Wells and Co, a family-owned brewery that was established in Bedfordshire, have been in the brewing industry since 1876 and now run over 200 pubs across England and France. They have an excellent reputation for delivering high quality beer and as part of their development of a brand-new brewhouse, required a new water supply with a consistent water quality and 60,000 cubic meters of water per year to support production. With our long history supporting clients of all shapes and sizes within the brewing industry, Envireau Water was the natural project partner to support Wells and Co design, construct, test and licence their new supply.
The Challenge
Wells and Co’s new development needed a borehole water supply with optimal water quality and sufficient yields to sustain the new brewery, however, the site is situated within an environmentally sensitive area where there is restricted water available for licensing. Concerns from the Environment Agency and local wildlife groups meant that a high level of regulatory engagement was required to determine the viability of the project and collect the necessary data to address local concerns.
The Envireau Way
The first step our specialists took was carrying out a feasibility study to assess the potential of a borehole on-site and to define the regulatory approach with the Environment Agency to obtain an abstraction licence. A detailed water features survey was required to identify any at-risk nearby water features which could be impacted.
As part of the borehole development process, detailed geological data and an extended programme of test pumping was carried out to collect the relevant data to assess the impact of the new borehole on the local water environment. A high level of engagement with the Environment Agency was required throughout the process.
By managing the project from start to finish, not only could we ensure a borehole was designed and constructed to the required quality and standards, but that sufficient data was also collected to support the licence application along the way.
The Result
In addition to delivering a well-constructed borehole, our approach to the challenges of this project ensured Wells and Co secured the licence they required for their new brewhouse, with minimum resistance. As the final stage of the licensing process, licence conditions were agreed that were appropriate to ensure a long-term data set would be collected to robustly demonstrate impacts of abstraction. The borehole has been brought into service and is delivering a consistent quality of water for brewing.
Need our Help?
Envireau Water is renowned for our success with regulators. Whilst no-one can guarantee a success for every project, we can assure you that where there is just cause, our good reputation, strong relationships and wealth of experience ensure the strongest possible case is presented with every option explored to ensure
a successful outcome.
Get in touch on 01332 871 882 or email at info@envireauwater.co.uk.
