Environmental Services: Contaminated Land, Environmental Impact Assessments, Nuclear Decommissioning, Sustainable Development, Waste Management Etc
Contaminated Land Services
Scope of Services MWH provides practical and cost effective solutions for the identification and remediation of contaminated land liabilities comprising: Desk Studies Site Investigations Risk Assessments Feasibility Studies Remedial Option Studies Remedial Design and Construction Management Land Quality Statements Acquisition & Merger Audits MWH can assist with the identification of contaminated land liabilities and management options through the production of Land Quality Assessments and Statements, Desk Studies, Site Investigations, Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Assessment and Investment Appraisal. MWH’s approach to identifying contaminated land liabilities is in keeping with UK Government guidance and regulations which are best achieved in a phased approach. In general the more detailed and comprehensive the level of assessment the greater the confidence that can be achieved in proposing less conservative remediation standards and requirements, enabling financial savings to be made in place of more conservatively driven remedial action. We have the in-house technical expertise to offer a full cradle-to-grave service in a cost effective manner. This Remedial Process Flow is consistent with UK Government guidance and is designed to meet clients’ business goal objectives. Desk Studies The aim of a Desk Study is to assess the site environmental sensitivity in terms of hydrogeological and geological setting, historical use of the site and current operations to determine the type and location of on-site pollutant sources and evaluate potential on-site and off-site receptors. This is completed by obtaining historical maps and site plans, public records information, site visit and discussion with key site personnel, where appropriate. This information can be used to develop a conceptual site model in order to optimise the site investigation, or provide the client with an initial assessment of liability associated with the acquisition and/or development of the land. Site Investigations MWH use both non-invasive and invasive site investigation techniques to find answers to the assumptions made in the Desk Studies, such as direction of groundwater flow, depth to groundwater, presence of non-aqueous phase liquids and the extent and magnitude of contamination in the soils and groundwater underlying the site. MWH can tailor these works to suit the time and finance available, and prioritise the levels of information required. More information is provided in the Catalogue of Services for Surveying - Undertaking Contaminated Land Investigations. Risk Assessment Central to the Contaminated Land provisions within Section 57 of the Environmental Act 1995, is the use of Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) to determine the existence of contaminated land. MWH can undertake QRA to develop a set of site specific target levels for clean up, thereby reducing conservative assumptions which result in overly stringent guideline values and unnecessary remedial works. MWH uses the Environment Agency’s (EA) CLEA Model and RISC 4 to derive site specific Soil Guidance Values (SGVs) to complete Human Health risk assessments. Groundwater risk assessments are completed using the EA’s P20 methodology and more sophisticated risk assessment involving groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling such as MODFLOW and MT3D. Remedial Optioneering Reviews of remedial options are completed according to the following key criteria: (1) That the technique is reasonable in terms of the cost involved and the seriousness of the harm to human health or pollution of waters to which it relates(2) That it represents the best combination of practicability, effectiveness, durability and efficiency. The benefits are maximised by working closely with clients and all parties to ensure that the zoning/end use of the site is adopted to accommodate any contamination at the site. Full-Service Remediation Having selected the most appropriate remedial option, MWH would undertake field testing to assess the technical effectiveness of the proposed approach. During testing, MWH would approach the regulatory authorities with the proposals for remedial options and clean-up levels, to obtain approval prior to initialising the full scale system. The MWH Approach and Team Land Quality Assessments and Statements will be completed by an experienced team of consultants drawn from MWH’s offices in High Wycombe, Warrington and Newcastle upon Tyne. The team will be structured so that where site visits are required the staff from the nearest MWH office are used enabling cost savings to be made to the client in terms of mobilisation. Michael Wright, our Knowledge Leader for Contaminated Land brings over 20 years of experience in contaminated land management and will ensure the projects incorporate innovative techniques, current guidance, regulations and best practice such as Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination CLR11 Report (EA 2004), Contaminated Land Risk Assessment - A Guide to Good Practice C552 (CIRIA 2001). Further Information and related Services: Contaminated Land Management Emergency Response Environmental Insurance and Risk Management Monitoring
MWH provides practical and cost effective solutions for the identification and remediation of contaminated land liabilities comprising:
MWH can assist with the identification of contaminated land liabilities and management options through the production of Land Quality Assessments and Statements, Desk Studies, Site Investigations, Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Assessment and Investment Appraisal.
MWH’s approach to identifying contaminated land liabilities is in keeping with UK Government guidance and regulations which are best achieved in a phased approach. In general the more detailed and comprehensive the level of assessment the greater the confidence that can be achieved in proposing less conservative remediation standards and requirements, enabling financial savings to be made in place of more conservatively driven remedial action.
We have the in-house technical expertise to offer a full cradle-to-grave service in a cost effective manner. This Remedial Process Flow is consistent with UK Government guidance and is designed to meet clients’ business goal objectives.
The aim of a Desk Study is to assess the site environmental sensitivity in terms of hydrogeological and geological setting, historical use of the site and current operations to determine the type and location of on-site pollutant sources and evaluate potential on-site and off-site receptors. This is completed by obtaining historical maps and site plans, public records information, site visit and discussion with key site personnel, where appropriate.
This information can be used to develop a conceptual site model in order to optimise the site investigation, or provide the client with an initial assessment of liability associated with the acquisition and/or development of the land.
MWH use both non-invasive and invasive site investigation techniques to find answers to the assumptions made in the Desk Studies, such as direction of groundwater flow, depth to groundwater, presence of non-aqueous phase liquids and the extent and magnitude of contamination in the soils and groundwater underlying the site. MWH can tailor these works to suit the time and finance available, and prioritise the levels of information required. More information is provided in the Catalogue of Services for Surveying - Undertaking Contaminated Land Investigations.
Central to the Contaminated Land provisions within Section 57 of the Environmental Act 1995, is the use of Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) to determine the existence of contaminated land. MWH can undertake QRA to develop a set of site specific target levels for clean up, thereby reducing conservative assumptions which result in overly stringent guideline values and unnecessary remedial works.
MWH uses the Environment Agency’s (EA) CLEA Model and RISC 4 to derive site specific Soil Guidance Values (SGVs) to complete Human Health risk assessments. Groundwater risk assessments are completed using the EA’s P20 methodology and more sophisticated risk assessment involving groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling such as MODFLOW and MT3D.
Reviews of remedial options are completed according to the following key criteria:
(1) That the technique is reasonable in terms of the cost involved and the seriousness of the harm to human health or pollution of waters to which it relates(2) That it represents the best combination of practicability, effectiveness, durability and efficiency.
The benefits are maximised by working closely with clients and all parties to ensure that the zoning/end use of the site is adopted to accommodate any contamination at the site.
Having selected the most appropriate remedial option, MWH would undertake field testing to assess the technical effectiveness of the proposed approach.
During testing, MWH would approach the regulatory authorities with the proposals for remedial options and clean-up levels, to obtain approval prior to initialising the full scale system.
The MWH Approach and Team
Land Quality Assessments and Statements will be completed by an experienced team of consultants drawn from MWH’s offices in High Wycombe, Warrington and Newcastle upon Tyne. The team will be structured so that where site visits are required the staff from the nearest MWH office are used enabling cost savings to be made to the client in terms of mobilisation.
Michael Wright, our Knowledge Leader for Contaminated Land brings over 20 years of experience in contaminated land management and will ensure the projects incorporate innovative techniques, current guidance, regulations and best practice such as Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination CLR11 Report (EA 2004), Contaminated Land Risk Assessment - A Guide to Good Practice C552 (CIRIA 2001).
Further Information and related Services:
Environmental Impact Assessments
Scope of Services MWH can deliver the following range of EIA services: Agricultural studies Archaeological and cultural heritage studies Ecology and nature conservation studies Environmental water quality studies Freshwater and marine ecology Hydrology and hydrogeology Landscape and visual impact assessment Noise, dust and air quality studies Socio-economics and social impact assessments Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Traffic and transport studies/impact assessment MWH can undertake all aspects of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from advising on whether an EIA is required, though undertaking and managing an EIA directly, to consultation, reporting and decision making. In undertaking an EIA MWH would, for each environmental issue, typically: Undertake a scoping exercise to identify key issues and constraints in relation to a development Consult statutory authorities and relevant public bodies to seek stakeholders’ views and opinions on a proposed development Identify the baseline environmental conditions on a development site through a process of desk study, literature review and site walkover Characterise the environmental impacts (including benefits) of a proposed development Propose mitigating measures to alleviate the negative impacts of a proposed development Report on the above in the form of an environmental statement and further consultations as required MWH’s philosophy is to develop solutions through teamwork, and a high degree of collaboration exists between the engineering and environmental teams in order to develop environmentally sensitive and cost effective solutions. Thus, environmental assessment is viewed as a process that can result in direct benefits to a project, and not merely as a consenting issue. The understanding that exists between the environmental and engineering staff is particularly useful where Environmental Statements need to be prepared on the basis of generic engineering designs for Build-Own-Operate projects. MWH’s can also advise on: Permitted Development Rights and new EIA Regulations EIA Screening Opinions SEA A full planning service from initial consultations and presentations, through to preparation of Planning Applications and Drawings is available. We also provide expert witnesses for public inquiries. Requirements of the European Directive 1997/11/EC MWH recognises that EIA is a procedure that must be followed for certain types of development before they are granted development consent. The requirement for EIA comes from a European Directive (85/33/EEC as amended by 97/11/EC). The procedure requires the developer to compile an Environmental Statement (ES) describing the likely significant effects of the development on the environment and proposed mitigation measures. The ES must be circulated to statutory consultation bodies and made available to the public for comment. Its contents, together with any comments, must be taken into account by the competent authority (e.g. local planning authority) before it may grant consent. The MWH Approach and Team Environmental Impact Assessments will be completed by an experienced team of consultants drawn from MWH’s offices in High Wycombe and Warrington, lead by MWH’s Jacquie Critchley. Jacquie is a Chartered Town Planner with 20 years experience in planning and environmental assessment. The team will be structured so that where site visits are required the staff from the nearest MWH office are used enabling cost savings to be made to the customer in terms of mobilisation. All projects will be managed in accordance MWH’s Product Delivery System, which includes both MWH’s quality assurance and environmental management procedures. For Further Information please click below: Archaeology Ecology Landscape Noise Air and Water Pollution Assessments Strategic Environmental Assessment
Scope of Services
MWH can deliver the following range of EIA services:
MWH can undertake all aspects of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from advising on whether an EIA is required, though undertaking and managing an EIA directly, to consultation, reporting and decision making. In undertaking an EIA MWH would, for each environmental issue, typically:
MWH’s philosophy is to develop solutions through teamwork, and a high degree of collaboration exists between the engineering and environmental teams in order to develop environmentally sensitive and cost effective solutions. Thus, environmental assessment is viewed as a process that can result in direct benefits to a project, and not merely as a consenting issue. The understanding that exists between the environmental and engineering staff is particularly useful where Environmental Statements need to be prepared on the basis of generic engineering designs for Build-Own-Operate projects.
MWH’s can also advise on:
A full planning service from initial consultations and presentations, through to preparation of Planning Applications and Drawings is available. We also provide expert witnesses for public inquiries.
Requirements of the European Directive 1997/11/EC
MWH recognises that EIA is a procedure that must be followed for certain types of development before they are granted development consent. The requirement for EIA comes from a European Directive (85/33/EEC as amended by 97/11/EC). The procedure requires the developer to compile an Environmental Statement (ES) describing the likely significant effects of the development on the environment and proposed mitigation measures. The ES must be circulated to statutory consultation bodies and made available to the public for comment. Its contents, together with any comments, must be taken into account by the competent authority (e.g. local planning authority) before it may grant consent.
Environmental Impact Assessments will be completed by an experienced team of consultants drawn from MWH’s offices in High Wycombe and Warrington, lead by MWH’s Jacquie Critchley. Jacquie is a Chartered Town Planner with 20 years experience in planning and environmental assessment. The team will be structured so that where site visits are required the staff from the nearest MWH office are used enabling cost savings to be made to the customer in terms of mobilisation.
All projects will be managed in accordance MWH’s Product Delivery System, which includes both MWH’s quality assurance and environmental management procedures.
For Further Information please click below:
Nuclear Decommissioning
Background MWH is an independent, employee owned, engineering technology and environmental management company, offering consultancy services, design and construction skills, with a full project and programme management capability. Our company roots started in the UK in 1844. We are now a global company with revenues of over £500m per annum. We provide appraisal, planning, engineering design, construction, operation and management services around the world. International technology, regional knowledge and local skills are combined in a global network of over 6000 people in 35 countries, each with access to the company’s complete expertise and resources through award winning knowledge management processes. This, allied to a flexible teamwork approach allows us to provide clients with a comprehensive, individual response to meet their needs. In the UK we have 1300 staff working from 11 offices. These offices are geographically well situated to provide support to the Nuclear Decommissioning Industry across the UK, as highlighted graphic opposite. Vision MWH vision for Nuclear Decommissioning Services is to become the Preferred Programme Manager for the Nuclear Industry providing Programme Management and Project Controls Services for: Site Characterisation Accelerated Site Clean-up and Closure Decommissioning and License Termination Experience MWH has provided $2.63 billion of environmental restoration services in the United States, including $460 million of “Cradle to Grave” Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive waste services to the Federal Government since 1997. This work has been accomplished under the regulation and oversight of multiple Regulatory Agencies including the USEPA and other Federal, State and local environmental protection authorities. In the UK, MWH have undertaken the Front End Engineering Services contract, on behalf of UKAEA, for the Site Closure Programme at the Winfrith site in Dorset. This included concept and scheme design phases for both 300MW and 20MW reactors, together with the concept and scheme design for the on-site ILW Store facility. Links to more detailed project data sheets are given below: Winfrith Case Study 1- Steam Generating Heavy Water Reactor Winfrith Case Study 2 – Dragon Reactor Winfrith Case Study 3 – Intermediate Level Waste Store (ILW) In Cumbria, MWH are currently undertaking a Project Controls Services contract on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). Health, Safety and Environment Management We set health and safety as first among equals with environmental compliance and security. As part of our Quality Management System, MWH operates an Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001. MWH takes seriously our corporate responsibilities as stewards of the environment and the health and safety of workers and the public. MWH will bring the same commitment to our work that is pervasive throughout our employee–owned company, a factor in which means our employees take pride of ownership, and a commitment that manifests itself in an integrated safety management system which is implemented conscientiously. We have a shared vision of ES&H goals and objectives, and understand the difference in objectives versus outputs. Our commitment to these important issues is demonstrated by our both our outstanding health and safety statistics and awards. We achieved the RoSPA Gold Award two years running in our Consulting activities. We most recently applied for (2005) a RoSPA award in our Constructors company which includes subcontractor management and gained a Merit Award for this new activity. On a major programme we recently managed in the UK, our Accident Frequency Rate over 17 million manhours was 0.27, four times better than the UK construction industry average. Management of Quality and Quality Assurance of MWH Services MWH has developed and operates an effective Quality Management System (QMS) which we will bring to this contract. It is registered to ISO 9001. Quality Management is driven in MWH by a core team of Quality professionals supported by a network of Project Quality Co-ordinators. Quality Management starts at the highest level of MWH, with the Board and Senior Management committed to implementing, maintaining and consistently improving the process of delivery to our customers. Summary MWH has the experience, expertise and financial strength and stability to offer our Client’s in the Nuclear Decommissioning sector a complete range of services, including: Programme Management Project Management Project Controls Environmental Planning and Compliance Concept, Scheme and Detailed Design Stakeholder Liaison and Management Risk Management
Background
MWH is an independent, employee owned, engineering technology and environmental management company, offering consultancy services, design and construction skills, with a full project and programme management capability. Our company roots started in the UK in 1844. We are now a global company with revenues of over £500m per annum.
We provide appraisal, planning, engineering design, construction, operation and management services around the world. International technology, regional knowledge and local skills are combined in a global network of over 6000 people in 35 countries, each with access to the company’s complete expertise and resources through award winning knowledge management processes. This, allied to a flexible teamwork approach allows us to provide clients with a comprehensive, individual response to meet their needs.
In the UK we have 1300 staff working from 11 offices. These offices are geographically well situated to provide support to the Nuclear Decommissioning Industry across the UK, as highlighted graphic opposite.
Vision
MWH vision for Nuclear Decommissioning Services is to become the Preferred Programme Manager for the Nuclear Industry providing Programme Management and Project Controls Services for:
Experience
MWH has provided $2.63 billion of environmental restoration services in the United States, including $460 million of “Cradle to Grave” Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive waste services to the Federal Government since 1997. This work has been accomplished under the regulation and oversight of multiple Regulatory Agencies including the USEPA and other Federal, State and local environmental protection authorities.
In the UK, MWH have undertaken the Front End Engineering Services contract, on behalf of UKAEA, for the Site Closure Programme at the Winfrith site in Dorset. This included concept and scheme design phases for both 300MW and 20MW reactors, together with the concept and scheme design for the on-site ILW Store facility. Links to more detailed project data sheets are given below:
In Cumbria, MWH are currently undertaking a Project Controls Services contract on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).
We set health and safety as first among equals with environmental compliance and security. As part of our Quality Management System, MWH operates an Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001.
MWH takes seriously our corporate responsibilities as stewards of the environment and the health and safety of workers and the public. MWH will bring the same commitment to our work that is pervasive throughout our employee–owned company, a factor in which means our employees take pride of ownership, and a commitment that manifests itself in an integrated safety management system which is implemented conscientiously. We have a shared vision of ES&H goals and objectives, and understand the difference in objectives versus outputs.
Our commitment to these important issues is demonstrated by our both our outstanding health and safety statistics and awards. We achieved the RoSPA Gold Award two years running in our Consulting activities. We most recently applied for (2005) a RoSPA award in our Constructors company which includes subcontractor management and gained a Merit Award for this new activity. On a major programme we recently managed in the UK, our Accident Frequency Rate over 17 million manhours was 0.27, four times better than the UK construction industry average.
MWH has developed and operates an effective Quality Management System (QMS) which we will bring to this contract. It is registered to ISO 9001. Quality Management is driven in MWH by a core team of Quality professionals supported by a network of Project Quality Co-ordinators.
Quality Management starts at the highest level of MWH, with the Board and Senior Management committed to implementing, maintaining and consistently improving the process of delivery to our customers.
Summary
MWH has the experience, expertise and financial strength and stability to offer our Client’s in the Nuclear Decommissioning sector a complete range of services, including:
Sustainable Development
Social Providing clients with effective solutions that also serve the needs and improve the quality of life of communities. Environmental Working to protect the environment and respecting ecological diversity, within the Earth’s sustainable limits. Economic Using our expertise to deliver value and create and distribute wealth. To demonstrate our commitment, we have produced a report examining our UK business. MWH’s “Sustainable Development Report for 2002” charts recent progress in the UK and looks forward to the future. The report, which can be viewed on our website (euroweb.mw.com/pdf/report2002.pdf), or obtained on CD, uses categories of the Global Reporting Initiative. As you would expect MWH also operates an Environmental Management System with accreditation to ISO 14001. The emphasis within MWH is in the practical application of principles of sustainability to bring tangible benefits for our clients and the communities that they serve. MWH’s APPROACH Delivering Sustainable Development It is MWH’s experience that the challenge of applying a balanced approach to sustainable development (SD) across programmes and projects, far from causing extra cost and delay, can act as a driver for innovation and better risk management, provided it is integrated in a practical way into the delivery process. Our approach is fundamentally about focusing existing skills through the “lens” of sustainability. With this in mind MWH has a dedicated knowledge community that brings together specialist global expertise from a range of technical disciplines acting together to deliver integrated sustainable solutions. Sustainable development: The Project Lifecycle Examples of key influences of a practical SD approach on value enhancement, cost-saving and risk management can be shown by means of the project life cycle overlain by the “Value Curve”. As with other aspects of value and risk management, the earliest interventions provide the greatest opportunities. Appropriate engagement with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle is fundamental to project success, and therefore central to MWH’s approach. Further details of how MWH applies SD principles to each of these five stages are given below. Benefits Strategy and planning By taking time to understand core business and corporate social responsibility objectives, MWH helps clients to derive a set of strategic sustainability principles for application to programmes and individual projects. These principles might be driven from recognition of need such as: Responsible management of natural resources Conservation of land and biodiversity Communication and engagement with stakeholders Increased equity across local and global communities Through the use of a set of “Challenge Questions” applied to investment drivers, MWH helps ensure that the fundamental scope and scale of projects are founded on these principles. In addition to assisting clients review their own project drivers, MWH reviews the sustainability of environmental regulatory requirements using cost-benefit analysis and other comparative techniques. For example, through the use of integrated catchment modelling, the impacts of effluent discharges can be accurately assessed, so that consents of an appropriate standard can be set, whilst minimising other environmental impacts. Furthermore, a sustainable approach to other aspects, such as energy use, will assist in meeting OPEX efficiency targets and other economic, legislative obligations. Feasibility and Optioneering: Sustainable Solutions Following determination of project scope and scale, the challenge is to find the most sustainable solution to meet the performance requirements. MWH has expertise in applying the well-established “Best Practical Environmental Option” methodology, which provides a systematic basis for options development and decision making. MWH has extended the methodology to allow choice within a range of site specific social, environmental and economic criteria, as well as a set of generic sustainability criteria, tailored to suit clients’ objectives. This approach enables a full range of options and technologies to be compared fairly against a balanced range of criteria, some of which might normally be dismissed in a more traditional approach. Examples specific to the water industry include: Catchment approach (e.g. source control/protection, abstraction suited to yield) Demand management/leakage control Separation of foul/storm water Low energy treatment options Sludge-free processes Effluent and sludge re-use Treatment technologies appropriate to risk, mode and consequence of failure Robust analysis of criteria and options in this way allows an integrated approach to options evaluation that takes full account of sustainability within the context of individual cases. MWH is currently working with UKWIR in developing a best practice approach for the water industry with the aim of bringing together much of this thinking for smaller wastewater treatment plants. Sustainable Design, Procurement and Construction MWH recognises the importance of making SD practical for engineers working to deliver frontline projects. We are working with clients to develop pragmatic decision making processes for design and move towards more sustainable projects, through the use of effective procedures to integrate SD into project delivery without increasing costs. To help meet an agreed set of sustainability objectives, projects are screened on key criteria, such as value. “Quick Win” opportunities are applied to those below the threshold, helped by advisory datasheets on specific components such as: Aggregates Energy Pipes and pipelines Pumps and pumping Recycling Tanks Buildings For projects above the threshold, sustainability action plans are prepared with the help of an in-house SD team. Recorded actions allow achievements to be audited. This approach enables decisions on building footprint, hydraulic design and construction materials that minimise environmental impact whilst maximising benefit to both the client and the community. Following successful pilots, these procedures are being rolled out within MWH across the UK. For Further Information please click the links below: Climate Environment Socio-Economic
Social
Providing clients with effective solutions that also serve the needs and improve the quality of life of communities.
Environmental
Working to protect the environment and respecting ecological diversity, within the Earth’s sustainable limits.
Economic
Using our expertise to deliver value and create and distribute wealth.
To demonstrate our commitment, we have produced a report examining our UK business. MWH’s “Sustainable Development Report for 2002” charts recent progress in the UK and looks forward to the future. The report, which can be viewed on our website (euroweb.mw.com/pdf/report2002.pdf), or obtained on CD, uses categories of the Global Reporting Initiative. As you would expect MWH also operates an Environmental Management System with accreditation to ISO 14001.
The emphasis within MWH is in the practical application of principles of sustainability to bring tangible benefits for our clients and the communities that they serve.
Delivering Sustainable Development
It is MWH’s experience that the challenge of applying a balanced approach to sustainable development (SD) across programmes and projects, far from causing extra cost and delay, can act as a driver for innovation and better risk management, provided it is integrated in a practical way into the delivery process.
Our approach is fundamentally about focusing existing skills through the “lens” of sustainability. With this in mind MWH has a dedicated knowledge community that brings together specialist global expertise from a range of technical disciplines acting together to deliver integrated sustainable solutions.
Examples of key influences of a practical SD approach on value enhancement, cost-saving and risk management can be shown by means of the project life cycle overlain by the “Value Curve”.
As with other aspects of value and risk management, the earliest interventions provide the greatest opportunities.
Appropriate engagement with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle is fundamental to project success, and therefore central to MWH’s approach. Further details of how MWH applies SD principles to each of these five stages are given below.
Benefits
Strategy and planning
By taking time to understand core business and corporate social responsibility objectives, MWH helps clients to derive a set of strategic sustainability principles for application to programmes and individual projects. These principles might be driven from recognition of need such as:
Through the use of a set of “Challenge Questions” applied to investment drivers, MWH helps ensure that the fundamental scope and scale of projects are founded on these principles.
In addition to assisting clients review their own project drivers, MWH reviews the sustainability of environmental regulatory requirements using cost-benefit analysis and other comparative techniques. For example, through the use of integrated catchment modelling, the impacts of effluent discharges can be accurately assessed, so that consents of an appropriate standard can be set, whilst minimising other environmental impacts. Furthermore, a sustainable approach to other aspects, such as energy use, will assist in meeting OPEX efficiency targets and other economic, legislative obligations.
Feasibility and Optioneering: Sustainable Solutions
Following determination of project scope and scale, the challenge is to find the most sustainable solution to meet the performance requirements.
MWH has expertise in applying the well-established “Best Practical Environmental Option” methodology, which provides a systematic basis for options development and decision making.
MWH has extended the methodology to allow choice within a range of site specific social, environmental and economic criteria, as well as a set of generic sustainability criteria, tailored to suit clients’ objectives.
This approach enables a full range of options and technologies to be compared fairly against a balanced range of criteria, some of which might normally be dismissed in a more traditional approach. Examples specific to the water industry include:
Robust analysis of criteria and options in this way allows an integrated approach to options evaluation that takes full account of sustainability within the context of individual cases.
MWH is currently working with UKWIR in developing a best practice approach for the water industry with the aim of bringing together much of this thinking for smaller wastewater treatment plants.
Sustainable Design, Procurement and Construction
MWH recognises the importance of making SD practical for engineers working to deliver frontline projects. We are working with clients to develop pragmatic decision making processes for design and move towards more sustainable projects, through the use of effective procedures to integrate SD into project delivery without increasing costs.
To help meet an agreed set of sustainability objectives, projects are screened on key criteria, such as value. “Quick Win” opportunities are applied to those below the threshold, helped by advisory datasheets on specific components such as:
For projects above the threshold, sustainability action plans are prepared with the help of an in-house SD team. Recorded actions allow achievements to be audited.
This approach enables decisions on building footprint, hydraulic design and construction materials that minimise environmental impact whilst maximising benefit to both the client and the community. Following successful pilots, these procedures are being rolled out within MWH across the UK.
For Further Information please click the links below:
Waste Management
Just click below for further Information on: Hazardous Waste Management Wastewater Scope of Services MWH is a global environmental consultancy and engineering organisation providing clients with a complete range of environmental services and products world-wide. We are confident that our expertise in waste management can support clients as we have provided services to the public, private and government sectors, including the following products. Waste management policy and strategy Waste minimisation, re-use and recovery Regulatory analysis Market analysis Environmental auditing/review Environmental assessment/ statements Risk assessment and impact assessments Planning applications Waste management licensing Landfill liner construction quality assurance Waste management facility design Contract preparation Construction management Landfill gas and leachate management Pollution abatement technologies Environmental monitoring Health and safety management Waste Management Options and Strategies MWH has experience in the development of policies and strategies for waste management and in the review of options for the management of waste. We recognise that the greatest opportunities to increase value exist in the early stages of a project’s development, as demonstrated in the figure below. By undertaking a value scoping workshop with the key stakeholders during the needs and strategy stage of a project, the key scheme drivers, base data and options are identified and developed during the feasibility stage to establish the optimal solution. Key Project: UKAEA Winfrith, Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO) Study for Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) Store. As part of MWH current Front End Engineering project for the decommissioning of 2 nuclear reactors at the UKAEA Winfrith facility in Dorset we have undertaken a BPEO Study to arrive at the optimal solution for the handling and storage of ILW. Handling, Storage and Treatment of Waste MWH has extensive experience in developing solutions for the handling, storage and treatment of waste. As an environmental engineering company we focus on practicable solutions that meet best practice and regulatory requirements. Our core expertise lies in engineering solutions for the following: Landfill design, liner QA/QC, capping and closure Sediment (dredged and industrial) management, dewatering, washing, aggregate recovery Solidification and stabilisation of hazardous fraction Incineration of municipal waste sludges Key Project: Augean (formerly Zerowaste) Waste Treatment Options for Port Clarence Hazardous Waste Landfill. MWH is currently reviewing pre-treatment technologies for one of the UK's largest hazardous waste landfill sites to meet the pre-treatment requirements of the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. The project includes waste stream analysis, technology appraisal, cost benefit analysis, outline design and cost estimating of candidate technologies. The deliverable will support Business Investment decisions for the client. Guidance on Compliance with Regulations MWH can support OGC Buying Solutions CUSTOMERS in keeping up to date with ever changing waste legislation, regulations and statutory requirements. Our internal Knowledge Management System, K-Net provides an internal knowledge sharing facility through which our technical professionals are informed of recent and forthcoming changes in legislation, including guidance notes from regulators on how new legislation will be implemented and enforced. To ensure we capture all changes to legislation we subscribe to a number of information sources, including Ends Report on-line and the following: Croner’s Environmental Management Croner’s Environment Briefing Croner’s Environmental Management: policy and procedures special reports Croner’s Waste Management Garner’s Environmental Law, includes Environmental Law Bulletin GEE Environmental Compliance Manual Key Project: Defence Estates United States Forces (DEUSF), RAF Mildenhall, compliance advice and training. Following a solid waste opportunity assessment, which involved establishing all waste streams, handling, storage and disposal routes MWH has been requested to produce Guidance Manual and advice note for base personnel, including awareness training of the waste improvement programme. The MWH Approach and Expertise MWH draws on the capability and skills of waste managers, environmental scientists, engineers and information technology specialists to offer a focused, integrated approach to problem solving within waste management. MWH approach to providing waste management services is cognisant of sustainability principles and the stages of the waste management lifecycle that provide a framework for tackling waste management problems, as shown below: Waste prevention Waste minimisation Re-use Recycling Energy Recovery Final Disposal Waste Management Hierarchy Our technical lead, Robin Merlane has 15 years experience in the provision of waste management services including the management of landfill sites for a Landfill Operator. Our technical resources include engineering staff experienced in incineration, landfill design, leachate treatment, landfill closure risk assessment and process; and consultants experienced in strategy development, sustainability, waste auditing, waste management in construction and BPEO studies. MWH's Michael Wright will lead the firm's Waste Management Services. Michael has 25 years experience in this field and will be responsible for ensuring that MWH exceeds clients’ expectations.
Just click below for further Information on:
MWH is a global environmental consultancy and engineering organisation providing clients with a complete range of environmental services and products world-wide. We are confident that our expertise in waste management can support clients as we have provided services to the public, private and government sectors, including the following products.
Waste Management Options and Strategies
MWH has experience in the development of policies and strategies for waste management and in the review of options for the management of waste. We recognise that the greatest opportunities to increase value exist in the early stages of a project’s development, as demonstrated in the figure below. By undertaking a value scoping workshop with the key stakeholders during the needs and strategy stage of a project, the key scheme drivers, base data and options are identified and developed during the feasibility stage to establish the optimal solution.
Key Project: UKAEA Winfrith, Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO) Study for Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) Store. As part of MWH current Front End Engineering project for the decommissioning of 2 nuclear reactors at the UKAEA Winfrith facility in Dorset we have undertaken a BPEO Study to arrive at the optimal solution for the handling and storage of ILW.
Handling, Storage and Treatment of Waste
MWH has extensive experience in developing solutions for the handling, storage and treatment of waste. As an environmental engineering company we focus on practicable solutions that meet best practice and regulatory requirements. Our core expertise lies in engineering solutions for the following:
Key Project: Augean (formerly Zerowaste) Waste Treatment Options for Port Clarence Hazardous Waste Landfill. MWH is currently reviewing pre-treatment technologies for one of the UK's largest hazardous waste landfill sites to meet the pre-treatment requirements of the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005. The project includes waste stream analysis, technology appraisal, cost benefit analysis, outline design and cost estimating of candidate technologies. The deliverable will support Business Investment decisions for the client.
Guidance on Compliance with Regulations
MWH can support OGC Buying Solutions CUSTOMERS in keeping up to date with ever changing waste legislation, regulations and statutory requirements. Our internal Knowledge Management System, K-Net provides an internal knowledge sharing facility through which our technical professionals are informed of recent and forthcoming changes in legislation, including guidance notes from regulators on how new legislation will be implemented and enforced. To ensure we capture all changes to legislation we subscribe to a number of information sources, including Ends Report on-line and the following:
Key Project: Defence Estates United States Forces (DEUSF), RAF Mildenhall, compliance advice and training. Following a solid waste opportunity assessment, which involved establishing all waste streams, handling, storage and disposal routes MWH has been requested to produce Guidance Manual and advice note for base personnel, including awareness training of the waste improvement programme.
The MWH Approach and Expertise
MWH draws on the capability and skills of waste managers, environmental scientists, engineers and information technology specialists to offer a focused, integrated approach to problem solving within waste management. MWH approach to providing waste management services is cognisant of sustainability principles and the stages of the waste management lifecycle that provide a framework for tackling waste management problems, as shown below:
Waste Management Hierarchy
Our technical lead, Robin Merlane has 15 years experience in the provision of waste management services including the management of landfill sites for a Landfill Operator. Our technical resources include engineering staff experienced in incineration, landfill design, leachate treatment, landfill closure risk assessment and process; and consultants experienced in strategy development, sustainability, waste auditing, waste management in construction and BPEO studies.
MWH's Michael Wright will lead the firm's Waste Management Services. Michael has 25 years experience in this field and will be responsible for ensuring that MWH exceeds clients’ expectations.
Water Resources
MWH has particular expertise in: Assessment of sustainable yield and security of supply for all types of water sources and water supply systems, including strategic and regional studies aimed at optimising yield, rationalising water sources, treatment and supply Management and evaluation of hydrometric data and the modelling of catchments, aquifers and water resource systems including the use of yield enhancement techniques such as artificial recharge, effluent re-use and conjunctive use Evaluation of surface water and groundwater quality, and the impact of point source and diffuse pollution For surface water systems, MWH has extensive experience in the development of dam and reservoir sites and the assessment of flood flows for rivers and reservoirs including flood risk studies in accordance with PPG25. For groundwater systems, MWH has specialist expertise in the following: Pumping test supervision and analysis, with particular expertise of complex aquifer systems The potential impact of resource developments on sensitive aquatic environments such as wetlands Artificial recharge scheme investigations In-situ treatment of groundwater to reduce nitrate and arsenic concentrations MWH is currently advising water industry clients on the potential implications of the Water Framework Directive and climate change. MWH’s Approach MWH’s highly qualified and experienced hydrologists and hydrogeologists can be accessed through our nine UK offices. MWH places strong emphasis on client communication, effective definition and understanding of the scope of the project to ensure that all relevant issues are considered enabling delivery of a first class service to the client. A key priority is to build a team containing the most suitable professionals within the global company using the benefits of MWH’s internal Knowledge Net. There is strong emphasis within MWH on technical innovation, participation in national and international research projects and the sharing of knowledge from all water resource professionals within MWH. Experience Examples of MWH’s approach are summarised below: South London Artificial Recharge Scheme MWH has worked closely with Thames Water Utilities Ltd. and has successfully proven that surplus treated winter water from the River Thames may be reliably stored in the chalk aquifer in order to provide improved groundwater supplies during summer peak demand. The success of the project has relied on a number of innovations introduced by MWH to overcome the significant local groundwater complexity and to identify the optimum locations for development. This project is the only artificial recharge scheme attempted, so far, in the UK in an area where interconnection between the groundwater system and connected rivers is a significant management issue. Greater Glasgow and Grampian Region Water Resources and Treatment Strategies MWH has carried out a comprehensive review of the existing water resources and treatment in both the Grampian Region and Greater Glasgow area for Scottish Water. The key tasks included a review of yields from existing sources, development of the supply/demand balance, headroom calculations and strategy development up to 2025. An innovative feature of the study has been the identification of existing sources at potential risk of failing to meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive. Liaoning Integrated Environment Programme The Liao Basin covers an area of 70,000 km2 in north east China with a population of twenty three million. The per capita water availability within the basin is low. Low availability is compounded both by pollution and inefficient water use by the agricultural, industrial and domestic sectors. MWH has undertaken a four year Water Resources Management project, as part of a wider joint EU-China funded Liaoning Integrated Environment Programme, to develop a sustainable strategy and basin plan. The innovative features leading to successful development of this strategy have been the use of appropriate modelling tools, co-operative working between the EU and Chinese team members and objective monitoring and evaluation of the strategy outputs. Summary The main benefits arising from MWH’s approach are: Convenient local access, through our regional offices, to global knowledge and expertise A strong emphasis on defining and understanding the scope of work, through excellent communication with the client, to ensure that all relevant project issues are defined and addressed A great emphasis on experience and innovation to enable the optimum solution to be identified and implemented A great emphasis on quality service to ensure that the client’s expectations are always equalled or exceeded Just click below for further information on: Environmental Engineering Hydraulics Hydrology
MWH has particular expertise in:
For surface water systems, MWH has extensive experience in the development of dam and reservoir sites and the assessment of flood flows for rivers and reservoirs including flood risk studies in accordance with PPG25.
For groundwater systems, MWH has specialist expertise in the following:
MWH is currently advising water industry clients on the potential implications of the Water Framework Directive and climate change.
MWH’s Approach
MWH’s highly qualified and experienced hydrologists and hydrogeologists can be accessed through our nine UK offices. MWH places strong emphasis on client communication, effective definition and understanding of the scope of the project to ensure that all relevant issues are considered enabling delivery of a first class service to the client.
A key priority is to build a team containing the most suitable professionals within the global company using the benefits of MWH’s internal Knowledge Net. There is strong emphasis within MWH on technical innovation, participation in national and international research projects and the sharing of knowledge from all water resource professionals within MWH.
Examples of MWH’s approach are summarised below:
South London Artificial Recharge Scheme
MWH has worked closely with Thames Water Utilities Ltd. and has successfully proven that surplus treated winter water from the River Thames may be reliably stored in the chalk aquifer in order to provide improved groundwater supplies during summer peak demand. The success of the project has relied on a number of innovations introduced by MWH to overcome the significant local groundwater complexity and to identify the optimum locations for development.
This project is the only artificial recharge scheme attempted, so far, in the UK in an area where interconnection between the groundwater system and connected rivers is a significant management issue.
Greater Glasgow and Grampian Region Water Resources and Treatment Strategies
MWH has carried out a comprehensive review of the existing water resources and treatment in both the Grampian Region and Greater Glasgow area for Scottish Water. The key tasks included a review of yields from existing sources, development of the supply/demand balance, headroom calculations and strategy development up to 2025.
An innovative feature of the study has been the identification of existing sources at potential risk of failing to meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive.
Liaoning Integrated Environment Programme
The Liao Basin covers an area of 70,000 km2 in north east China with a population of twenty three million. The per capita water availability within the basin is low. Low availability is compounded both by pollution and inefficient water use by the agricultural, industrial and domestic sectors.
MWH has undertaken a four year Water Resources Management project, as part of a wider joint EU-China funded Liaoning Integrated Environment Programme, to develop a sustainable strategy and basin plan. The innovative features leading to successful development of this strategy have been the use of appropriate modelling tools, co-operative working between the EU and Chinese team members and objective monitoring and evaluation of the strategy outputs.
The main benefits arising from MWH’s approach are:
Just click below for further information on:
IDS Emergency Management | IDS Water | IDS Publishing / Media | IDS Healthcare Management | IDS Packaging | IDS Plastics | IDS Power/Energy
Industry IDS, Inc. – Online Tradeshow, Exhibition, & Buyers Guide Solutions
