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MEMBERSHIP OF
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS: |
Fellow of the Geological Society Chartered Geologist |
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:
2005 - DATE Director of Earth Science Partnership Limited.
2003 - 2005 Associate of Earth Science Partnership Limited.
2001 - 2003 Geoenvironmental Engineer with Earth Science Partnership Limited.
FIELDS OF EXPERTISE
Desk Based Research and Due Diligence
Experienced in undertaking Desk Study research and providing a scope of anticipated/identified hazards, investigation methods necessary to further quantify those hazards, and prediction of long term remedial requirements and cost implications.
Development of a Conceptual Model
Using site derived factual data to interpret a robust and justifiable conceptual site model within the hydrogeological context of the wider area. Includes an excellent understanding of geological processes and landforms, hydrogeological interpretation and an understanding of contaminant behaviour.
Contaminated Land Risk Assessment
Specific expertise in preparing risk assessments for the impact of land affected by contamination. This can include risks to health, property, ecology and controlled waters from contaminant media including solid, liquid and gaseous phase contamination. Experienced in implementing the phased investigations and evaluation based decision making, in line with the Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination (CLR11). Experienced in implementing qualitative and semi- quantitative risk assessment methodologies (such as Probability: Impact Matrices) and numerical models for quantitative risk assessments (such as CLEA UK, RTM06, RBCA, SNIFFER).
Risk Management & Risk Communication
Specialises in agreeing strategies for non-technical risk management of ground related hazards and events. Includes physical failures such as landslides, mining hazards and flooding, and the public perceptions of land contamination.
Geotechnical Assessment
Experienced in establishing material properties for design focused decision making, attributing strength characteristics to ground conditions and predicting behaviour resulting from changes in stress characteristics. Dominantly foundation design and settlement estimation, but also experienced in assessing the stability of slopes and excavations.
Project Direction
Oversees consultancy commissions, from project design through to delivery and closure. Managing the clients expectations and maintaining appropriate level of feedback. Managing de-briefs with staffs and providing technical clarification to regulators, where necessary.
Health & Safety
The design and management of Health and Safety systems and procedures for the activities of Earth Science Partnership Ltd. Includes Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work for common activities and project specific management systems to IOSH accredited methods.
Technical Auditing
Reviewing and evaluating technical reports prepared by third parties. Includes review of factual finings, technical appraisal and re-evaluation of recommendations.
Management Systems
The design and implementation of Management Systems to assist the monitoring and control of technical and administrative activities for Earth Science Partnership Ltd. Systems to date include financial control, income forecasting, work flow monitoring, report delivery management, client management and project control.
Lectures & Seminars
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Prepared and presented a seminar to the Welsh Association of Technical Officers (WATO) on remedial activities, decision making and risk communication in contaminated land projects.
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Acted as Visiting Tutor for the University of Wales, Newport to deliver an MSc lecture series on Contaminated Land Risk Assessment and Remediation.
SELECT EXAMPLES OF WORK EXPERIENCE
Specific projects of note include:
- Risk communication to a public enquiry: A large site where housing and educational facilities is proposed at the base of a South Wales valley in an area already significantly affected by fluvial flooding. Leading on risk assessment and communication, derived and presented information for the public inquiry that would allow non-technical stakeholders to appreciate the risks, and changing risks at existing properties, in the event of severe flooding. The works were essential in allowing the Environment Agency to remove their objections to the application, and for the inspector to recommend the scheme be approved.
- Expert witness: Primary geotechnical support role to the Lead Expert for major legal case in Dublin, Ireland. Implementing geotechnical studies and preparing expert witness reports on findings and providing advice to counsel where appropriate. Critiquing and rebutting evidence presented by the opposition.
- Project Director for Geotechnics and Contaminated Land for the Barry Waterfront Development, South Wales. Comprehensive investigation and assessment of material properties and contamination distribution to allow risk assessment and derivation of remedial schemes to mitigate significant geotechnical and contamination hazards.
- Hydrogeological Risk Assessment for Proposed Cemetery: This substantial hydrogeological study was undertaken across a broad area in South Wales where a mixed burial cemetery was proposed on a watershed at the end of a long topographic ridge. The study focused on understanding groundwater movement patterns related to the varied lithologies and permeabilities present, and interaction with surface water springs. Once the model was robustly established, a prediction of the contaminant loading over the life of the cemetery was made in order that risks to environmental receptors could be assessed. The study presented a comprehensive site characterisation and risk assessment to the Environmant Agency, who then approve d the site as suitable, from a perspective of groundwater protection.
PUBLICATIONS
Sommerwill G.S.J. (2005). The Development of a Structured Management System that will aid the Recording and Reporting of Model Procedure Information. Dissertation ENT509. MSc Geoenvironmental Engineering – University of Wales, Cardiff.
