Consultancy

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) Monitoring at UWTC

UWTC has a long established record in monitoring SUDS which has provided valuable cutting edge performance data that continues to inform best practice in the industry not only on a national scale but also globally. Monitoring results have provided stakeholders with the confidence in using SUDS to provide water quality and flow management for developments whilst enhancing biodiversity potential. This is illustrated by the statutory policies now in place in Scotland and soon to be implemented in England and Wales.

UWTC undertakes a range of SUDS inspection and monitoring consultancy projects, these include: hydrological and water quality performance analysis and maintenance cost data analysis. Two current contracts include Taylor Wimpey plc (international housing and development group) and Bear Scotland (designer, managers and maintainers of Scotland’s roads infrastructure).

• The Dunfermline Eastern Expansion (DEX) is a European showcase which UWTC have inspected and monitored since 1999 for Taylor Wimpey. Studies include: inspection, catchment monitoring (hydrology, sediment and water quality sampling) and gathering maintenance cost data for several ponds and basins.
• The A92 pollution monitoring study is commissioned by Bear Scotland for ten SUDS on the Dundee to Arbroath new dual carriageway. Sediment and water quality sampling in undertaken to quantify the effectiveness of the SUDS to meet with planning conditions set by Angus Council and to comply with Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005.

Rivers and Hydromorphology

Studies and assessments of Hydromorphology are increasingly important in line with the Water Framework Directive, the Endangered Species Act, the Habitat’s Directive etc. Hydromorphology is an important driver of ecological condition. Studies of Hydromorphology require tools and methods for identifying natural vs. impacted hydromorphology (Reference Conditions), and must be able to link hydromorphology to ecological processes and biological responses (Physical habitat). Such studies can suggest which mitigation measures are suitable, and which monitoring procedures will best support adaptive management. In general hydromorphological studies will consider the processes, forms and functions present in a river system and will then identify habitats which support biological and ecological health of the fluvial system. If necessary, pressures on the system can be identified and monitored.

UWTC can undertake surveys, experiments, reviews of literature and modelling as the basis for better defining reference conditions, restoration success criteria, and improving restoration design. Variables such as flow regime (Magnitude, timing, variability), sediment reimge (volume, texture), channel morphology/ relative stability, and Wood flux (LWD organic debris) will be considered to enable understanding of key processes such as migration, morphological resilience, physical constraints, and aquatic ecological function.