Groundwater Assessment

As a property owner, developer, or environmental manager, you understand the importance of protecting groundwater resources and managing the risks associated with potential contamination. Lucion’s expert groundwater assessment services provide a comprehensive evaluation of the potential risks and liabilities associated with groundwater, enabling informed decision-making and effective risk management.

Groundwater is a vital resource that requires careful management and protection. Contamination of groundwater can pose significant risks to human health, the environment, and water supplies.

Employing a range of techniques, we characterise groundwater conditions, identify potential contamination sources, and assess the associated risks. Our assessments may include desk studies, site investigations, borehole drilling, well installation, hydraulic testing, and groundwater sampling and analysis.

We develop detailed conceptual models of the groundwater system and any contamination present, providing a clear understanding of the hydrogeological setting, contaminant fate and transport, and potential receptors at risk. Tailored to the specific needs and context of each project, our assessments span initial due diligence and planning to post-completion verification and monitoring.

Our groundwater assessment services include:

Groundwater Risk Assessments

We conduct comprehensive risk assessments to evaluate the potential impacts of contamination on groundwater resources and dependent receptors. Our tiered approach, from preliminary screening to detailed quantitative assessments, ensures that the level of investigation is proportionate to the identified risks.

In-Situ Monitoring

We design and implement in-situ monitoring programs to provide accurate, real-time data on groundwater levels, quality, and chemistry. Our monitoring solutions incorporate advanced technologies, such as data loggers and telemetry systems, to enable efficient data collection and analysis.

Sampling and Analysis

Our experienced field technicians use industry-standard sampling techniques to collect representative groundwater samples for laboratory analysis. We work with accredited laboratories to provide a full suite of analytical services, from routine monitoring to specialised testing for emerging contaminants.

Water Testing

We offer comprehensive water testing services to assess the quality and safety of groundwater and other water resources. Our accredited laboratory services cover a wide range of chemical, microbiological, and physical parameters, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.

Whether you are undertaking due diligence for a property transaction, planning a new development, or managing an existing site, Lucion’s groundwater assessment services are tailored to your specific requirements. We provide you with the data, insights, and recommendations you need to make informed decisions and develop effective risk management strategies.

Robin Slade,Unit Director – Ground Engineering

Contact Robin Slade

General enquiries:

Phone: +44 (0)345 5040 303
info@luciongroup.com

If you would like to discuss your project, you can arrange a call with one of our consultants today

Arrange a call

Case studies

View all case studies

Remediation of Foleshill Gas Works, Coventry

View case study

Ground Investigation – Barking Power Station

View case study

Geotechnical / Contamination Consultant – UEA, Norfolk

View case study

Assured Services

AGS Member

Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd is a member of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS).

Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Lucion’s team of Ecologists undergo specialist training and maintain active membership with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management.

CIWEM Membership

Many of our Water Services Consultants are members of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management with several of our team holding Chartership status.

Testimonials

Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd has provided invaluable advice on the environmental elements at West Midlands Interchange allowing us as owners and development managers to proceed with confidence on this complex and challenging scheme. Lucion Delta-Simons Ltd has worked with sensitivity and flexibility around the various land ownership issues encountered and combined seamlessly with the other members of the professional team to help move through the purchase of the site towards enabling works, infrastructure, and unit construction. We look forward to continuing our work with the team to deliver this exciting and significant logistics scheme.

Michael Kirkland Logistics Capital Partners

Groundwater FAQ

Groundwater assessments are important for several reasons:

To identify and characterise potential contamination risks to groundwater resources and dependent receptors, such as water supplies, surface waters, and ecological systems
To comply with statutory requirements and environmental regulations that mandate the protection of groundwater from pollution
To inform decision-making and risk management strategies for land transactions, development projects, and environmental liability assessments
To protect human health and the environment from the adverse impacts of groundwater contamination
To develop effective remediation and monitoring plans to address identified contamination and ensure the long-term protection of groundwater resources

A groundwater risk assessment typically includes the following key components:

Desk study and conceptual site model development to understand the hydrogeological setting, potential contamination sources, pathways, and receptors
Site investigation and characterisation, including borehole drilling, well installation, and hydraulic testing, to collect site-specific data on groundwater conditions and contamination
Groundwater sampling and analysis to determine the presence, nature, and extent of contamination
Contaminant fate and transport modelling to predict the migration and behaviour of contaminants in the groundwater system
Risk assessment and characterisation to evaluate the potential impacts of contamination on receptors and inform risk management decisions
Identification and appraisal of remediation and monitoring options to address identified risks and ensure the long-term protection of groundwater resources

In-situ groundwater monitoring involves the use of fixed sensors and data loggers installed within monitoring wells to continuously measure groundwater levels, quality, and other parameters in real-time. This approach provides high-frequency, spatially specific data without the need for manual sampling and minimises disturbance to the groundwater system.

Ex-situ groundwater monitoring, on the other hand, involves the manual collection of groundwater samples from monitoring wells for subsequent laboratory analysis. This approach allows for a wider range of analytical parameters to be measured and provides a snapshot of groundwater conditions at the time of sampling. Ex-situ monitoring is typically used for routine compliance monitoring and can be combined with in-situ monitoring for a comprehensive understanding of groundwater conditions.

Groundwater assessments play a critical role in supporting regulatory compliance by:

Demonstrating adherence to statutory requirements and environmental permits that mandate the protection of groundwater resources
Providing the scientific data and evidence needed to support environmental impact assessments, planning applications, and other regulatory submissions
Identifying and characterising contamination risks that may trigger regulatory reporting, investigation, or remediation obligations
Informing the development of effective monitoring and management plans to ensure ongoing compliance with groundwater protection regulations
Facilitating stakeholder engagement and communication with regulators, local authorities, and other interested parties to build trust and confidence in the management of groundwater risks

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in industrial and consumer products for their water, grease, and stain-resistant properties. PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and have been detected in groundwater, surface water, and soil around the world.

PFAS are a concern for groundwater because:

They are highly mobile and can spread rapidly in groundwater systems, leading to widespread contamination
They are resistant to natural degradation processes and can persist in the environment for many years
They have been linked to a range of potential health effects, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and developmental issues
They are challenging to detect and remediate using conventional technologies, requiring specialised assessment and management approaches

Lucion’s groundwater assessment services can benefit your project in several ways:

Providing a comprehensive understanding of the groundwater system and any associated contamination, enabling informed decision-making and risk management
Identifying and quantifying potential liabilities and costs associated with groundwater contamination, allowing for effective budgeting and planning
Supporting regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement by providing scientifically robust and defensible data and assessments
Facilitating the development of targeted and cost-effective remediation and monitoring strategies, minimising long-term environmental and financial risks
Providing expert advice and guidance to navigate the complex technical, regulatory, and commercial aspects of groundwater management
Delivering reliable, efficient, and value-added services that protect your interests and reputation as a responsible environmental steward