technical consulting services

Water Environment Limited provides high-quality technical consulting services, specific to the water and environmental sectors of engineering. We use a wide range of the latest technical software for water and environmental modelling with highly-skilled and experienced staff.

Flood Risk Assessments (FRA)

Under current planning law, developers are required to carry out Flood Risk Assessments, in accordance with Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25), to accompany planning applications for all developments which are greater than 1 hectare in area, or sites of any size which are at potential risk of flooding as shown in the published Environment Agency Flood Zone maps. These assessments range in scope and are tailored to the size of the development.

Air Quality Assessments

Undertaken for new developments at planning stage, Air Quality Assessments are required either as a result of a site being located in an AQMA, or for developments which may have a negative impact on existing air quality. Planning Policy Statement PPS23– Planning and Pollution Control (replaced Planning Policy Guidance note 23 (PPG23) in November 2004) provides guidance for considering air quality during the planning process. The impacts of transport on pollution will be covered in more detail in the forthcoming review of PPG13 Transport (2001). A range of source types and scenarios can be modelled to determine the impact a development may have on existing air quality or to assess existing pollution levels in an area proposed for residential development.

Water Resources Assessments

We provide advice on rainwater harvesting, grey-water recycling, and specification of appliances and fittings to minimise the use of water on your site. We can also carry out an appraisal of design proposals against water-related issues in the Code for Sustainable homes.

Hydrological Modelling

We have a wide range of software, including the latest versions of the Flood Estimation Handbook and WINFAP-FEH for the UK, We also undertake hydrological modelling using a wide range of other engineering techniques for any part of the world, including drought analysis and reservoir sizing.

Hydraulic River Modelling and Breach Analyses

We have invested in the latest available 1-D and 2-D software for modelling river hydraulics. Our staff have expert and in-depth knowledge in the use of this software, including advanced result presentation and analysis, in order to demonstrate flood risk issues and assist in design solutions.

Site Drainage Strategies for Surface and Foul systems

Usually required for larger sites, we undertake design and negotiations with statutory undertakers in order to reach agreement on adoptable systems.

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)

Usually required for larger sites, we provide advice on the use of sustainable techniques such as soakaways, permeable paving, swales and ponds.

Floodplain Compensation Strategies

For any loss in floodplain storage as a result of development or change in landscape, compensatory storage must be provided. We provide the strategy and design and we agree this with the Environment Agency.

Flood Defence Design

We have extensive experience in the planning and design of Environment-Agency-approved flood defences for riverside and coastal schemes.

Development Appraisals

If you have development proposals for your site in the flood plain, we will provide you with an appraisal of your proposals and give you an indication of the chances of obtaining planning permission, and advice on how to improve your chances.

Land Drainage Consent

Also known as Flood Defence Consents, these are required under the Land Drainage Act (1991), for any works adjacent to a watercourse. National guidance specifies that any works within 8 metres of the riverbank (or within 16 metres of a flood defence) requires consent, although this distance varies in accordance with local byelaws. We will make the application on your behalf.

Foul Treatment Plants and Consent to Discharge

In some cases, where there are no public sewer services, it is necessary to provide sewerage disposal using private systems such as cesspools, soakaways and private treatment plants. We can provide advice on the type of treatment to be used and obtain (from the Environment Agency) the necessary consents to discharge the treated effluent where necessary.

Riverbank Restoration

As part of a development, for erosion control, or simply for landscaping or aesthetic reasons we can provide the design and advice and all necessary consents to reinstate a natural channel.

River Diversions

Occasionally it is necessary to alter the course of a river in order to accommodate development. We have experience of diverting all classifications of river from simple land drains, ordinary watercourses, critical ordinary watercourses and Environment Agency Main Rivers.

Catchment Management Plans

At a strategic level, it is sometimes necessary to consider an entire catchment and to devise a strategy to manage the water resources, the river ecology, the proposed development and the flooding (including strategic flood risk assessments and water cycle strategies).

Code for Sustainable Homes

Our qualified BRE assessors are able to undertake assessments of homes under the Code for Sustainable Homes. We can also provide advice on how the various criteria can be met and how best to achieve the highest practical standard for your development.

Design Team Coordination

We have accumulated considerable experience working in diverse teams of professionals on a wide variety of projects, and we maintain close working relationships with land and building surveyors, landscape architects, ecologists, geo-environmental engineers, transportation planners, as well as noise and vibration experts. We would be happy to assemble a team of consultants to meet your requirements, or alternatively, recommend specialists in these fields with whom we have worked in the past.