AECOM developed comprehensive Environmental Assessment Reports for drought permits, supporting Affinity Water's water resource management.
We played a crucial role in supporting Affinity Water (AW) by developing comprehensive Environmental Assessment Reports (EARs) for individual drought permits. These permits were associated with groundwater resources and formed an integral part of AW's comprehensive drought plan. Our multidisciplinary team provided expertise in hydrogeology, hydrology, hydro-ecology, and environmental impact assessment to ensure a robust evaluation of the potential impacts of drought permit implementation on the surface water environment.
Building on previous evaluations
Our work on the EARs built upon previous evaluations conducted for AW. This included drought resilience testing, modelling drought permits within the regional models of the Environment Agency, and incorporating drought plan options into the Water Resources Management Plan options appraisal. Additionally, we integrated Strategic Environmental Assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments, and Water Framework Directive assessments into the process, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and directives.
Complex impact assessment
Assessing the potential impacts of drought permits on the surface water environment posed a complex challenge that required the expertise of an experienced team. The revised EARs aimed to establish an environmental baseline within the identified zone of hydrological influence without the presence of drought permits. This involved utilising advanced groundwater modelling techniques and interpreting the potential effects of water abstractions during severe drought conditions. By identifying key changes in the physical environment resulting from drought permit implementation, the assessments supported the evaluation of receptors such as fish and macroinvertebrates, as well as features like the landscape, which were either included or excluded for further assessment.
Comprehensive evaluation
The EARs we developed provided a comprehensive evaluation of the potential impacts arising from drought permit implementation throughout the year. These reports were designed to be easily updated to reflect current conditions in the event of future drought permits being required. Our team of hydrogeologists, hydrologists, and environmental experts worked together to ensure accurate and up-to-date assessments, enabling AW to make informed decisions and comply with relevant regulations.
Successful drought permit implementation
Thanks to our integrated team of experts and their utilisation of cutting-edge techniques in hydrology, hydrogeology, hydro-ecology, and environmental impact assessment, Affinity Water successfully developed Environmental Assessment Reports (EARs) for their individual drought permits. These reports played a critical role in supporting AW's decision-making processes and sustainable management of water resources. Our contribution to AW's drought permit environmental assessments demonstrates our expertise and commitment to providing robust evaluations of potential environmental impacts. By delivering accurate and up-to-date assessments, we supported AW in making informed decisions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting the sustainable management of water resources. These capabilities position us as a reliable partner for future environmental evaluation projects.