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Testing to begin on innovative Dounreay groundwater isolation barrier
11/4/2008
The Shaft at the Dounreay nuclear research and development site was sunk in the 1950s and used for radioactive waste disposal until 1977 when one load of waste caused an explosion in the shaft. Dealing with the 65 m deep shaft and its contents has required the development of innovative approaches. The long term plan is to remove the waste, but first the problem of groundwater entering the mainly unlined shaft had to be tackled. The Shaft Isolation Project (SIP) is well underway. About 200 boreholes have been sunk around the shaft to a depth of 80 m, and a fine ground injected at high pressure to create a hydraulic barrier. Testing of the barrier is about to commence. If the approach is successful it is likely to be replicated elsewhere, potentially for nuclear waste repositories.
Further details are available on BBC news online, and pictures and technical information on Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd’s website.
Report finds SUDS pose low risk of groundwater contamination
28/3/2008
SNIFFER have published a report on Source control of pollution in sustainable drainage systems (SUDS). The report details the findings of four separate research activities, including field studies of four motorway SUDS and a motorway service area. The risks to groundwater from passing highway drainage on to soil based SUDS were found to be low, although some downward movement of contaminants was observed.
The report is available as a PDF from the SNIFFER website.
Cotton advert banned as groundwater use in production not necessarily ‘sustainable’
12/3/2008
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) have banned an advert for Cotton USA. Complaints focussed on the statement that the product was “sustainable”, arguing that cotton production in the USA was heavily dependant on pesticides, fertilisers and groundwater abstraction. The ASA referred to a USGS report on the Ogallala aquifer which described declining water levels in the High Plains region of the US, where much of the cotton production occurs, and concluded that Cotton USA’s product could not be assuredly “sustainable” with regards to water conservation. The ASA’s adjudication is available online.
Summer 2007 floods in England and Wales – a hydrological appraisal
11/3/2008
The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) has published an analysis of river, groundwater and meteorological data for the period of severe flooding which occurred in England and Wales in the summer of 2007. The authors concluded that the floods were, “a very singular episode, which does not form part of any clear historical trend or show consistency with currently favoured climate change scenarios.” Analyses of groundwater-level hydrographs showed that significant summer recharge occurred across eastern, central and southern England. The unusually high groundwater levels in many parts of major aquifers, “contributed to major lowland flood peaks and, particularly, to the extended period of record-breaking late-summer river flows in permeable catchments.” The unusually elevated summer groundwater levels led to concern about possible groundwater flooding in the winter of 2007-2008, however, low rainfall in the autumn of 2007 reduced this risk.
The full report on the summer 2007 floods can be downloaded as a PDF from CEH’s website.
Survey of Ireland’s groundwater ecology
11/3/2008
The Environmental Science Research Institute at the University of Ulster have begun a 3 year survey of Ireland’s groundwater ecology. The work will provide knowledge needed to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. Dr Joerg Arnscheidt said, “There has been very little research into groundwater ecology in Ireland and we hope that our project will help to uncover new species of groundwater animals and learn more about how they survive in their environment”.
Monitoring shows improvement in Scotland’s water quality
10/3/2008
SEPA have published the report Scotland’s Water Environment Review 2000-2006 which describes trends in water quality for rivers, estuaries, coastal waters, lochs and groundwater since 2000. Groundwater data includes nitrate, sheep dip and agrochemicals. The data indicate that Scottish groundwaters are generally of good quality.
DEFRA consults on River Basin Management Planning
5/3/2008
DEFRA has published a second volume of guidance on River Basin Management Planning for consulation. The guidance is to the Environment agency regarding the practical implementation of the Water Framework Directive. This volume relates in particular to environmental quality standards, including the classification of groundwater bodies and groundwater status. It considers technical feasibility, cost effectiveness and disproportionate costs.
The consultation documents are available on DEFRA’s website. Responses should be returned by 19th May 2008.
Whisky DRAM remediates contaminated groundwater
5/3/2008
The University of Aberdeen have developed a product which removes contaminants from groundwater. DRAM – Device for the Remediation and Attenuation of Multiple pollutants - utilises a by-product of whisky production, the details of which are being kept secret. Researchers believe that this is “the first technology that can remove metal contaminants at the same time as degrading organic pollutants such as pesticides”. The team hope that early successes will be matched by the field trials soon to begin in the Glasgow area.
New standards for hazardous fuel storage sites
20/2/2008
Oil and fuel depots across Britain must improve environmental and safety standards for the bulk storage of hazardous liquids, with the release of a new containment policy that comes in the wake of the Buncefield investigation. The policy demands more rigorous safety standards from operators in order to protect people and the environment, including groundwater resources.
SEPA press release
Tap versus bottled water debate continues
17/2/2008
The BBC Panorama programme has raised again the debate on the merits of tap water versus bottled water.
BBC Panorama programme
Daily Telegraph article
WaterUK press release
British Bottled Water Producers press release
Government publishes a new water strategy for England
8/2/2008
The Government’s new water strategy for England, Future Water, was published on the 7th of February 2008. This strategy sets out the Government’s long-term vision for water and the framework for water management in England. The strategy includes proposals to: reduce water consumption; review water metering and charging; address surface water drainage; and reduce water pollution.
DEFRA-funded study finds “no significant risk” from pharmaceuticals in drinking water
8/2/2008
A desk-based review of current knowledge on pharmaceuticals in drinking water and estimation of potential levels has been published by DEFRA. The study reviewed the possible pathways for pharmaceuticals and illegal drugs to enter the water environment. They noted that groundwater contamination may occur via sewer leaks, landfill leachate and from sewage sludge spreading. The authors concluded that “there is no significant risk from pharmaceuticals discharged to drinking water sources”.
Water companies publish strategic direction statements
8/2/2008
UK water companies have published “strategic direction statements” which set out their long term visions for water supply in their areas. These are a requirement of the price review 2009 (PR09) process currently being conducted by OFWAT. Key issues discussed in the statements include water resources, climate change, and environmental protection
Links to all companies’ strategic direction statements are given on OFWAT’s web site.
Publication of Groundwater Science and Policy: An International Overview
5/2/2008
Groundwater Science and Policy: An International Overview is a book which focuses on the EU Water Framework Directive and Groundwater Directive, covering the legislation itself and the research and development which underpins the directives. The book has been edited by Dr Philippe Quevauviller who is a policy officer for the EC Environment Directorate-General. Dr Quevauviller was responsible for the development and implementation of the Groundwater Directive which was adopted in December 2006.
Hydrogeologist Time Capsule
29/1/2008
Hydrogeologist Time Capsule is a collection of web-accessible video interviews of eminent international hydrogeologists who have made a material difference to the hydrology profession. This is an inspiring, long term contribution to water education globally. These well planned interviews are illustrated with graphics and have chapter-references within each interview, enabling easy and quick navigation. The Centre for Groundwater Studies is proud to be associated with IAH's initiative in producing these Time Capsule interviews. They are recommended as an excellent hydrology teaching resource.
Hydrogeologist Time Capsule web page
Pitt Review makes recommendations on groundwater monitoring
17/12/2007
Sir Michael Pitt includes issues associated with groundwater flooding within urgent recommendations in his interim report on the causes and consequences of the 2007 floods. The recommendations include more frequent and systematic monitoring of groundwater levels at times of high risk by the Environment Agency, to help predict and mitigate further serious groundwater flooding from this winter onwards.
The Pitt Review
UK urgently needs groundwater specialists
9/11/2007
A review by the UK Groundwater Forum has highlighted that many vacancies within the UK for groundwater specialists are either not being filled or filled with recruits with lower levels of skills or experience than initially wanted by employers. This is the case across all levels of experience although particularly a problem at more senior levels. The recruitment problems stems from the increased demand for groundwater specialists due to greate awareness of groundwater issues, pressure to develop new water resources and the requirements of legislation, such as the Water Framework Directive. A lack of graduate hydrogeologists is identified as a reason why this demand is not being met.
UK Groundwater Forum review
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