Our team of civil engineers and water environment consultants have extensive experience in the diversion and restoration of rivers and can provide advice on best practice, regulatory policy and statute law for all aspects of river engineering works.
Related services also include Scour risk management; Culverts, screens and outfills; Flood risk management
Our water specialists have all the skills required for a sustainable management of water resources. We protect surface and groundwater quality and champion nature-based solutions to manage water availability and flood risk. From long-term regional water resources management plans to local studies, we ensure our clients always meet their regulatory obligations while promoting innovation, resilience and cost-effective solutions.
Enrico Isnenghi Water Environment Department Manager
Nature-first engineering and restoration
The construction of infrastructure or development often requires the diversion or modification of watercourses from their natural alignment. Ideally where this is required, we would recommend changes to the development layout to respect the physical constraint presented by the fluvial corridor.
However, where this is not possible, or where a historical diversion has already been implemented, sensitive assessment and careful design – with Nature-based Solutions (NbS) implemented where possible – are essential to provide a solution capable of withstanding flood events – as well as providing biodiversity and ecological benefits which can contribute to positive enhancement of water resources and the wider environment, provide amenity benefits and prove an asset to the development.
Thinking in the Whole
The regulatory driver of “Resilience in the round” is one of the key themes for AMP7 set by Ofwat. We believe this needs to be tackled by “Thinking in the Whole”, as opposed to the “thinking in the hole” approach traditionally driven across the industry by commercial models that primarily focus on delivery efficiencies.
The operation of natural processes in a watercourse is influenced by a number of site-specific parameters so it is important that the key drivers are identified. To do this we undertake a site reconnaissance exercise with you, which consists of both desk-based data collection and field surveys.
Where necessary we may undertake further investigations to establish information to improve confidence in the baseline situation, problem definition or inform the assessment, design or management strategy for the river. This includes:
Preliminary and detailed geomorphological assessments
Hydraulic analysis of open channels and hydraulic structures such as culverts using both simplified assessment and hydraulic modelling
Site reconnaissance including utility investigation, topographical surveys and geotechnical investigation
Where modifications are required to a watercourse, we can prepare feasibility studies, concept, outline and detailed design of the works. This includes:
Prior to the commencement of works, we can prepare and submit applications for permits, consents and approvals. This typically includes Town and county planning, Ordinary Watercourse Consent, Controlled Activities Regulations and Flood Risk Activities Permit applications.
Where limited information is available in advance of the detailed design, we can provide site supervision to allow the development of the design to continue as the new information is identified as the works progress. This may also be required where the proposed installation is complex or there is a potential impact on existing geomorphological processes.
Scour Risk Management
Scour is the removal of material from the bed and banks of a watercourse and from around the foundations of a structure built within the floodplain or channel of a river.
During a flood event, the depth of scour can increase and may extend below the foundation of a structure. This can affect the loading conditions and stability of a structure leading to deformation or instability. In fact, around the world, scour has been identified as the leading cause of bridge failure.
At Sweco, we can support you in all aspects of the scour risk management lifecycle.
Sweco’s Water Environment and Ecology teams have accredited surveyors who are capable of conducting Modular River Physical (MoRPh) surveys. This is one component of the River Condition Assessment within Natural England’s Biodiversity Metric 4.0.
The Biodiversity Metric has been developed to calculate the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of a project or development. The aim is to ensure that, under The Environment Act 2021, projects and developments, with few exemptions, demonstrate enhanced biodiversity by at least 10% post-development.
This approach aims to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than it was before the project or development will result in more and/or better quality natural habitat than there was before development.
This mandatory requirement came into place on 12th February this year for major developments. It will become mandatory on 2nd April this year for minor developments and in late 2025 for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
The River Condition Assessment involves a field-based element known as a MoRPh survey and a desk based element know as a River Type Survey. A MoRPh survey characterises the local physical structure of a river channel and its margins through quantifying 32 indicators, split between four morphological features (bank top, bank face, channel margin and channel bed). The River Type Survey identifies the hydrogeomorphological river type. The field and desk-based information provide a final condition score and categorises the river into one of 15 river types. In addition to this, the RCA records information on positive and negative watercourse condition indicators, which are then given an overall score to identify opportunities for watercourse enhancement.
Together with our clients and the collective knowledge of our 22,000 engineers, consultants and other specialists, we co-create solutions to address urbanisation, capture the power of digitalisation, and make our societies more sustainable. With international multi-disciplinary teams, we can call on the right insight and technical capability at the right time from across Buildings, Infrastructure, Advisory & Planning and Compliance.
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