Analysis of rainfall and flood events

Domestic sewage treatment & disposal

Floodplain and channel modelling

WATER SYSTEMS, AUDITS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

We undertake compliance audits and risk assessments of water supplies, industrial coolant and re-circulating fluid systems in order to advise on best practice for management of water quality and water related diseases.  Where domestic water systems or water contact recreational and sports facilities have been implicated in the transmsission of communicable diseases we assess the adequacy of system design and risk management practices.  We combine engineering and biological expertise and have undertaken specific studies of problems arising from respiratory and gastro-enteric pathogens including Mycobacterium, Legionella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, E.coli and Giardia.  We have investigated the microbial ecology of agents responsible for Weils disease (Leptospira), swimmers ear (Pseudomonas aeriginosa) and Hot-tub lung (Mycobacterium avium).  

Where suppliers and contractors are employed to construct or manage water systems, we provide independent third party advice on the suitability of equipment, engineering standards and performance of those services.  We advise on water quality standards and owner obligations in respect of water supply regulations, the Health and Safety at Work Acts and other relevant water legislation.

MICROBIOLOGY

Microbiological and chemical tests are used assess water quality, and also as diagnostic tools for design testing of the correct loading and management of wastewater treatment plants.  In the home and working environments we undertake sampling to assess the cause and extent of damp-induced moulds and to identify agents potentially responsible for the respiratory allergies often associated with them. These assessments have included common household and damp related moulds such as Penicillium, Aspergillus and Stachybotrys, as well as naturally produced outdoor moulds including Cladosporium and Alternaria.   In cases where there is excessive dampness in buildings we provide independent advice and specifications for third party contractors to deal initially with the underlying moisture problem and, where necessary, to deal with residual material from the infective agent.

DRAINAGE, SEWERAGE & FLOOD STUDIES

We undertake engineering surveys of drainage and sewerage systems in order to assess performance and standards of construction.  With the aid of modelling sofware we are able to test the design, loading and capacity of sewerage systems.  We undertake shallow borehole surveys to assess drainage, groundwater flow and private water supplies.

Hydrosurveys have reported on causation and liability where residential and commercial properties have been affected by flooding, failure of treatment systems, or where water supplies have become contaminated.   In cases where property or water supplies have become polluted from neighbouring groundwaters, we have undertaken shallow borehole studies to assess directional groundwater flow and identify contaminant sources.

We assess requirements in respect of private sewage treatment facilities and package plants. We provide independent advice on siting, installation and construction standards.

• Analysis of storm and flood events
• Testing of sewage treatment & soakaway systems
• Soil permeability and runoff studies
• Design and condition surveys of piped supplies
• In-situ flow testing and monitoring
• Floodplain & river profiling
• Channel flow/depth/width modelling
• Groundwater and pollution surveys

Water audits of industrial and commercial premises

Microbial assessment of a healthy activated sludge (left) and filtrate from a private water supply containing Cryptosporidium cysts (right).  Phase contrast microscopy and coloured stains are applied to assist in identifying harmful or potentially infective agents.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY

. ~  Harmful substances in piped or private water supplies
  ~  Toxic moulds and fungi in the built environment
  ~  Environmental toxicology of water pollutants.

We have undertaken original research on the environmental fate, sub-lethal toxicity and rates of natural degradation of organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides in wetland aquatic ecosystems.  More recent and current work includes post-incident assessments and monitoring of fisheries and aquatic fauna in waters affected by accidental or chronic historic pollution.   These studies have examined population effects and recovery rates of fisheries variously polluted with heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, industrial solvents, sterilants and flocculants.