Did You Miss Our Borehole Development Webinar?

Our experts, Dr Phil Ham, James Dodds and Penny Jenkinson discussed the key points from our borehole series in a one-hour webinar. They were joined by Sam Walton from Associated British Ports (ABP), who provided the client’s perspective on the borehole development and licensing process.

In case you missed the informative hour, we have summarised the key points from the webinar below. Or head over to our YouTube channel to watch a recording of the event.

Key Points

Step 1: Feasibility Study

This is a crucial step at the start of any borehole project. As well as understanding what the yield and water quality from a borehole might be, it’s important to establish whether there are any regulatory showstoppers for obtaining a suitable licence.

Step 2: Starting The Regulatory Process

Step two comprises the official application to the regulator, to construct and test a borehole. A Water Features Survey needs to be undertaken to identify existing abstractors and other sensitive features that could be impacted by a new borehole. Cut corners at this stage, and you risk missing something important that causes a problem or delay down the line.

Step 3: Construction and Testing

This is where the bulk of the project money is spent, so making a mistake at this stage can be costly. Boreholes need to be designed and constructed in accordance with industry best practice, taking account of site-specific geological conditions. Testing needs to be carried out in a scientifically controlled manner, to make sure the system responds as expected.

Step 4: Licensing

There are two important parts to the final regulatory step:

• Technical reporting and data analysis, and submitting a final licence application
• Liaising with the regulators through to determination

The final part is often overlooked. It’s important to have access to the right expertise so you can address any regulatory issues to avoid unexpected delays. The devolved nations around the UK each have their own licensing system, so it’s crucial to know what they require and when to ensure a successful application.

Step 5: Monitoring and Maintenance

Phil always says that boreholes are for life! You need to collect data for regulatory compliance, and the same data can be used to monitor the performance of your borehole too. Routine maintenance and reliability go hand in hand. Keep an eye on the trends and if you see change, act on it.

Want to know more?

If you still have questions or want to explore any of the topics that were covered in more detail, you can get in touch with Dr Phil Ham at Phil@envireauwater.co.uk or on 01332 871 882.