Article Loss Prevention

AGS Loss Prevention Guidance 2017

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The AGS Loss Prevention Guidance 2017 was published on Members Day at the National Motorcycle Museum in April and is available free to all AGS members here

The Guidance is a series of documents providing members with an invaluable body of advice on many of the particular issues that affect our potential legal liabilities and associated financial exposure.

The Guidance was originally published as a series of Papers over a period of several years dating back to 2000 and known then as the Loss Prevention Tool Kit. This has only ever been available in hard copy, originally in its own hard back folder – a few of which may still exist no doubt on dusty shelves.

Over the last couple of years the Loss Prevention Working Group grew increasingly concerned;
1. that the information in the Tool Kit was no longer readily accessible to most member companies,
2. that most practitioners were completely unaware of its existence and the advice it contained and
3. perhaps most importantly, that there was clearly a potential for some of the advice and cases cited to have been superseded by more recent law, regulation, judgement or commercial practice.
It was clear to the Group that radical action was required to either ensure that the advice was current and relevant or to consign it all to the dustbin of history. The brave decision was taken to bite the bullet and see whether we could resuscitate this sleeping giant.
The main challenge was to ensure that the legal basis and cases quoted were current and this challenge was met through the efforts of Zita Mansi of BLM (our legal advisors, provider of the AGS Legal Helpline and hosts of the LPWG) who managed to recruit a practicing barrister (Dominic Ruck-Keen) to review all of the original text at a cost within our (meagre) budget. Dominic’s review carried out in 2017 (hence the date in the title of the document) enabled the LPWG to conclude one of three outcomes:
i. The original legal basis remains current and thus confirmed to remain relevant to the issue described. No substantive legal edit required;
ii. The original legal basis relied upon has been superseded by more recent law or judgement. The Guidance has been amended accordingly and the relevant new legal basis is cited;
iii. The original legal basis has been completely superseded or replaced such that the advice provided is no longer relevant. The document has been withdrawn from the current edition of the Guidance (although the AGS retains a copy for reference).

The next task was to bring the twenty three papers together into a consistent and readable format that would encourage Members to read, digest and use the information. Because of the range of age of the original tool kit papers, they were presented in a myriad of styles, fonts and format (including some only available in Word Perfect). The LPWG has now turned this disparate series of papers into a coherent and readable whole. After a final review by AGS Senate and a lot of diligent editing by willing, or press ganged “volunteers” the Loss Prevention Guidance was ready for publication at Member’s Day.

We are determined not to let this 2017 Guidance suffer the fate of the Tool Kit and become a potential liability rather that the asset it undoubtedly is. Accordingly it will be subject to formal review at five yearly intervals by the LPWG (including specialist legal review). The Working Group will endeavour to ensure that any issues arising that affect the advice in any of the papers in the Guidance are addressed. This could be by the publication of an article in the Newsletter, by the preparation of a Loss Prevention Alert, and/ or by the amendment or withdrawal of the relevant paper in the Guidance. In addition to this formal review, AGS members are encouraged to provide comment, advice or suggestions for additional papers relevant to the Guidance which should be addressed to: The Secretary Loss Prevention Working Group at ags@ags.org.uk

A brief summary of each of the Papers is presented following the Introduction of the Guidance and this will assist and guide all practitioners to Papers of relevance or interest and this is presented below. Members are encouraged to disseminate the advice contained in the Loss Prevention Guidance amongst their colleagues. Many of the issues addressed are relevant to staff mainly concerned with the commercial aspects of our business, to technical staff at a senior level dealing with clients and contracts etc. and also to staff approaching Chartership where awareness of the commercial and legal liabilities are an important part of demonstrating professional competence.

For further help on contract and liability issues Members are reminded that they can contact Berrymans Lace Mawer (020 7638 2811), quote the ‘AGS legal advice line’ and ask for Zita Mansi or Michael Salau.

The AGS Loss Prevention Guidance 2017 can be downloaded here.

This Article contributed by Hugh Mallett, Technical Director, BuroHappold Engineering in the May/June 2018 issue of the AGS Magazine which can be viewed here.

Summary of the Loss Prevention Guidance papers.

AGS LPG No. Title Summary description
001 Limiting and Excluding Professional Liability The consultant generally owes their client in contract and tort a duty to use reasonable care, skill and diligence in the work they carry out.  This paper describes means by which consultants may limit liability in both tort and contract.
002 The Doctrine of Vicarious Liability The effect of vicarious liability is to render one party liable to another by the tort of a third party.  This paper describes that liability in tort is not the same as that in contract and the distinction between employees and contractors.
003 The Criminal Liability of Firms for the Acts of their Directors and Employees Companies and partnerships can act only through their staff – their directors/partners and employees.  This paper sets out to what extent firms are responsible in criminal law for the acts of their staff.
004 The Liability of the Individual within the Contracting or Consulting Firm Because of the rule of vicarious liability where an employee is negligent so causing loss, the party suffering loss will normally sue the employee’s employer.  This paper describes how the individual can also be sued and recommends sensible precautions for employees.
005 Liability for Independent Contractors Generally, companies are not liable in tort for the acts of their independent contractors.  However, some important exceptions to this rule are described in this paper.
006 Different Legal Structures/Forms for a Consulting or Contracting Undertaking This paper describes the various legal forms a consulting or contracting organisation are likely to take and how this can affect the liability of its owners, managers and employees, as well as the organisation’s liability in its own right.
007 Understanding “Fitness for Purpose” and “Skill and Care” Obligations This paper describes the essential differences between Fitness for Purpose” and “Skill and Care” Obligations, the associated risks and implications for insuring against those risks.
008 The Law of Limitation This paper describes how the law of limitation is designed to protect possible defendants from proceedings relating to old claims.
009 The Bare Agreement Parties to a contract for professional services may agree what the professional is to do but with no other terms defined. This paper describes the issues around a contract based upon implied terms.
010 The Basics of Contract A contract is a bundle of promises that the parties to the contract make to each other.  This paper describes the Agreement, Consideration, legal relations and other basic provisions of a contract.
011 The Contracts (Rights of Third |Parties) Act This paper describes the provisions of the Act and how a third party may enforce a contractual term in a contract.  Risks are described and recommendations to mitigate those risks presented.
012 Common Contract Breaches Committed by Consultants Some of the common types of breach of contract committed by consultants are described. An overview is presented of the contractual obligations often set out in consultants’ appointments and the ramifications of breach.
013 Consultants Undertaking Ground Investigation Contracting This paper describes the issues faced by consultants in undertaking ground investigation contracting services within the scope of their services.  The risks and strategies to mitigate those risks are set out.
014 Obligations in Tort This paper describes how, in addition to contractual obligations the law of torts may also impose obligations to persons who are not parties to the agreement.  The tort of negligence, usually the most important to the ground engineering specialist, is described.
015 Conflicts between a duty of Confidentiality owed to a Client and a Legal or Moral duty to assist the Authorities Specialists owe a duty of confidentiality to their client.  Conflicts of interest can arise where the regulatory authorities (for example, the Environment Agency) ask for information about or relating to the client’s affairs.  This paper describes some of the difficulties in this conflict and advises how they may be reconciled.
016 Professional Indemnity Insurance Checklist This paper presents a checklist of issues that a consultant undertaking professional services should consider when procuring professional indemnity insurance.
017 Business Liability Insurance This paper provides an introduction to various business insurances, other than professional indemnity insurance which are often taken out by smaller companies, consultants and contractors.
018 Controlling the Risks of Working Alone This paper presents advice to member organisations employing people who will at times be working alone.
019 Disclaimers in Reports Ground engineering specialists producing reports often insert disclaimers intended to limit the scope of liability. This paper discusses the legal effect of disclaimers and provides relevant advice.
020 Alternative Dispute Resolutions This paper describes Alternative Dispute Resolution and the traditional forms of dispute resolution, litigation and arbitration.
021 Adjudication This paper describes the nature of adjudication, adjudication pursuant to the HGCRA and the 10 pre-conditions to adjudication under the HGCRA .
022 Sources of Advice for Expert Witnesses This paper provides a brief description of sources of advice for environmental and ground engineering specialists acting as Expert Witnesses
023 Freedom of Information Act This paper provides information on the Freedom of Information Act, its implications and how it can affect AGS members and their clients.
News Business Practice

New Leader for AGS Business Practice Working Group

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Andrew Milne, Managing Director of Geotechnical Engineering and new Leader of the AGS Business Practice Working Group, gives an overview on his aims and ambitions for his upcoming term.

I’m delighted to have been chosen by the membership of the AGS as the new Leader of the Business Practice Working Group (BPWG). Thank you for your vote of confidence in me.
I am taking over the Leadership from John Talbot, who ran the BPWG for several years. During his tenure, the BPWG initiated some key changes to the way the AGS runs, which have hopefully set it up for the years ahead. I have been working with John for some of this time, and have witnessed his hard work and dedication to the wellbeing of the AGS and its membership. Well done, John. Please don’t go away – we still need you!

The BPWG is primarily concerned with the business practice of the AGS itself. As Leader of the BPWG, I report in to the Chairman of the AGS (in the Executive Council), and also to the AGS Senate. Whilst the AGS is a ‘not for profit’ organisation, like any commercial enterprise, it needs to thrive and survive. Over the medium and long term, it needs to bring in as much money as it spends, and a little bit more ‘for the rainy day’.

In the most recent update of the AGS Byelaws in 2015, we confirmed that there are three ‘Purposes’ or ‘Aims’ of the AGS, namely:
(a) to promote and enhance quality and safe practice within the geotechnical and geo-environmental industry;
(b) to provide opportunities for participation in its activities to all those in the wider geotechnical and geo-environmental industry;
(c) to give benefit to all of its participants.

In order to achieve any of these Aims, we have to be in touch with as many people as possible within the wider geotechnical and geo-environmental industry. The decision taken at the time of updating the Byelaws was that we wanted to be a ‘big-hearted’ organisation, open to ‘everyone’ in the industry, at all levels, rather than a ‘small-minded’ organisation, open only to a smaller ‘Elite’. There are arguments for both stances; we chose the former – you can’t be both!

In refreshing the Byelaws, we were very mindful to uphold the high standards required of being a ‘Practitioner Member’, and, furthermore, demanded that all levels of member, from Student Member to Honorary Member, confirmed (every year) that they ‘fully support the objectives and aims of the AGS, and agree to abide by its Code of Business Conduct’.
In consequence, the dominant task of the BPWG over the next few years is to get in touch with ‘everyone’ in the industry, and encourage them to be members of the AGS, at all levels. And once we are in touch with these people, we need to keep their attention by provide guidance, useful and interesting content, opportunities for participation, and ‘benefit’ in all senses. The AGS Administrator (Forum Court Associates Limited) has reorganised itself to this purpose, for which we are grateful.

The Business Plan for the AGS is set by the Executive Council, and is approved by the Senate. From this Business Plan, the BPWG draw up the Marketing Plan for the AGS. It identifies actions to be taken by certain AGS members, and by the Administrator.

In due course, when the AGS is in touch with many more people in the industry, and the number and range of Members (at all levels) has increased significantly, the intention is to review the subscription model. All organisations need to evolve and stay up-to-date and relevant. This exercise will not be straightforward, and all points of view will need to be listened to before decisions are made. Watch this space.

This article was featured in the May/June 2018 issue of the AGS Magazine, which can be viewed here

Report Geotechnical

AGS Geotechnical Working Group: April 2018 Meeting Update

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The second AGS Geotechnical Working Group meeting of 2018 took place on 20th April and the Geotechnical Stand-In Leader, Stephen West of Ramboll, has provided an update on the top three current issues the Geotechnical Working Group are discussing.

Improving design and execution quality of Ground Investigation
The Geotechnical Working Group are looking to improve the design and executive quality of Ground Investigation. The group are currently reaching out to client bodies to inform a short term sub-group on this issue. This issue is an important issue to the AGS as technical quality of investigation has been identified as one of the key risks in the industry and decisions made based on poor quality information generally result in a poor value project. The impact of this issue on the Members of the AGS include reduced profitability, higher insurance premiums and more time spent on defence of claims. The Geotechnical Working Group are hoping to encourage improvements in Ground Investigation design quality.

Enhancing appreciation of geotechnical issues in the construction industry supply chain
The second issue that the Geotechnical Working Group are reviewing is enhancing appreciation of geotechnical issues in the construction industry supply chain. The group are looking to generate advice notes for non-geotechnical engineering groups and engaging with bodies such as ISTRUCTE, RIBA, and NHBC etc. The group believe this issue is important to the AGS are raising the reputation and important of geotechnical across the construction supply chain will help encourage more new blood into AGS Member organisations. The impact of this issue on Members of the AGS is the reduced pool of suitable recruits to meet needs for industry growth. The group are looking to improve this issue by engaging with non-ground engineering focused industry organisations.

Ensuring Eurocode 7 update considers working practice experience
The third issue that the Geotechnical Working Group are working on is ensuring that the Eurocode 7 Update considers working practice experience. Members of the Geotechnical Working Group have been tasked with the reviewing and providing feedback on key sections of Eurocode 7.

Additional Topics being discussed by the Geotechnical Working Group
There is a great deal of interest in this year’s AGS Ground Risk Conference which is being held on 12th September 2018 at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London. This is seen as being a great opportunity to help encourage change.
The issue of the use of trial pit infiltration tests has been discussed a lot. From a technical perspective, this is seen as a questionable test driven by local authorities as opposed to actual ground parameter testing and a better way should be sought.

This update was featured in the May/June issue of the AGS Magazine which can be viewed here.

Report Contaminated Land

AGS Contaminated Land Working Group: May 2018 Meeting Update

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The AGS Contaminated Land Working Group met for the second time this year on Wednesday 16th May in London. With 24 representatives in attendance the meeting provided a number of geoenvironmental talking points for the group.

Here Vivien Dent, Associate Technical Director at RSK and Contaminated Land Working Group Leader provides a short summary on the top three topics of discussion;

ANTHROPOGENIC SOILS
The Contaminated Land Working Group are currently putting together a guidance note on the description of anthropogenic soils. This guidance will cover materials in the ground which fall outside the British Standard soil descriptions, which will allow a third party to understand what the material is and its implications for contaminant content and source, permeability, gas generation potential etc.

AGS ASBESTOS IN SOIL GUIDANCE
After a discussion, the group have agreed to update the AGS Asbestos in soil guidance note. The update is in its early stages and will possibly signpost other documents and will incorporate some guidance on testing.

GROUND RISK: WHY TAKE THE CHANCE? A LESSONS LEARNT CONFERENCE
This upcoming AGS ground risk conference is a big focus for the group as the afternoon half will focus on geoenvironmental topics. Presentations from Working Group members include Ground Gas Risk – The Risk from Incorrect Characterisation (Gavin Allsopp, NHBC) and Waste Classification for Soils – An AGS Practitioners’ Guide (Bridget Plimmer and Mike Plimmer, Golder Associates and Geotechnical and Environmental Associates).

The event is taking place at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London on Wednesday 12th September and will see Dr Jacqueline Skipper (Senior Partner and Senior Geologist at the Geotechnical Consulting Group) provide a keynote presentation to open the conference. Jacqueline was awarded the Geological Society Engineering Group Award and in 2017 was elected to receive the 18th Glossop Medal and deliver the prestigious 18th Glossop Lecture.

Delegates wishing to register for the event should email ags@ags.org.uk before Tuesday 4th September.

This update was featured in the May/June issue of the AGS Magazine which can be viewed here.

News Business Practice Contaminated Land Data Management Executive Geotechnical Laboratories Loss Prevention Safety

AGS Magazine: May/June issue

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The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists are pleased to announce the May/June issue of their new bi-monthly publication; AGS Magazine. To view the magazine click HERE.

This free, bimonthly publication focuses on geotechnics, engineering geology and geoenvironmental engineering as well as the work and achievements of the AGS.

There are a number of excellent articles in this month’s issue including;

Coal Authority calls for full consideration of legacy issues – Page 6
Geotechnica 2018: Preview – Page 8
Guide to Loss Prevention – Page 12
Sustainable Remediation The role of the geotechnical specialist – Page 16
AGS Members’ Day 2018: An overview – Page 18
Porosity and permeability values: Filling the gaps with NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) – Page 20

Advertising opportunities are available within future issues of the publication. To view rates and opportunities please view our media pack by clicking HERE.

If you have a news story, article, case study or event which you’d like to tell our editorial team about please email ags@ags.org.uk. Articles should act as opinion pieces and not directly advertise a company. Please note that the publication of editorial and advertising content is subject to the discretion of the editorial board.

Article

Land Site Characterisation Seminar – Fugro

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Dates: 27th June, Maple House, 150 Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6TB,
28th June, Avonmouth House, 6 Avonmouth Street, London, SE1 6NX

Fugro are holding a seminar which will consider how ground surveys can help you to reduce uncertainty and manage construction risk; It will provide advice on how to commission an effective investigation, highlight technical innovations and provide an overview of investigation methods.
• ground investigation rationale, doing the right things in the right order
• investigation methods – geophysics, drilling and sampling, CPT, laboratory testing, monitoring
• getting more from the data – delivering information via online portals for instant shared access, building robust ground models based on multiple data streams.

The events are free and are aimed at infrastructure developers, consultants and contractors.

For more information and to book contact Amy Bennett A.bennett@fugro.com or Simon Brightwell s.brightwell@fugro.com

Article

LQM Training Course – Getting value from your data: a hands on GIS Course

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LQM are re-running their GIS course in which they are encouraging the reliance on extracting more value from environmental data sets, including examples of how to extract historic and current AGS data for inclusion into GIS platforms.

The course will involve hands-on experience with the QGIS software and includes:
• basic principles of GIS relevant to contaminated land;
• how to load your SI data into QGIS;
• how to access other open source datasets (e.g. develop your own WIYBY);
• how to display SI data in QGIS;
• how to examine and interpret the spatial distribution of contaminants;
• how to overlay the data onto historical or current maps;
• how to create interpretative risk assessment maps combining your data and suitable assessment criteria (e.g. S4ULs);
• simple GIS operations and contouring;
• how to output maps/plots for use in your reports

The course is taking place in Nottingham on 5th June 2018.

For more information, please click here.

Article Contaminated Land Geotechnical

Sponsorship opportunities for, Ground Risk: why take the chance? A lessons learnt conference

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Tags: AGS Ground Risk Featured sponsorship

The Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists are pleased to announce that their upcoming ground risk conference will take place on Wednesday 12th September 2018 at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London.

Ground Risk: why take the chance? A lessons learnt conference is a full day event which will investigate the current risks within the Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental arena. The event will look at topics including risk management for basement excavation, Ground Gas Risk – The Risk from Incorrect Characterisation and An Overview of Legal Developments under Part IIA and Contaminated Land.

The event will not only see top industry experts present and educate on topical issues and concerns, but also provide an excellent marketing platform for companies who wish to increase their profile and raise awareness of their company initiatives through the use of sponsorship.

Our available sponsorship packages are as follows;

GOLD SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
• Entry for two delegates into the event
• A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software. This exhibition space can also showcase marketing materials, literature and banners
• Company logo on the event PowerPoint presentation holding slide
• Company logo and overview on the event programme
• Company overview on the AGS website
• Announcement of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page
• Inclusion of your company’s support on the AGS’ LinkedIn page

SILVER SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
• Entry for one delegate into the event
• Company logo on event PowerPoint Presentation holding slide
• Company logo on the event programme
• Company overview on the AGS website
• Announcement of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page

For price points and further information regarding sponsorship please email ags@ags.org.uk before Friday 24th August. Please note that sponsorship places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Article News Contaminated Land Geotechnical

Ground Risk: Why Take the Chance? A Lessons Learnt Conference

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Tags: AGS Ground Risk Cavendish Conference Centre Featured Ground Risk Wednesday 12th September 2018

The Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists are pleased to announce that their upcoming ground risk conference will take place on Wednesday 12th September 2018 at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London.

Ground Risk: why take the chance? A lessons learnt conference is a full day, CPD event organised by the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists, which will provide a focus on how ground risk can be identified, quantified, and measured for the whole project team using cutting edge technology allied with professional experience. It’ll also look at specific areas where we can improve the quality of contaminated land assessment and the risk associated with getting it wrong.

Ground Risk: Why Take the Chance? is aimed at attendees involved in construction projects from concept and planning through to implementation and not solely for geotechnical engineering specialists to help drive a change in the way ground risk is considered in the UK and beyond.

Speakers for the event include Stephen Tromans, who is recognised as one of the leading practitioners in Environmental Law in the UK, award-winning geologist, Jacqueline Skipper, Dr Andrew Smith, Coffey and Brownfield Briefing and GE Award winners, Arcadis.

 

Speakers and synopsis for the event include:

Ground Risk – Where do I start?
Dr Jacqueline Skipper, Senior Partner and Senior Geologist at the Geotechnical Consulting Group

Ground risk is often considered in terms of properties or features of the ground that create risks for construction, and this is of course a fascinating subject –  but is that really all we have to consider? In construction projects,  ground risk also concerns knowledge, communication and contracts. In this presentation I’ll be exploring these areas of the subject and looking at how we can interact, positively or negatively.

Managing Risk for a Deep Basement Excavation
Dr Andrew Smith, Technical Director at Coffey Geotechnics

The ICD Brookfield development will comprise a 290m tall tower with a 7-level basement (the deepest basement in Dubai). A 5-level basement was previously constructed on the site along with all the foundation piles. The basement was later backfilled when construction ceased in 2009.

The risks on this project were predominantly associated with the previous construction. Particular challenges included the deepening of the basement, the construction of new deeper temporary retaining walls, pile re-use and construction in close proximity to adjacent structures. In addition, this is the first construction in Dubai where removable anchors have been used.
The presentation describes how the risks were assessed and how a basement construction strategy was developed to manage them.

The Application of Advanced Continuous Surface Wave Data to Managing Ground Risk
Chris Milne, Director at Ground Stiffness Surveys

Advanced Continuous Surface Wave (ACSW) testing has been developed as a cost-effective non-intrusive means for obtaining ground profiles for geotechnical engineering. Data provided by ACSW includes accurate ground stiffness profiles at a known strain, shear wave velocity profiles (for seismic design, liquefaction assessment, rock quality assessment and for evaluation of soil properties) and Rayleigh wave velocity data (for high speed rail design). The robust, rapid and low-risk nature of the ACSW technique has resulted in its use across a range of challenging construction conditions including high-risk services environments, active construction sites and time-constrained highways and rail sites. The speed and cost-effectiveness of ACSW has the potential to significantly reduce geotechnical risk by supplementing traditional investigation and testing, as well as providing an alternative means of assessing difficult-to-investigate features such mineshafts, natural cavities and problematic ground. Advances in ACSW technology, recent applications for ground risk reduction and opportunities in this growing field are outlined.

Investigation and Treatment of Chalk Solution Features – Changing Risk Profile with Additional Information
Allan Bell, Regional Director at Hydrock

This talk will present a case study for the investigation and treatment of Chalk Solution Features. It will discuss:
• changes in the risk profile as the project progressed;
• the changing investigation methods and mitigation measures as the project progressed and the risk profile changed; and
• the clients change in approach to risk as their confidence in the data and their understanding of risk increased; and
• agreement of the changes with the NHBC.

The presentation will show changes in the clients acceptance of risk as the amount of data increases and their understanding of risk increase.

Identifying and Minimising Risk through a Value Engineered Geotechnical Solution & Case Study: 36hrs Inside Queen Street Tunnel, Glasgow
Natalie Bews, Senior Engineering Geologist and Eric Downey, Senior Engineering Geologist at Structural Soils

The initial presentation will highlight the risk of undertaking a development (structure/property) without a sufficiently scoped ground investigation. A review by the National Economic Development Office (NEDO) of 8,000 commercial buildings found that over 66% of the projects over run by at least a month. Analysis of these showed that 50% had overrun due to unforeseen ground conditions.

The case study will focus on a railway tunnel in Scotland, where a large amount of ground investigation coring and drilling work was required to be undertaken over a New Year. The ground conditions were unknown but after conducting a trial shift the drilling methodology was chosen to maximise the productivity of the New Year works. This case study identifies how the significant project risks were reduced with the collaboration of the Client in early engagement and allowing of a trial shift prior to the main works.

An Overview of Legal Developments under Part IIA and Contaminated Land
Stephen Tromans, QC, 39 Essex Chambers

An overview of legal developments under Part IIA and contaminated land more generally

Ground Gas Risk – The Risk from Incorrect Characterisation
Gavin Allsopp, Principal Geo-environmental Engineer at NHBC

The presentation will highlight the risks associated with undertaking residential developments without adequate gas risk assessments being completed before construction starts on site. It will present some case studies of sites were the gas regime and required gas protection mitigation measures have not been fully characterised before construction commences, the implications this can have and how these were rectified to ensure safe development.

Waste Classification for Soils – An AGS Practitioners’ Guide
Mike Plimmer, Technical Director at Geotechnical & Environmental Associates

It is apparent that the classification of waste soils (as either hazardous or non-hazardous) is not always completed in accordance with relevant legislation and UK Guidance. This may be because the process is not widely understood, because it is overly complex for the non-chemist, or because it is impractical in contaminated land applications where waste assessment and disposal often occurs over very short timescales. It is still common practice for comparison with landfill waste acceptance criteria to be used (incorrectly) as a substitute for waste classification.

The aim of the AGS Practitioners’ Guide, which will be introduced in this presentation, is to provide a simplified process for the sampling and classification of waste soils on straightforward sites. The Guide will point towards further information and guidance for dealing with these more complex situations. It is not intended that this Guidance duplicates or supersedes the comprehensive guidance on the classification of waste that has been published by the UK Environment Agencies. Rather, it is intended as supplementary guidance, specifically aimed at the classification of waste soil. Users of this Guide are expected to be familiar with the content of Technical Guidance WM3.

Creosote-Tar Seepage Portslade Beach
George Flower, Technical Director GeoScience at Arcadis Consulting

Following winter 2013-14 storms, beach sand was lost and a new outcrop of “crocodile – skin” emerged at lowest spring tides.
From its “scales” wept black ribbons of neat creosote tars.
Obnoxious odours wafted towards Local residents, the water shimmered in a way that it should not; Councillors were concerned, Public Health England informed, Environment Agency engaged.

The former Portslade Gas Works was the key suspect, but this was some 200m distance, and why a problem now, nearly 80 yrs since gas production hey day?
This presentation explains the characterisation process and methods, details some of the techniques employed, and how those were key to development of a detailed CSM, enabling resolution of the unique path the offensive tars were taking.

AGS members may attend the conference for £140 (plus VAT) per person. Non-AGS members will be charged at £210 (plus VAT). A 15% discount will apply to two or more delegates attending from the same company. Please note there is an early bird offer running until 31st July.

To register for the event, please complete the below registration form and return it to ags@ags.org.uk before Tuesday 4th September.

AGS Ground Risk registration form 2018

Two sponsorship packages are available for companies both inside and outside of the AGS. For full information please contact ags@ags.org.uk before Friday 24th August.

EVENT SPONSORS

Ambisense
AmbiSense is a technology company operating in the environmental sector. We build real-time sensor platforms to generate unique insight about a multitude of industrial and environmental problems to help our customers solve complex environmental problems. Our signature product, GasfluX is the world’s first continuous gas and flow monitoring device for ground-gas applications. The technology enables, real-time monitoring of landfills, brownfield sites, onshore O&G facilities and industrial sites
www.ambisense.net/

Envirolab
Envirolab provides laboratory services spanning a broad organic and inorganic portfolio. Our reputation for excellence is built on continually providing our clients with reliable results delivered on time and within budget. Our UKAS and MCERTS accreditations guarantee our commitment to quality. We are the utterly reliable analytical laboratory.
www.envlab.co.uk

Quantum Geotechnical
Quantum Geotechnical, based in South Wales and South West England, working nationwide, provides a comprehensive service across the ground investigation, geotechnical contracting and geotechnical consultancy sectors. We have a specialist fleet of multi-purpose drilling rigs, a UKAS accredited in-house laboratory and a team of experienced and chartered engineers and geologists.
www.quantum-geotech.co.uk

Geotechnical & Environmental Associates
GEA is a well-established and independent geotechnical and geoenvironmental specialist consultant providing a high-quality service to the property and construction industries. Our services include site characterisation, ground investigation and reporting, complex ground movement analyses, with particular expertise in basements, deep foundations and buried infrastructure, contamination assessments and remediation appraisals, foundation analysis and expert advice.
www.gea-ltd.co.uk

Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering Ltd is the UK’s largest privately-owned ground investigation contractor, renowned for providing a range of innovative ground investigation services for thousands of land-based projects since 1961. From Utility Surveying to all aspects of ground investigation and having our own UKAS accredited laboratory, we are proud to call ourselves industry experts.

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Soil Engineering
With over 50 years of experience, Soil Engineering are one of the country’s foremost Ground Investigation and Specialist Grouting Contractors. The comprehensive in-house geotechnical laboratory, continually updated plant fleet, and ongoing investment in training and staff development, allow Soil Engineering to provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for any geotechnical project, throughout the UK.
www.soil-engineering.co.uk

Structural Soils
Structural Soils Ltd has evolved into a national, multidisciplinary integrated, geotechnical and geo-environmental Site Investigation Company with the proven capability, capacity and confidence to undertake contracts of any size, in any location and virtually any scope. The company undertakes contracts across the UK through its offices in Bristol, Castleford, Coventry, Glasgow, Hemel Hempstead and Tonbridge.
www.soils.co.uk

In Situ Site Investigation
In Situ Site Investigation is a specialist geotechnical and geo-environmental site investigation company, which specialises in the use of Cone Penetration Testing techniques including seismic, shear vane, video cone, pressuremeter and magnetometer. Our specialised rigs enable us to work in most locations including railways, marine, brownfield sites, river slopes and rugged, mountainous terrain.
http://www.insitusi.com/

Landmark
Landmark’s Envirocheck provides industry-leading site-specific environmental reports that analyse and assess risks for Phase 1 studies. The Envirocheck Analysis digital platform and mobile app was launched to revolutionise site assessments by enabling users to instantly overlay an extensive archive of historical mapping and environmental data, online, to immediately determine associated risks.
http://www.envirocheck.co.uk/

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SoBRA Events 2018

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Tags: Featured SoBRA

SoBRA Annual Summer Workshop – Monday 18th June 2018, London
SoBRA are pleased to announce that their 2018 Summer Workshop event will this year focus upon fine tuning water environment DQRA. Topics will include understanding NAPL Transmissivity, the application of source zone depletion in models, when to use biodegradation and many other topics.  The day will be a combination of both presentations plus lively workshops.

SoBRA are currently finalising arrangements (venue has been selected) and may well be requesting volunteers to assist on the day – further details to follow.

Early Careers Event – Tuesday 19th June 2018 at the Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London

SoBRA are pleased to be working alongside the Contaminated Land Group of the Geological Society and RemSoc to provide a forum for early career professionals looking to develop their understanding of brownfield risk assessment. The event will cover fundamental ways to improve risk assessment within the context of geological knowledge and remedial needs. The day will also include a presentation on chartership and accreditation and the opportunity to take part in practical workshops.

Further details to follow.

SoBRA regularly provide updates via their website https://sobra.org.uk/, and any queries can be directed to info@sobra.org.uk.

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AGS Magazine – March/April 2018 issue

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Tags: Featured

The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists are pleased to announce the March/April issue of their new bi-monthly publication; AGS Magazine. To view the magazine click HERE.

This free, bimonthly publication focuses on geotechnics, engineering geology and geoenvironmental engineering as well as the work and achievements of the AGS.

There are a number of excellent articles in this month’s issue including;

AGS Members’ Day Information – Page 4
Making a difference: Volunteering outside of the AGS – Page 10
New AGS Working Group: Geotechnical – Page 15
AGS Honorary Life Member: John Talbot – Page 18
Unlocking Complex Brownfield Sites – Page 20
Q&A with Julian Lovell of Equipe and S M Associates – Page 26
AGS Guidance: Geotechnical Soil Laboratory Testing Selection – Page 32
Working Group Focus: Data Management & Loss Prevention – Page 34

Advertising opportunities are available within future issues of the publication. To view rates and opportunities please view our media pack by clicking HERE.

If you have a news story, article, case study or event which you’d like to tell our editorial team about please email ags@ags.org.uk. Articles should act as opinion pieces and not directly advertise a company. Please note that the publication of editorial and advertising content is subject to the discretion of the editorial board.