May 2008 - Construction Waste – New Regulations
In England, from the 6th April 2008, a site waste management plan (SWMP) will be required for all new construction projects worth more than £300,000. If a project is planned before 6 April 2008 and construction work begins before 1 July 2008, a SWMP will not be required.

Within Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, a SWMP is not yet a requirement though following the procedure could help to reduce the amount of waste produced and will help with the effective management of waste. SWMPs are being promoted as an example of best practice in the construction industry.

SWMP’s are intended to include all wastes from a construction site, not just soils, but soils are a huge part of construction waste.

Coupled with this and linked to a new Definition of Waste, there will be a requirement to have a Materials Management Plan for construction projects, for instance where soils that are not waste are being re-used on sites. These are both areas where Applied Geology can provide additional services to clients.

April 2008 - Kenilworth RFC
Kenilworth RFC, sponsored by Applied Geology, have survived for another season in Midlands 1 (the level below National League). The final day of the season saw Kenilworth as one of five teams who could have been relegated in the third bottom spot if they had lost and other results had gone against them. Mobile phones were busy and news came through thick and fast that three of our four rivals were winning, the fourth (and eventual relegated team Dunstablians) being somewhat difficult to contact. In the end Kenilworth survived by holding second placed Luctonians to a very exciting 25-25 draw, Kenilworth, finishing with 14 men due to injuries, scored an equalising try late on and had to absorb intense Luctonians pressure in the last few minutes to secure the draw and safety. Draws are rare in rugby and this was the second draw between the teams this season. Kenilworth’s plight was not helped the week earlier when they were soundly beaten by Peterborough who play just a short distance from our sister division Ground Engineering.

Willie Whitesmith.

January 2008

• Applied Geology ’s order book has continued to look healthy in recent months with a wide variety of projects won, ranging from as far afield as Inverness to Devon and Anglesey to Great Yarmouth. The project teams are looking forward to starting the New Year with a broad range of interesting challenges and a few early starts!
  
  
  
• Projects taken on have ranged from the geoenvironmental input on very large industrial and housing developments down to the geotechnical assessment for a single house. The work carried out following issue of the investigation report is proving to be of ever increasing importance, with the need for Verification Plans and Reports being required should pollutant linkages on a site be established.

 

• A large housing development in Kidderminster is taking up quite a lot of time for one of our Project Groups. The investigation works previously carried out identified that fuel had leaked from underground storage tanks into the underlying water bearing granular soils resulting in impaction of both the soil and groundwater. Following a detailed risk assessment and liaison with the Environment Agency a remediation solution was proposed. In this instance Applied Geology has worked closely with Regenesis to develop a remediation strategy for in-situ clean up of contaminated soils and groundwater, using its RegenOx and Oxygen Release Compounds. Due to the need for this work to be undertaken in a number of phases across the Xmas and New Year period, and the lack of suitable available site staff, Applied Geology engineers volunteered their services and gained valuable practical experience in the physical application of the materials on site.

 

• Following a poor start (losing their first five games) in their return to Midlands 1, Kenilworth RFC, sponsored by Applied Geology, have steadied the ship and are currently (mid Jan 08) in mid table with six wins from their thirteen games played and are looking good to retain their place in the division with nine games left.

October 2007 - Staff Additions
In addition to Chris Vincett who joined AG in July as an Associate, Gareth Jenkins has joined as a Project Engineer from Farmer Associates. Paul Ledger, who left AG to travel around the world with his brother, has now returned and been welcomed back into the fold. Jill Bloxham has also joined the Admin team.

October 2007 - Interesting Challenges
In recent months Applied Geology has been awarded a number of technically and logistically interesting and challenging projects across the UK. Projects include:

• A study into the presence of near surface voids in Maidenhead caused by the collapse of natural solution features. This manifested itself following the summer floods and the Client was advised to contact Applied Geology following discussion with the Local Authority. The work has involved a detailed Phase I Desk Study followed up by site work involving boreholes, dynamic probing and trial pitting. An extensive network of features, most with the potential to collapse, has been established. AG is currently in discussion with the client on the best ways to mitigate the risks.
• Applied Geology has recently completed the study of a landfill site which required assessment by the Local Authority in accordance with their duties under Part IIa. The major pollutant linkage identified in the initial study was the presence of arsenic within the landfilled material but further testing using bioaccessibility methods and risk assessment clarified the risk that existed. Similar Part IIa studies for various Local Authorities are an increasing part of the workload of Applied Geology.
• The requirement for producing Pile Mat Designs has kept Principal Engineer Graham Dowlen’s team busy and a number have been carried out for various main contractors.
• Through a contact in Scotland, Applied Geology was instructed to undertake a series of Phase I Desk Studies in SW Scotland for Scottish Power at the locations of proposed Wind Farm substations. As well as undertaking a standard Phase I study, the sites were visited and basic site work, involving probing and gas monitoring was undertaken to give an indication of the level of Phase II work that may be required.
  
  
• Chris Vincett is currently involved in a project where recently constructed houses have suffered structural distress due to significant heave. Current evidence suggests that the heave is likely to be associated with artesian groundwater flow which has been affected by specific elements of the recent construction works. The fuller findings of the work are likely to be produced as a fuller case history or technical paper in future months, so watch this space.

October 2007 - Householder Concerns
An increasing workload is coming from individual householders who are either trying to buy or sell a residential property and who are finding that the house in question is ‘failing’ the contamination test through one of the many “Phase I” desk study services offered by environmental information providers and instigated by solicitors. The dangers inherent in these reports were highlighted at the Risky Business Conference, recently attended by Willie Whitesmith. In most cases further more detailed work (both research and in the field) can easily eliminate the theoretical pollutant linkages that are deemed to exist and hence the sale or purchase can often proceed.

October 2007 - Changing Kenilworth
The centre of Kenilworth surrounding Applied Geology’s offices resembles one big construction site at the moment, with work on the main Waitrose Development having started in September. Further development is scheduled to take place over the next year, including the redevelopment of Talisman Square and other town centre facilities. As part of the development, work on Applied Geology’s new offices is currently underway and we hope to move in to 5000ft² of newly fitted out, high quality offices early in 2008.

Development of the Waitrose store involves the construction of an underground car park. During the investigation of the site, undertaken by Applied Geology, a major problem was highlighted with semi-artesian water being encountered in a sandstone band within the mudstone strata at around 6m bgl. These findings resulted in the floor of the basement being raised by some 1.5m to avoid the potential heave of the floor during and after construction. The Engineer for the work is Bridges Pound of Kenilworth and it is hoped that Ron Hemming of Bridges Pound will give a lunchtime talk to Applied Geology staff on how they used our data in the design of the car park, store and surrounding ancillary developments.

October 2007 - The Learning Never Stops
Lunchtime training sessions for staff resumed in October with a talk from Lindon Sear of the UK Quality Ash Association. The talk was on PFA - how it is produced, its properties and its many uses, the most relevant to AG being its use in infill grouting and as a lightweight earthworks material. The next session is planned for mid November and is being given by ENiMS on Ecology and Land Management in Remediation. Applied Geology considers ongoing training an essential element of continual professional development and a way of improving the service it can offer its clients. Organisations interested in offering a lunchtime talk on a relevant topic should contact Willie Whitesmith at Applied Geology.

31 July 2007 - Applied Geology Advise on Difficult Drilling Conditions
Pan Fish Ltd, suppliers of farmed salmon to Marks & Spencer, utilise a loch (Loch Coire nan Arr) in Wester Ross for their freshwater. The loch is of such a size that it required certification under the Reservoir Act and hence an investigation was needed to allow a Panel 1 Engineer to design a suitable permanent dam, there being a temporary one in place for around four years. The loch is in an area of ‘classic geology’ and is visited by many university undergraduates and geology enthusiasts.

Applied Geology was approached by the Project Managers in Inverness, to come up with a solution for the difficult drilling conditions expected (scree over morainic till over the Torridonian Sandstone) to provide data to the Panel 1 Engineer and to this end Applied Geology approached drilling contractor Boart Longyear to use their sonic drilling system. Applied Geology was made aware of the newly introduced system from a presentation given by Boart to Applied Geology earlier in the year.

Sonic drilling produces a continuous core in both superficial soils and solid strata and the site work on the site has now been successfully completed and data provided to the Engineer to assist in his design.

14 July 2007 - Chairty Abseil in Kenilworth
Graham Dowlen, Gareth Shaw and James Agg took part in a sponsored abseil on Saturday 14th July to raise money for charity.  The 120ft jump took place at the MacDonald De Montford Hotel in Kenilworth, in aid of ‘The Stroke Association’.

Whilst all three had abseiled previously, any skills were exceptionally rusty. One of the instructors did comment “So you guys are geologists? I suppose you do this a lot then?” Luckily, they were able to practice the required techniques on a much more forgiving gradient – the lawn at the foot of the hotel.

When the moment of truth arrived, the trio were whisked up to the penthouse suite of the hotel and ushered out onto the balcony. One by one, they struggled with the most arduous task of the day, the ungainly clamber over the railings. After safety ropes were checked and all was ready, the instructors gave the all-clear to go.

Moments later, it was all over. With the exception of the heckling from a certain Managing Director, everything went smoothly and the Applied Geologists were soon on the lawn again, with fanciful ideas of taller buildings and sky-dives to try in the future to be discussed over a well-deserved coffee.

A total of £650 was raised through donations from the company, colleagues, friends and family.

11 July 2007 - Racing Ahead Newmarket
On Wednesday 11 July, Applied Geology, together with its sister division, Ground Engineering, hosted a day of hospitality at Newmarket ’s July Racecourse during their illustrious Ritz Club July Festival.

John Cartwright, Managing Director, Ian Gardner, Business Development Director and Mike Bevan and Chris Vincett, Associates of Applied Geology were joined by several guests and their partners.  A full day of racing and hospitality was on the cards and guests were entertained in a private marquee which opened out onto the side of the racecourse just beyond the finishing post.  This was the first time Applied Geology and Ground Engineering had hosted an event at the racecourse and the day proved to be a truly memorable event.

11 July 2007 - Spreading the Word
On Wednesday 11 July, Willie Whitesmith, Divisional Director of Applied Geology, gave a presentation to the Warwickshire Property Forum at the offices of Wright Hassall in Leamington Spa.

The presentation was entitled, ‘The Assessment of Ground-Related Problems and Solutions’ and dealt with the appraisal techniques available in investigating sites and assessing the ground conditions present.  Mr Whitesmith detailed the range of methods that are used to investigate, identify and quantify contaminants (both physical and chemical) and described how various remediation techniques can then reduce or eliminate the risks identified. A number of case histories were presented.

The presentation was well attended by the Warwickshire Property Forum whose members include a cross-section of property and construction professionals such as developers, investors, builders, contractors and land owners.  The talk gave rise to a number of questions based on attendees own current projects and discussions ensued well into the evening.  Applied Geology has received a number of business enquiries following the event.

For further information on Applied Geology and the services it can offer, please contact Willie Whitesmith on 01926 851113 or at willie.whitesmith@appliedgeology.co.uk.

5 July 2007 - A Day at Henley
For the second year running, Applied Geology entertained guests to a day at Henley Royal Regatta on Thursday 5 July.  

John Cartwright, Managing Director, Willie Whitesmith, Divisional Director and Mike Bevan, Associate, entertained several guests who were able to experience the atmosphere of this unique rowing event.  The party had access to the exclusive Stewards Enclosure which is situated by the finishing line and Mike, a former Henley participant, advised of the good and bad techniques of passing crews.  A picnic lunch with suitable refreshments was enjoyed in the Applied Geology gazebo which also housed a couple of desperate passer-bys during the day’s two heavy downpours.  Despite the weather, spirits weren’t dampened and everyone who attended has thanked Applied Geology personally and expressed what a good day it was.

1 July 2007 - New Associate at Applied Geology
Applied Geology is pleased to announce the addition to their team of Chris Vincett.

Chris joined Applied Geology in July as an Associate and his appointment adds a further dimension to the division’s technical capability.  Chris has a considerable background in geological and geoenvironmental engineering spanning over 25 years.  He is a Chartered Geologist, a European Geologist and Chartered Scientist.  Chris comes to Applied Geology on the back of seven years heading the Geoenvironmental Department at Coventry based Geotechnics Ltd. 

Mike Bevan who has worked at Applied Geology since October 2005 was also promoted to Associate in July.  Applied Geology congratulates them both and wishes them well in their new positions.  The division is currently experiencing a period of growth and are looking forward to moving into a larger office space later this year.  Anyone interested in working for Applied Geology should contact Samantha Bal at recruitment@appliedgeology.co.uk.

April 2007 - Mix and Match Lunch
On Friday 30th March, Applied Geology, in association with Coventry First, hosted a mix and match lunch at the Woodside Conference Centre, Kenilworth. Coventry First, a local business group, helped organise the event and invited about 20 local business people. These were existing and potential clients of Applied Geology, from the property, financial and legal sectors. Drinks and a buffet lunch were followed by a presentation by Willie Whitesmith, Divisional Director, on the work of Applied Geology. The event provided a forum for networking with local business professionals and positive feedback has been received.

If you want to find out more about Applied Geology, please contact Willie Whitesmith on 01926 851113 or at willie.whitesmith@appliedgeology.co.uk.

March 2007 - Applied Geology Sponsors Lunch
On 27th January, Applied Geology, the main sponsors of Kenilworth Rugby Club, hosted a lunch at the club, in conjunction with AJA Architects, for selected present and potential future clients. Peter Noone and Mike Shelbourne of Chemtest and Keith Spires of Danetre Drillco, joined John Cartwright, Willie Whitesmith and other senior staff of Applied Geology prior to, during and after the Midlands 1 West League game against Bromsgrove. A most convivial afternoon was topped off by a Kenilworth victory that sent them two points clear at the top of the table.

(Left to Right) Keith Reading (Weaver Construction), Mike Blakeman (AJA Architects) and Vince O'Connell (Prologis Developments), enjoy the action.