detailed hydrogeological conceptual site model. We recorded chlorinated solvents at elevated concentrations in the underlying shallow groundwater. The source of the trichloroethene solvent was considered to be historical metal degreasing associated with the siteβs use as an engineering works. The primary source area was immediately north and downgradient of the former engineering work building. A secondary source was in a former tank area to the east of the engineering building. We did not identify an ongoing soil source or any free-phase product, which suggested that all the contamination had leached into the groundwater.
The contaminated groundwater was within the glaciomarine deposits, which did not meet the criteria for a groundwater body with resource potential, as set out in Scottish Environment Protection Agency guidance, WAT-PS-10-01 (2014). Groundwater in the underlying bedrock was confined, and there was no viable pathway for migration of the contaminants to deeper groundwater bodies. Therefore, the detailed quantitative risk assessment investigated the risks to the nearest surface watercourse down the hydraulic gradient from the dissolved-phase chlorinated solvent plume.
To reduce the uncertainty in the results, the model was calibrated using site data to provide the best simulation of site conditions. As part of the sensitivity analysis, consideration was given to the potential for trichloroethene daughter products to increase in concentration within the aquifer over time. The results of the assessment indicated that the plume would attenuate within the aquifer before migrating to the surface watercourse. Consequently, it was unlikely that there was a risk of pollution to the water environment from the site.
Engagement with the regulators throughout the project enabled resolution of the planning conditions without protracted discussions. This meant there were no significant delays to the construction programme.
- Location: Scotland
- Project status: Completed
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π’ Will regenerative design be key in building a resilient future?
ποΈ In the first article of our new series Cities of Tomorrow, our panel explores what role regenerative design plays in forming a framework for our cities of tomorrow.
π The conversation was hosted by Andrew Tempany, Technical Director at @stephensonhalliday
Read more in our bio!
#Architecture #Design #Development #Sustainability #Sustainable #Environment
π We are proud to share that RSK Group is a finalist for the annual @britchamsg Singapore Award 2022 under the Sustainability Champion of the Year category.
β We are thrilled to see the hard work of our dedicated teams being recognised by this prestigious organization.
π The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony that will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on October 13th
#Sustainability #Awards #Sustainable #Event #Environment #Environmental
π’ RSK Group is delighted to announce that we are one of the sponsors of the Ground Source Heat Pump Associationβs conference and charity dinner.
π€ The Conference is an opportunity to gain insight into the heat pump installation industry, through a series of coordinated expert panel sessions, presentations, and networking opportunities.
π Geocore Site Investigations Ltd, Ground Heat, ZED and Carbon Zero Consulting will be attending this event.
We canβt wait to see you there!
π
30th September 2022
π The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, Skipton
#Energy #Heating #GroundSourceHeatPumps #HeatPumps #Event #Conference #GroundHeat
πΈ #selfiesonsite π€³
Some great pictures from the @StructuralSoils team in action at Merthyr
Want to join our team? View our latest opportunities π www.rskgroup.com/careers
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π’ RSK Tanzania is proud to host NICOLA β CONNECT, organized by the Network for Industrially Contaminated Land in Africa.
π€ NICOLA β CONNECT provides a platform for social and technical interaction between members of NICOLA, and professionals interested in Contaminated Land or associated fields, in a casual setting.
π
5th October 2022
π Golden Tulip Hotel, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kindly RSVP to hkimario@ rsk.co.uk ASAP to reserve your seat.
To call for enquiries, contact: +255 719 697 323
We look forward to seeing you there!
#Tanzania #Event #ContaminatedLand #Africa #Land #Environment #Environmental
π€ Society is moving towards a more equitable and sustainable world.
ποΈ Our cities sit at the centre of this modern world: they grow and change as we do.
π€ As we face unprecedented challenges today, how will our cities evolve to serve our needs in the future?
π RSKβs Cities of Tomorrow series explores the sustainable solutions available to us to create resilient and future-proof urban centres.
Stay tuned to find out more!
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π’ We are pleased to announce that Spencer Group has joined the #RSKFamily
π€ Spencer Group comprises land management and environmental services specialists Spencer Environmental Care Associates (ECA) and geo-technical contractors and consultants Quantum Geotechnic.
Find out more in our bio!
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π As we return to offices, how we commute to work will play an important role in our ambitions to achieve net zero targets.
π€ Businesses play a crucial part in facilitating action towards these goals.
π In this edition of our series Climate Realities, Ian Wickett, Senior Associate Director at RSK Transport Planning, tells us why everyday changes, supported by business, are of vital importance.
Read more in our bio!
#Transport #NetZero #Commute #Environment #Environmental #ClimateChange
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Recent spots by Chris Williams from @BinniesGlobal out on site for Southern Water last week, snapping the Pyramidal Orchid, the Hoary Plantain and the Bee Orchid
Want to join our team? View our latest opportunities π www.rskgroup.com/careers
#RSKgroup #behindthescenes #meettheteam #RSKfamily #RSKonsite #wildlife #nature #flowers