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Whilst, by 2008, demand for raw aggregates had subsided by nearly 30% since its peak in 1989, the long lead times for new planning permissions mean that aggregate producers have been continually busy evaluating new and revised prospects. This position is now being affected by the down turn in demand for raw materials. However, key strategic sites still need to be progressed through the planning process and many operational sites still face significant problems managing groundwater inflows. Over recent years, planning constraints on lateral extensions have increased the pressure for deepening existing sites below the water table. With higher rates of pumping, the energy cost of dewatering has become a significant factor in quarry profitability whilst planning conditions linked to mitigation of dewatering impacts may impose severe restrictions on the way quarries can be operated.
These pressures mean that operators are increasingly using the services of specialist groundwater consultants to help them optimise their management of groundwater. ESI is the largest independent, specialist groundwater consultancy in the UK and has a number of senior staff with very extensive experience in the extractive industry. We have a highly respected and experienced groundwater modelling team that is currently developing and operating groundwater models of some of the largest dewatering schemes in the country. Our approach in all of these projects is to work closely with our clients and the rest of the planning/EIA team to determine the most appropriate level of assessment required for each site. This, combined with our pro-active approach to negotiation with the Environment Agency, ensures that we can achieve a cost effective solution in all cases.
Services: - Extractive Industry
Clients: - Extractive Industry
- CEMEX
- Tarmac
- Sibelco
- Hanson
- Bathgate Silica Sands
Case studies: - Extractive Industry
Please contact Mike Streetly - Director (01743 276100 / email) for more information.
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Extractive Industry 
