2010
Autumn/Winter 2010 Newsletter
Barry Waterfront: Legacy Remediation
As part of our ongoing commission in which we are providing geotechnical and contaminated land advice to the Barry Waterfront Development Consortium, over the summer and autumn of 2010 ESP implemented a comprehensive supplementary investigation at one of the development areas for the Barry Waterfront Redevelopment.
A range of supplementary exploratory works were implemented, including trial pitting for soil sampling and borehole drilling for well installation. Comprehensive further testing in soil, leachate and water phases was undertaken to support ESP’s Controlled Water Risk Assessment which will be used to establish remedial objectives and prepare each site for sustainable and beneficial use.
Underhill Park, Mumbles: Enabling Key Fixtures
Underhill Park, Mumbles currently suffers persistent flooding due to alleged poor drainage and this has a significant effect on local community sports events during the winter period.
The topography comprises a ‘bowl’ feature that slopes east towards Swansea Bay and it has been suggested that increased development has contributed to the problem of run-off into the park; the nature and scale of this impact depends on the interactions of topography, water-service infrastructure, underlying geology and regional hydrogeology.
On behalf of both Mumbles Community and Swansea City Council, we are currently undertaking an assessment of the hydrological, geological, hydrogeological conditions to provide an engineering assessment of historical and current flooding problems. So far this has involved the supervision and direction of site investigation boreholes, hydrogeological testing and detailed interpretive assessment and we are aiming to have developed a way forward for the New Year.
Community Support for Growing Green
ESP is always keen to support community projects, and in the summer of 2010, we were pleased to provide help to the Growing Green Project at the Leckwith/Grangetown Allotments. The Growing Green Project is a valuable Occupational/Mental Health scheme operated by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, which is largely reliant on donations for equipment and materials.
ESP undertook testing and analysis on soils and waters at the project and provided further support in the form of a donation to cover a year’s rent for the site, and with some additional monies to enable them to purchase necessary equipment.
ESP Golf Day 2010 at Southerndown
South Wales in 2010 will always be remembered in golfing circles as an historic year, when ESP hosted their Golf Day at the world-renowned Southerndown Golf Club. Southerndown is the home club for ESP Director, John Campbell, who hosted the day on the 23rd July.
Despite a steward’s inquiry into match-fixing, Team Campbell pipped Team Sommerwill to win the team prize, and Gary Mitchell of Jubb Consulting romped home to win the individual score. It was a fantastic day in what must be one of the most coveted course locations in the world.
Continuing Professional Development
Geological Society and ICE Ground Engineering Group Involvement
In addition to Matthew Eynon being elected to the committee (and treasurer elect) of the Southern Wales Group of the Geological Society earlier in the year, Giles Sommerwill has now been elected to the committee of the ICE: Ground Engineering Group.
ESP Directors Matt and Giles are leading examples of ESP’s Continual Professional Development commitments, helping bring valuable events to South Wales, and developing a policy which all members of ESP contribute to.
Spring 2010 Newsletter
Barry Waterfront Redevelopment
ESP are pleased to announce the success of our recent collaborative bid, to provide geotechnical and contaminated land advice to the Barry Waterfront Development Consortium. The Consortium, comprising Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon intend to regenerate the Barry Docks area with new schools, a supermarket and leisure facilities, and some 2000 new homes.
The Barry Docks are relatively unique for a South Wales dockland, owing to their position over a historic river channel, flanked by rock outcrops at either side. In collaboration with Healer Associates, ESP are part of the design team to help deliver the preparatory and infrastructure works for this much anticipated scheme.
Reading Depot – Geotechnical Design
ESP have recently been commissioned as design consultants for part of the wider Reading Station Redevelopment and have been appointed to undertake an interpretive geotechnical assessment of all technical information that has been gained to date in order to develop the detailed Conceptual Model.
This will be used to assist in our input into the design of rail and roadways, depot control centres, rail maintenance, storage and cleaning areas, embankment works and retaining wall design.
The ESP design reports will include criteria in relation to existing ground conditions, foundation design, embankment construction, stability and settlement, retaining wall design and highway pavement design. The project will be undertaken by a specific project team which encompasses engineering staff and ESP directors to ensure the high quality of output data packages.
ISO Accreditation
ESP have recently achieved all requirements for a series of ISO accreditations and are pleased to advise that we are now accredited to ISO 9001:2000, ISO14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001 standards.
ISO 9001 has become the main criterion for organisations to establish their credibility and reliability as a supplier, whilst ISO 14001, the Environmental standard, has become the main management tool for organisations to achieve and maintain compliance to applicable environmental legislation. Both of these standards are achieved when independently validated by a UKAS approved assessing body.
OHSAS 18001, the Health & Safety standard, has become the main criterion for organisations to be able to ensure obligations on Health & Safety as an employer and supplier are met. This is achieved when independently validated by an approved assessing body and registered as an OHSAS 18001 company. Our investment and support of development will enhance our capabilities and service to clients.
AGS Membership
ESP have recently been accepted as a Member Firm of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists. The AGS is a professional body charged with improving the profile and quality of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering in the UK.
As a member firm, we have a commitment to set, maintain and enhance quality standards and procedures and must have a prescribed number of full time geotechnical or geoenvironmental specialists meeting specified standards of professional qualification and experience. Few companies of a similar size have been accepted as Member Firms, so we are proud of this achievement and look forward to contributing to discussions on changing and evolving professional practice.
Continuing Professional Development
Geological Society Award Finalist
In May 2009, the Southern Wales Regional Group of the Geological Society invited entries for the second annual Early Career Geologists Award. Following the submission of a synopsis paper, Danilo Bettosi was chosen as one of three finalists and presented with an award following a series of peer reviewed presentations that were held at Cardiff University in October 2009. The paper will be published on our website shortly.
Geological Society – Southern Wales Regional Group
Following calls for nominations, the Southern Wales Group of the Geological Society elected its new committee to oversee the regional group for the next two years. ESP Director Matthew Eynon was nominated by peers and selected by the outgoing committee for a role within this group. He is now an integral part of organising evening development lectures and field trips to appeal to both student members of the group and seasoned professionals alike.
University of Wales Supervision
ESP Director Matthew Eynon has been asked to become an external supervisor for an MSc project being undertaken at the Faculty of Applied Design and Engineering at Swansea Metropolitan University. Matthew will be required to both review the ongoing project and to challenge the student to excel in their chosen thesis topic. Having the input of an ESP practicing professional will no doubt be of great benefit.
