AGS Magazine - January/February 2019

January / February 2019

AGS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION WINNER After 71 entries and a closely-fought contest, we reveal who has been crowned the first AGS Photography Contest Winner

Photo credit: John Delaney

PAS 128: THE ESSENTIALS

VARIABILITY IN ASBESTOS ANALYSIS IN SOIL

STANDARDS AND PROFESSIONALISM

Explaining the specification for the mapping of underground utilities

Improving methods and explaining the remaining variations in asbestos analysis

James Nelson of Discovery CE offers his thoughts on SiLC Standards

ABOUT THE AGS

Chair’s Foreword Happy New Year from the AGS. We are grateful to our members for your support in 2018 and hope that all our member organisations will find 2019 to be a prosperous year.

As part of the Christmas and New Year festivities we ran the very first AGS photography competition, with the results enclosed in this issue. There was a tremendous response, demonstrating the enthusiasm that our members have for the industry. The high quality of submissions was noted by the judges and we will ensure that several of the entries will be shown in future issues of the magazine. Due to the success of the competition we will be running it again in the future. A big thank you to everyone who submitted their photographs, it’s good to know that our skills extend beyond those associated with the ground.

Our Working Groups have again made significant contributions to the contents of this month’s magazine, with items from our Safety, Loss Prevention and Contaminated Land groups. There is also quite

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a lot of guidance currently being created by them, which will be available to members throughout 2019. If you are interested in the essentials of PAS 128 or the variability in asbestos analysis in soil then read on.

The programme for the Annual Conference on Wednesday 3rd April has been finalised and we have a full complement of sponsors, enabling the event to continue to be free for most of those attending. We will also be holding another seminar in London on 3rd July, focussing mainly on the legal and insurance aspects of our industry. We look forward to seeing many of you at these events, which are always well attended by AGS members.

We would be interested in your feedback on the magazine and our future plans. Please contact ags@ags.org.uk if you have any comments.

The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) is a nonprofit making trade association established to improve the profile and quality of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering.

The membership comprises of UK organisations and individuals having a common interest in the business of ground investigation, geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, engineering geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and other related disciplines.

EDITORIAL BOARD Neil Parry, AGS Chairman Ciaran Jennings, Forum Court Associates Caroline Kratz, Forum Court Associates Katie Kennedy, Forum Court Associates Chris Swainston, Soils Limited Stephen West, Ramboll Calum Spires, Equipe Group Julian Lovell, Equipe Group EDITORIAL STORY If you have a news story or event which you’d like to tell our editorial team about, please contact the AGS on 020 8658 8212 or ags@ags.org.uk. Please note that articles should act as opinion pieces and not directly advertise a company. The AGS is under no obligation to feature articles and events received.

CONTACT US Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists Forum Court, Office 205 Devonshire House Business Centre, 29-31 Elmfield Road Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LT

 ags@ags.org.uk

Neil Parry AGS Chair

 020 8658 8212  Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists  @agsgeotech www.ags.org.uk

Inside this month’s issue

Photo credit: Discovery CE Ltd

Photo credit: Johanna Houlahan

FEATURE PAGE 16

 COVER STORY PAGE 6  After compiling and ranking all 71 entires, we reveal the winner of the AGS Photography Competition.

Standards and Professionalism An essay by James Nelson, Associate Director of Discovery CE Ltd. In this article, James discusses what Standards and Professionalism mean to him as a Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC) and how everyone should strive to better themselves within their chosen field of employment or expertise.

VARIABILITY IN ASBESTOS ANALYSIS IN SOIL PAGE 12  Barry Mitcheson of Wood plc discusses improving methods and variability in asbestos analysis.

BOREHOLE SITES & OPERATIONS REGULATIONS PAGE 20  Photo credit: Joanna Maplethorpe

Chris Vincett of Hydrock reminds AGS members of the Regulations implimented in 1995.

Q & A: MARIAN MARKHAM PAGE 22  The AGS Magazine conducts a Q & A with Jacobs’ Marian Markham.

MORE INSIDE

PAGE 4-5 

News in Short: Annual Conference Line-up

PAGE 8

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PAS 128: The Essentials Explanation of specification

PAGE 24 

Upcoming Events New for 2019

January / February 2019

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News in Short AGS Loss Prevention Seminar Save the Date The AGS are pleased to announce that a conference, based purely on loss prevention industry updates, will take place on Wednesday 3rd July 2019.

This half day afternoon event will focus on legal aspects and updates within the geotechnical and

geoenvironmental sector, in particular the Loss Prevention guidance document which was published last year.

The conference will take place within the auditorium at One Moorgate Place in London, and tickets will include lunch and

refreshments.

Full details including speakers and ticket prices will be released in due course. For information on the limited sponsorship packages available, please contact the AGS on ags@ags.org.uk.

The top three AGS publications for Jan’ 2019 1. AGS Guidance on the Description of Anthropogenic Materials – A Practitioners’ Guide 2. AGS Guide to Ground Investigation Reports 3. AGS Guide: The Selection of Geotechnical Soil Laboratory Testing To download the publications for free; click here.

Data Format Update The November/December 2018 issue of the AGS Magazine featured the registered users of Data Format for 2018.

To clarify, the following companies were also

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registered users of Data Format in 2018: • Strata Geotechnics • WSP • Royal HaskoningDHV If you would like to be a registered user of AGS Data Format, please email ags@ags.org.uk for further details.

AGS Annual Conference 2019: Event Programme Update The AGS Annual Conference is taking place on Wednesday 3rd April at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

Formerly known as Members’ Day, this full day seminar will focus on the work and achievements of the AGS and see expert speakers present on geotechnical and geoenvironmental topics and summarise lessons learnt.

The event programme will include: BETWEEN A ROCK AND HARD PLACE: COMMUNICATING GEOSCIENCE TO DISSONANT AND WARY PUBLICS Iain Stewart, Professor of Geoscience Communication and Director, Sustainable Earth Institute at University of Plymouth

REDUCING UNCERTAINTY – THE QUEST FOR REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE

DELIVERING GEOTECHNICAL VALUE IN A MULTIDISCIPLINARY ENVIRONMENT

Chris Swainston, Principal Environmental Engineer at Soils and Mike Plimmer, Technical Director at Geotechnical and Environmental Associates

Patrick Cox, Director Major Projects at AECOM

PRACTICAL ASBESTOS GROUND INVESTIGATIONS James Macfarlane, Technical Director (Asbestos) at Hydrock WHO OWNS DATA? THE LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF TRANSFER OF AGS DATA Jackie Bland, IT Manager at Geotechnics, David Entwisle, Senior Engineering Geologist at BGS, Steve Walthall and Hugh Mallet, Technical Director at BuroHappold Engineering

EMERGING CHALLENGES WITH NEW AND OLD CONTAMINANTS Phil Crowcroft, Technical Fellow at ERM A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for all AGS Members.

Additional tickets for the event are priced at £60 for AGS Members and £120 for non-Members. Prices exclude VAT. Terms and conditions apply.

To confirm your attendance please request a registration from ags@ags.org.uk and return it by Friday 22nd March 2019. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

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WINNING IMAGE: NEARSHORE INVESTIGATIONS NEAR YOUGHAL Credit: John Delaney

AGS Photography Competition: The Results In September 2018, the AGS launched their first photography competition to try and capture the industry’s most creative working images.

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Originality and Relevance

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Composition

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Colour, Lighting, Exposure and Focus

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Overall Impression, Impact and Visual Appeal

by John Delaney •

2ND PLACE: Johanna Houlahan, RSK Rampion Offshore Wind Farm. Image taken by Johanna Houlahan

A staggering 71 entries were 23 images were A staggering submitted, shortlisted, 71 entries were each covering and we’re a range of submitted... pleased to topics across announce the geotechnical the overall winner of the and geoenvironmental sector competition who won a including site work, team Fortnum and Mason Piccadilly work, landscape imagery and Hamper, and two runners up machinery shots. who have each won a bottle of Champagne; The AGS Magazine Editorial

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3RD PLACE: Hiram Menezes Goncalves, Imperial College Shoreham Quarry. Image taken by Hiram Menezes Goncalves

Board took the challenging task to judge the images by scoring across four criteria;

In summer 2018, Lankelma’s Sandpiper C-5 jack-up carried out nearshore investigations for three potential landfall

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1ST PLACE: Chris Dimelow, Lankelma Nearshore Investigations near Youghal. Image taken

WINNING IMAGE: NEARSHORE INVESTIGATIONS NEAR YOUGHAL Credit: John Delaney

LEFT - FIRST RUNNER UP: RAMPION OFFSHORE WIND FARM Credit: Johanna Houlahan

BELOW - SECOND RUNNER UP: SHOREHAM QUARRY Credit: Hiram Menezes Goncalves

sites near Youghal, at the Irish end of a proposed 500kmlong subsea electricity connection between EIRE and France. Wireline Geobore-S drilling and push-sampling formed part of feasibility studies by EirGrid and Réseau de Transport d’Électricité.

FIRST RUNNER UP: RAMPION OFFSHORE WIND FARM Credit: Johanna Houlahan This photograph showcases the UK south coast’s first offshore wind farm – Rampion Offshore Wind Farm. Rampion consists of 116 wind turbines off the West Sussex coast near Worthing. RSK personnel from offices throughout the UK across numerous disciplines, including geosciences, have helped to

bring this project to fruition.

SECOND RUNNER UP: SHOREHAM QUARRY Credit: Hiram Menezes Goncalves The photo was taken in Shoreham Quarry, in West Sussex, as part of a site visit of an Imperial College MSc research. The 30m high Chalk Cliff holds a variety of rock mass features relevant to engineering practice: Faults, dissolution features,

flint bands, sub horizontal bedding, subvertical joint sets, soil infilling fractures and preferential water paths.

The AGS would like to thank all those who took the time to enter the photography competition. The overall standard of entries was extremely high, and the judging panel found the task challenging in shortlisting the top three entries.

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PAS 128 : The Essentials

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AS 128 – what is it? Is it simply as a way standardising utility surveys or is it an attempt to minimise health and safety risks associated with any form of intrusive groundwork?

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First of all – despite it being published by BSI - it is not a British Standard as we usually know it, but rather a specification for the mapping of underground utilities. Therefore, in following the standard the user can demonstrate they have followed a logical and consistent approach to gathering and recording the data, but cannot demonstrate that the approach adopted is the right one for their particular circumstances. That said, PAS 128 does state that one of its purposes is to seek to raise the quality and reliability of such surveys. Crucially Section 0.3 states ”TSA level 3 – EML only survey – is deliberately not accounted for and not included as a detection method because

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this PAS is looking to raise the standard of detection so that in all cases a minimum of two detection techniques – ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic location (EML) – are used.”

Clearly therefore the use of a Cable Avoidance Tool (using EML) on its own, a mainstay of buried service avoidance for ground investigation in the past, is not deemed to be adequate for detection purposes. Where EML is used it should be noted that use of a Cable Avoidance Tool in conjunction with a signal generator (Genny) will often increase the reliability and capability of this technique.

Clearly therefore the use of a Cable Avoidance Tool (using EML) on its own, a mainstay of buried service avoidance for ground investigation in the past, is not deemed to be adequate for detection purposes.

PAS 128:2014 ‘Specification for underground utility detection, verification and location’, to give it its full title, identifies four types of utility survey ranging in a hierarchy from Type D to Type A with the latter providing the most detail and highest level of confidence in the

The successive levels of Survey Type C through to Type A require increasing levels of effort and therefore expense. The next level, a Type C (‘Reconnaissance’) survey, would involve a site walkover such that existing records are supported and validated by the visual inspection of physical evidence observed. In the context of ground investigation, it makes sense for this next level of survey to form part of the planning/design stage so that the exploratory hole positions and designer’s risk assessment can be updated accordingly.

A Type B (Detection) survey is probably the minimum level that is appropriate to most ground investigation work whether specified by the client/consultant or not. It involves the use of geophysical techniques to detect buried services and PAS 128 suggests that Photo credit: Geotechnical Engineering Ltd the primary techniques to be used are EML position of the utilities. Generally one type will (Electro-Magnetic Locating) and GPR (Ground follow the previous with Survey Type D being a penetrating Radar). The EML technique is most precursor to Type C and so on. However, as the commonly manifested using a CAT (Cable document does not specify Avoidance Tool) various models The guidance which type of survey or level of which offer varying of confidence is appropriate levels of accuracy and recommends for any given situation, it is sophistication. The guidance that more than one therefore of little comfort recommends that more than geophysical technique to know that buried utilities one geophysical technique should always be used. searches have been ‘carried should always be used. Note out in accordance with PAS 128’ 4 of the PAS states that “No unless the type of Survey used is detection technique can appropriate to the situation in hand. However detect every type of underground utility in that is not to say that the type of survey every location” and hence the possibility of adopted is optional as PAS128 does state that undetected services being present must be this should be decided on a case by case basis recognised even when multiple geophysical with all parties, based on the level of risk at a techniques are adopted. In the context of certain location. ground investigation contractors often request an ‘underground utility clearance’. However In PAS 128 a Type D (Desktop) survey is the limitations of detection surveys should be essentially a desk based one. This would often recognised. be appropriate at the ground investigation planning stage and might form part of the CDM Furthermore it is worth noting that there Designer’s Risk Assessment – to simply locate are different quality levels within the survey exploratory holes away from the recorded types based on level of accuracy possible. location of buried services.

Due to ground conditions / depths of services

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Photo credit: Equipe Training Ltd

different quality levels are obtained. For example a Type B survey, a B2 quality level reflects an accuracy 250mm or 40% of detected depth, whereas a B1 quality is 150mm or 15% detected depth. However in the context of ground investigation the precise location and depth is only important in so far as this helps to prevent damage occurring during the investigation process.

otherwise.

Physically verifying every service may not always be appropriate in the context of GI works – however there will always remain uncertainty over the location of any buried service which has not been subject to verification. In order to reduce the risk as low as reasonably practicable with regard to avoiding danger from underground services, Clearly, where services are designers should carefully present, the only way to get consider specifying as a 100% confidence of a service minimum a Type B PAS 128 Hand digging type, location and depth is survey as part of the GI. In with uninsulated to physically expose the many cases an ‘avoidance’ tools or with damaged service – known as a Type approach may be deemed insulation can be A (Verification) survey. Of to be adequate. However for hazardous and course such a survey, by critical services, for example its invasive nature, carries medium/high pressure gas alternatives like its own risks in terms of vacuum extraction can mains, it is always advisable hitting and damaging buried be relatively expensive. to undertake verification, services. Hand digging because the assumed with uninsulated tools or with position can never be taken damaged insulation can be hazardous and for granted. In following HSG47 asset owners alternatives like vacuum extraction can be should be contacted for high risk apparatus relatively expensive. Vacuum extraction may and it is then for the asset owner to identify not be practical and in any case does carry its the control measures to be put in place. Utility own risks. providers have their own recommended ‘clearance’ distances for excavations, digging Generally the approach to the investigation or drilling and this is different for each asset of buried services should follow the guidance owner. Finally it is worth heeding the warning in HSG47 (2014) 3rd edition. Crucially HSG47 in section 9.2 “For all excavations, assume described the process as comprising 3 that underground utilities are present and act stages (1) planning the work, (2) locating accordingly.” and identifying buried services and (3) safe excavation. You will note the emphasis in Article contributed by HSG47 is one of locating services, not simply Peter Boyd, trying to establish the absence of services Operations Director, Ground Engineering, as is often the approach taken in ground investigation, due to financial constraints or AECOM

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January / February 2019

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Variability in Asbestos Analysis in Soil

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here have been efforts to improve the analysis for asbestos in the last ten years: Analysis methods changed significantly around 2011-2014 with more scrutiny from UKAS. Prior to this, laboratories tended to offer a standalone visual screen to determine if asbestos containing material was present in the sample, but this would only cover pieces of asbestos containing material (ACM) and fibre bundles, and would not include small fragments or free fibres.

Improvements in methods A Blue Book method has been developed and while still in draft the basic methodology has generally been adopted by the majority of laboratories across the UK. The Blue Book method includes identification of asbestos fibres under a microscope. This analysis is a time intensive process using analysts with a high level of skill and training to identify, count and measure fibres on the filters examined under the microscope.

Remaining Variability

In the light of these comments Despite these we carried out a review to try to determine the changes there sources of variability across have been a number a number of laboratories. of comments on the As part of this, we spoke to variability of soil six laboratories and asked analysis for asbestos... about their processes.

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Despite these changes there have been a number of comments on the variability of soil analysis for asbestos including an article in Geoenvironmental Matters which states that “Certainly, it has been rumoured that remediation contractors have come to know which laboratories quote “find asbestos” and which ones don’t.”[1]

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Asbestos Screen A key issue we identified was inconsistency in the asbestos screen (Stage 1 of the blue book method). This is a critical step in all asbestos analysis in soil. If no asbestos is detected in

Photo Credit: James Clay, Campbell Reith

the screen, then typically no further quantification is carried out.

is found “ Ifatasbestos any stage the

Light Microscopy (PLM)/ Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) techniques.

screen is halted and The Stage 1 screening process If asbestos is found at any asbestos is reported as stage the screen is halted involves three steps: and asbestos is reported as being present.

1. visual screen of the whole being present. sample.

2. inspection of a dried subWe had heard rumours that not all laboratories sample under a stereo microscope (x20 were drying the samples prior to the second x40). stage of the screen, thereby potentially making 3. small representative ‘pinch’ samples asbestos harder to detect, however at the time mounted on microscope slide at a higher of our review in Spring 2018 the requirement magnification (x80 – x500) using Polarized to dry had been introduced into the draft

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Obvious asbestos contamination in an ‘Asbestos Dump Site’.

Blue Book method and all the laboratories we spoke to were drying samples prior to the inspection under a stereo microscope.

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The detailed Stage 2 analysis comprises inspection of a representative subsample under a stereo microscope...

For this second step of the screen we did encounter wide variation in mass of the subsample ranging from 20g to 100g and the amount to be used is not specified in the standard. There is no detection limit on the asbestos screen. It, however, seems obvious that a laboratory screening a larger subsample is likely to have a lower detection limit than a laboratory screening a smaller subsample but also may have higher costs as the process is more time intensive.

Further Quantification Stage 2 in the Blue Book method is gravimetric analysis. This involves identification and removal of visible ACMs for gravimetric analysis and subsequent detailed Stage 2 analysis. The detailed Stage 2 analysis

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comprises inspection of a representative sub-sample under a stereo microscope and the removal of smaller ACM fragments and fibre bundles for identification and gravimetric analysis to determine asbestos percentage by weight.

We note that typically the laboratories tended to use a similar mass of sub-sample for Stage 2 gravimetric analysis to that used in the Stage 1 screening. Interestingly the latest draft of Blue Book sets out that a 20g to 50g subsample should be taken forward for Stage 2. Those who have previously taken a larger sub-sample could be at a disadvantage in terms of technical compliance with the Blue Book method and analysis cost, even though their method has a greater chance of finding asbestos. The latest draft of the Blue Book may thus push some laboratories towards a lower sensitivity screening and gravimetric quantification method.

Specialist PPE in use on a site suspected of asbestos contamination.

Photo credit: S M Associates

From our discussions it is evident that gain a greater understanding of the quality most laboratories currently carrying out of the analysis being carried out and its asbestos quantification analysis report the sensitivity. The information on the method concentration of asbestos should be included alongside from the Stage 2 gravimetric the analysis results to enable The information analysis as a single value those using the data to on the method combining different types understand its potential should be included of ACM with the mass of limitations. Discussion with fibre bundles. Some of the the laboratory may also alongside the analysis laboratories have indicated results to enable those help further increase the they are able to provide a understanding of the results using the data to breakdown of these fractions of subsequent gravimetric understand its potential on request which could quantification. limitations. be very valuable for those References carrying out risk assessment.

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Summary

[1] Is the quantification of Asbestos in Soils still a lottery?

As the CIRIA guidance C733 on Asbestos in soil and made ground states, it is important that asbestos analysis is done well. In the light of the above, we recommend that those procuring laboratory analysis for screening of asbestos in soils using accredited laboratories should discuss the sample preparation and sub-sampling with their laboratory to

asbestos-in-soils-still-a-lottery/

http://geoenvmatters.com/is-the-quantification-of-

Article contributed by Barry Mitcheson Principal Consultant Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions UK Limited

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Multiple ground improvement methods in action, designed and supervised by Discovery CE Limited (A5/M6 Toll).

Standards and Professionalism An essay by James Nelson, Associate Director of Discovery CE Ltd

Photo credit: Discovery CE Ltd

I

will try to limit this essay to Standards and Professionalism as they relate to the work undertaken, day-to-day by SiLCs and other practitioners in related fields.

These standards are, by and large, common to all professions and are the backbone to their historical and continuing success.

and improved, throughout our careers. These are the Standards and Professionalism I am promoting.

In public life we often hear about standards when they are flouted or transgressed in some manner. We read headlines such as – “Trading Standards prosecute shop owner”, “Negligence Is it that things are The reader may be a fresh getting worse in the case raised because some graduate starting out, or organisation ignored the “post-truth” world of they may be a person with latest guidance”, “Staff lies and fake news? several degrees, chartered, suspended for breaches of at director level who has been codes of conduct”, etc. Is it working for years, or somewhere that things are getting worse in between. The critical common factors are in the “post-truth” world of lies and fake agreed norms which must be maintained news? Where even reliance on experts (that’s

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supplying materials – standards can cover a huge range of activities undertaken by organizations and used by their customers.” In more specific terms a standard is something a person or organisation SHALL or MUST do; it is not optional. This is akin to a Statute or Law. Failure to comply could have serious repercussions. It could mean some form of disciplinary process, maybe being “struck off” or actual criminal prosecution if human life, the environment, property, etc. is put in jeopardy.

Defining Professionalism is trickier but yields the following salient items: 1. Specialised Knowledge. Professionals are known for their knowledge in a specified field; 2. Competent. Professionals get the job done; 3. Honesty, Integrity, Accountability, SelfRegulation; 4. Building Expertise; and 5. Developing Emotional Intelligence (selfawareness, self-management, motivation and empathy). you and I dear reader) was made suspect even by the fickle Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. What is happening the rest of the time when we have no shock headlines, and all seems fine with the world?

The answer; standards work!

Having a relevant degree from a recognised university is a Many of us will reasonable starting point have learned, from covering Item 1 on the list – our parents and family, then what? Experience and and peers, a strong the actual practice of those skills in the field, office, and sense of honesty and through interaction with fairness which has colleagues, contractors and carried us successfully clients will help to develop through our lives...

Item 2.

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In order to provide common ground for discussion, a websearch provided me with definitions of Standards which might reasonably be distilled thus: “A standard is an agreed way of doing something. It could be about making a product, managing a process, delivering a service or

Many of us will have learned, from our parents and family, and peers, a strong sense of honesty and fairness which has carried us successfully through our lives with a solid set of moral and ethical values.

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Considerate investigation in existing garden (Northants).

Photo credit: Discovery CE Ltd

However, in professional life these need to be written down to provide common benchmarks by which we are all judged. These will cover us for Item 3.

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By joining such an organisation (you can join more than one if you are very keen), you will be welcomed into a fold including seasoned professionals, novices and people in between - people like you.

What about building on your expertise and developing the emotional and mental strength to exercise these skills? An excellent way to do this is to join like-minded individuals to develop common goals, standards of behaviour and engagement

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– if only there was something like that? Well of course there is.

I recommend that ALL professionals in all fields pursue chartership as a minimum. Your choice of chartered organisation may be governed by your degree, your job, your employer, etc. By joining such an organisation (you can join more than one if you are very keen), you will be welcomed into

Investigation in working hospital yard (Birmingham).

Remediation: Skimming LNAPL from exposed groundwater (Banbury).

Photo credit: Discovery CE Ltd

a fold including seasoned professionals, novices and people in between - people like you. You will have access to direct help (sponsors and mentors), resources (libraries, standard documents, codes of practice) and lots of advice on how to keep your skills relevant and how to approach various tasks and ways of working. This all goes towards your own continuing professional development (CPD) – Item 4.

Photo credit: Discovery CE Ltd

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Professional relationships can become one sided or stressed; there is a risk of falling foul of stepping over the professional line and offerring advice which is what we believe the client wants to hear and not what they need to hear.

This will help create a sensible balance between doing what our client expects and keeping within the standards.

This has a bearing on Emotional Intelligence (Item 5) which is considered by many to be essential in respect of career growth, rather than only relying on Items 1 to 4. Humans have an innate drive for acceptance and a need to please others. Professional relationships can become one sided or stressed; there is a risk of falling foul of stepping over the professional line and offerring advice which is what we believe the client wants to hear and not what they need to hear. This points back to diligence, honesty, impartiality and most of all integrity. Professionals MUST be willing, in fact, are honour bound, to deliver bad news

when necessary and say “no” to a client at times when the client would prefer a “yes”. In recognition of such rare stresses, with proper and due acknowledgement of mental health issues, chartered organisations provide support and advice in a caring and supportive manner.

This essay is just a taster to spark discussion and hopefully inspire you to become a better professional. Once you embark on a professional career the journey does not end with chartership; that really marks the start of your professional life. You may consider going beyond chartership and consider becoming a SiLC, to improve your professional standing. Ultimately, you only get out what you are willing to put in. The rewards and enjoyment you receive will be well worth it.

Article contributed by James Nelson Associate Director Discovery CE Limited on behalf of SiLC

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Rotary drilling in Birmingham Photo Credit: Joanna Maplethorpe, Delta-Simons

Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations 1995

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he Borehole Sites and Operations (BSO) Regulations were made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and came into force in 1995. Although many of the requirements in the BSO Regulations are now carried out routinely, they are still legally enforceable. From discussion with various people in the geotechnical industry, and with the HSE, these regulations appear to have largely been either forgotten or overlooked.

The purpose of this article is to remind AGS members of the existence of these regulations and to provide a brief summary of what they entail.

The regulations can be read as a Statutory Instrument on: https://www.legislation.gov. uk/uksi/1995/2038/contents/made and also, together with HSE guidance in “A guide to the Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations 1995”, 2nd edition published 2008. A webfriendly version of the printed version, adapted for online use, is free to download from http:// www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l72.htm or it can be purchased from HSE Books (£18.00), ISBN 978 0 7176 6287 6.

The BSO Regulations are mostly intended to

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cover borehole operations for prospecting and extraction of minerals, but they also include boreholes for geotechnical investigation under the category of “Boreholes for any other purpose”.

The regulations require notification to the HSE of borehole sites and operations where the boreholes are 30m deep or more, and within a Mining Area. The boreholes may be being drilled in the future, are being drilled, or may have been drilled and have not yet been abandoned..

A Mining Area is defined as land which lies within 1000m, measured in any direction in 3 dimensions, of any mine currently being worked, or disused, or land where a licence to mine minerals has been granted for coal, natural gas, coal bed methane, or other minerals, in natural strata. Mines include shafts for access, ventilation or pumping, underground roadways, adits, and stopes but do not include opencast mines or quarries.

Boreholes used for the storage of gas in natural strata reservoirs from which oil or coal bed methane has previously been extracted are also included as mining activities.

To find out if a site is within a coal mining affect particulars previously notified under area, you can visit the Coal Authority … paragraph (3)”. website https://www.gov.uk/government/ Part III of Schedule 1 states that the particulars organisations/the-coal-authority. Finding required for a notification to the HSE under reliable information about areas where other Regulation 6(3) are as follows: minerals were mined requires more work, by 1. Name and Address of the person entitled to reference to a variety of sources, although drill the borehole. records may be sparse or uncertain. Reference to the shallow and deeper geology will give 2. Particulars with scale diagrams, where clues as to where these may be. Non coal appropriate, of: mining can include ironstone, lead/tin, gold,

a. the OS National Grid Reference of phosphates, halite (rock salt), limestone, oil,

the location of the top of the borehole. gas and others including use of hydraulic

b. its directional path; fracturing (‘fracking’). and However, open cast mining Boreholes for c. its terminal depth (including quarrying) is not extraction of and location. included.

“

landfill gas, along with offshore installations or activities carried out from such installations, are excluded from the BSO Regulations.

Boreholes for extraction of landfill gas, along with offshore installations or activities carried out from such installations, are excluded from the BSO Regulations. However, an installation that is connected to land by a permanent structure is not an offshore installation and would be included.

For drilling of boreholes 30 metres or more in depth, inside a Mining Area, Regulations 6(3) and 6(5) apply. These are as follows: •

Regulation 6(3): “Where a borehole is being drilled within a mining area to a depth of 30 metres or more, the person entitled to drill the borehole, within 30 days after commencement of its drilling, shall notify the Executive the particulars specified in Part III of Schedule 1 [see below].”

•

Regulation 6(5): “The operator of a borehole site or, in the case of particulars previously notified under paragraph (3), the person entitled to drill the borehole shall ensure that the Executive is notified as soon as reasonably practicable of any material change of circumstances which could

3. A description of the operations to be, or being, performed and a programme of works which includes the dates on which operations are expected to start and finish, or (if past) the dates they started and finished.

The BSO Regulations are in addition to the Health and Safety procedures that are commonly carried out to meet current requirements and expectations applicable to ground investigation works. They are also additional to the requirements to liaise with and inform the Coal Authority when drilling in coal mining areas. There may also be requirements to liaise with other authorities for drilling in mining areas for minerals other than coal.

Article contributed by Chris Vincett, Associate Director, Hydrock Consultants Limited

January / February 2019

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Q & A with...

Marian Markham

BSc (Hons) MSc CGeol FGS PIEMA

Job Title: Principal Geoenvironmental Scientist Company: Jacobs Brief Biography: Marian is a Chartered Geologist with the Geological Society, London and a Practitioner member of IEMA. She has over 15 years professional experience working at Halcrow Group Limited, now Jacobs. She has worked on a range of land development and infrastructure projects in the UK from desk study to remediation verification stage, often involving demolition and engineering of made ground. Marian holds an undergraduate degree in Geology and a MSc in Environmental Biogeochemistry. Her vocational qualifications include the qualifications BOHS P402 Buildings Surveys and NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety.

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Magazine

What or who inspired you to join the geotechnical industry?

investigation design for the I grew up near Lyme Regis and Lower Thames Crossing my interest in geology was project. inspired from an early age Are there any by the everprojects changing I do not have a which you’re and eroding routine day, as particularly Jurassic cliffs you will have read proud to there and the legacy of Mary many times before in have been a Anning, one of this magazine about part of? history’s most geotechnical and HS2 Ltd important London-West geoenvironmental fossil Midlands professionals! collectors and ground palaeontologists, investigation whose portrait now proudly and my current Lower Thames hangs in the reception of the Crossing project which are Geological Society’s Burlington both huge infrastructure House. projects which will help to support the UK transport What does a typical day network and economy. entail?

“

I do not have a routine day, as you will have read many times before in this magazine about geotechnical and geoenvironmental professionals! No two projects or sites are the same in terms of land quality and assessment. I am currently splitting my time between London and Peterborough, working on the ground

What are the most challenging aspects of your role?

Keeping up with constantly evolving UK geoenvironmental legislation and industry best practice across a discipline which involves air, water, land, planning, environmental impacts, social, waste management etc.

Great Yarmouth Quayside

What AGS Working Groups are you a Member of and what are your current focuses?

I am a member of the Safety Working Group and the Contaminated Land Working Group. My current focus is on finalising the revised AGS Asbestos Risk Assessment for Ground Investigations.

What do you enjoy most about being an AGS Member?

I am the only geoenvironmental scientist in my office. It is therefore really helpful to be able to meet with other professionals at AGS meetings to directly discuss experiences and knowledge of current health, safety and geoenvironmental issues and challenges that our industry faces.

What do you find beneficial about being

an AGS Member?

“

can all exchange views, concerns, ideas, safety alerts and publish useful industry guidance and technical standards on improving our science, which is made available to all through the AGS website.

I believe the AGS guidance documents and magazine are a useful source of guidance directly from geotechnical practitioners.

I believe the AGS guidance documents and magazine are a useful source of guidance directly from geotechnical practitioners. It is also important for the AGS members to be able to lobby Regulators and other key stakeholders as a united voice from a well-respected professional body, not just an individual. I will also be attending the AGS Conference in April, for which free* tickets are available to AGS members. *Terms and Conditions apply.

Why do you feel the AGS is important to the industry?

The mix of ground investigation contractors, suppliers and consultants who

What changes would you like to see implemented in the geotechnical industry?

I would like it to be accepted as normal and run of the mill for a robust and fully financed site investigation to be seen as part of the solution to support a competent design and successful construction of a development project, rather than part of the problem.

January / February 2019

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Upcoming Events Upcoming Events: March 2019 How to deal with asbestos from soil on site (Awareness training) – 20 March 2019 The training is based on CIRIA’s report C765 Asbestos in soil and made ground - good practice site guide and could be considered as ‘information, instruction and training’ or ‘awareness training’ to satisfy Regulation 10 of Control of Asbestos Regulation 2012 (CAR 2012).

Fees: £250+VAT (Free for BRMF &LACL) http://bit.ly/CIRIAAT19 Training for non-licensed work for asbestos in the ground – 21 March 2019 This course is for those who manage/disturb asbestos contaminated soil (ACS) directly as part of their work. It’s counted as ‘additional training’ required for non-licensed work. Delegates must provide proof from UKATA or similar that they have received asbestos awareness raising training.

Fees: £250+VAT (Free for BRMF & LACL) http://bit.ly/CIRIAAsbestosG19 Maintaining Civil Infrastructure - Scotland 2019 – 28 March 2019 A one day conference examining the latest approaches to infrastructure asset management in Scotland.

In recent years a number infrastructure asset management industry guidance documents have been produced by CIRIA, written in collaboration with industry, along with various conditional appraisal and remedial treatment guidance documents.

Fees: £95+VAT for non-members

http://bit.ly/CIRIASCOT19

Soil Treatment & Materials Recovery in the South East 13th February 2019, University of Greenwich, Medway Campus, Pilkington Building A workshop designed for developers, consultants, landowners, waste operators and regulators.

Topics for discussion include the need for waste and soil treatment in the SE of England, including construction and demolition waste, asbestos contamination, new developments in the regulation of waste, materials re-use and recovery and the results of leading-edge research.

A number of speakers have confirmed their attendance including Mike Plimmer who will be presenting on Waste Classification - An AGS guide, Kate Spencer who will be presenting on Contaminated sediments leaking landfills and impacts on river sediments and Adrian Bhreathnach who will provide an overview on Hydrocarbon plumes in chalk.

The fee to attend Workshop 17 is £30. The fee for LA and EA staff is £25.

For further information on Workshop 17 and the change in the registration process, please contact Esme on: soils.sews@gmail.com.

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Magazine

SiLC Annual Forum 2019 Specialists in Land Condition (SiLC) have announced details of their Annual Forum, which is taking place on Wednesday 6th March 2019 at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London.

Presentations confirmed to date include: Welcome Address Paul Burden, SiLC Chair and Principal, Environmental and Ordnance Liability Management at the Ministry of Defence Part 2A – Where are we and where are we going?

Robert Biddlecombe, Senior Associate at Squire Patton Boggs Definition of Waste Code of Practice: 10 Year Review Nick Willenbrock, CL:AIRE Emerging Challenges with New and Old Contaminants Phil Crowcroft, Technical Fellow and Partner at ERM Landfill Tax and the Recovery of Licences Johnathan Atkins, Technical Specialist at the Environment Agency What We Still Don’t Know About Asbestos - Panel Discussion • Seamus Lefroy Brooks, Director and Founder at LBH Wembley Engineering • Roger Willey, Managing Director at ACS Physical Risk Control • James Macfarlane, Technical Director (Asbestos) at Hydrock • Steve Forster, Director at Remedia Group Compered by Paul Burden, Principal, Environmental and Ordnance Liability Management at the Ministry of Defence Challenges of Growing A Smaller Company Helen Smith, Director at Leap Environmental The event costs £85 for SiLC’s to attend and £105 for non-SiLC’s. Local Authority may attend the Forum for £50. Prices exclude VAT. Registration closes on Friday 22nd February.

For further information on speakers, sponsorship packages or to receive a booking form, please contact silc@silc.org.uk.

The UK’s Largest Geotechnical Conference & Exhibition Geotechnica 2019 is delighted to announce its first confirmed sponsors for next year’s event. 2019 will see Casagrande UK return as Gold Sponsors, with Silver Sponsors Aquaread becoming sole sponsors of the Main Geotechnical Conference and Robertson-Geo also confirmed as Bronze Sponsors.

Registration for Geotechnica 2019 is now open, with exhibition spaces already in high demand.

Members of the AGS can claim a 5% discount on their booking total - to claim this discount contact info@geotechnica.co.uk.

For full event details or to book your Sponsorship or Exhibition Package, visit the Geotechnica 2019 website: www.geotechnica.co.uk

January / February 2019

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Training Courses

CL:AIRE 2019 training courses now available • E-Learning Courses : Brownfield Site investigation; Soil and Groundwater Risk Assessment; Sustainable Remediation Appraisal & Asbestos Awareness for Land Professionals https://www.claire.co.uk/commerce/112346-elearning •

CAR-SOIL

•

Non Licensed Work for Land Professionals

•

Non Licensed Work for Groundworkers

https://www.claire.co.uk/commerce/112352-asbestos-in-soil-and-construction-demolitionmaterials-training •

Verification of Gas Protection Systems

https://www.claire.co.uk/commerce/112374-gas-protection All courses (except elearning and gas verification) also available on a bespoke basis. Please go to Help Desk and provide your requirements: https://www.claire.co.uk/help-desk

Revised Training: Specialist Geotechnical Heath and Safety Courses Equipe Training and their health and safety training partners RPA Safety Services and EB Safety Solutions are delighted to announce their collection of specialist health and safety courses for the geotechnical market have been revised and renewed for 2019.

These courses are approved and certified by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and meet the requirements of UK Health and Safety regulations for working on geotechnical and land drilling sites. Upcoming courses include: • 26th – 28th February 2019 - IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites • 28th March 2019 - IOSH Working Safely (on Geotechnical Sites) • 29th March 2019 - IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services Other health and safety courses include our latest H&S focussed course: • 11th April 2019 - Accident and Incident Investigation Places on these courses can be booked online here, or via contacting Equipe on +44 (0)1295 670990 or info@equipegroup.com

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Magazine

How to become a Member of the AGS

AGS Members all share a commitment to quality in the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industry. This has become widely recognised by clients, governmental bodies and other associations that touch issues to do with the ground.

We welcome both companies and individuals who want to be recognised for their quality of practice to join our growing membership of over 130 Members. We shape our industry, continually improve practice and collaborate on issues that affect us all; from clients, all the way through to the people who use the land and the buildings we help develop.

To become a Member of the AGS, please visit http://www.ags.org.uk/about/become-a-member and submit your application online. Please note that all membership applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee 6 weeks in advance of each quarterly Senate meeting.

The deadline for the next round of completed applications isThursday 16th May 2019.

AGS Chemical and Legal Helplines All Members of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists are entitled to free chemical advice through the use of Loss Prevention Committee Members, Marquis & Lord.

For advice on chemical safety and best practice, Marquis & Lord will provide 30 minutes of free advice to all AGS Members.

The Legal Helpline will be changing from January 2019 and the new details for the helpline will be provided in the next issue of the AGS Magazine.

CHEMICAL SAFETY HELPLINE Marquis & Lord Tel: 0800 083 4610 www.marquisandlord.com

Disclaimer These articles are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to be a complete or comprehensive statement of the law, nor do they constitute legal or specialist advice. They are intended only to highlight current issues from date of publication that may be of interest. Neither the writer, nor the AGS, assumes any responsibility for any loss that may arise from accessing, or reliance on the material and all liability is disclaimed accordingly. Professional advice should be taken before applying the content of the articles to particular circumstances.

January / February 2019

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Advertising and Rates An online advertising campaign within the AGS Magazine will help to build and increase industry awareness of your company’s profile, initiatives and offerings.

The AGS can help build a package to suit your needs and budget; whether it’s a series of adverts across multiple issues, a combination of event sponsorship and advertising, or a single advertorial.

How to Advertise in the AGS Magazine The AGS Magazine is a free email publication which looks at a range of topical issues, insights and concerns, whilst publishing new guidance notes, working group activities and information on upcoming industry seminars.

With 10 issues each year, our subscribers include industry professionals such as practitioners, chartered specialists, senior decision makers and managing directors To receive a media pack or to discuss advertising rates, please contact Caroline Kratz on 0208 658 8212 or email ags@ags.org.uk

Adversiting Requirements

Advert Sizes and Rates

All adverts should be sent in a PDF, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD (Photoshop) or EPS (Illustrator) format.

 FULL PAGE W: 210mm H: 297mm RATE: £400  HALF PAGE W: 210mm H: 145mm RATE: £250  QUARTER PAGE

COMPANY NAME ADDRESS CONTACT NUMBER EMAIL

W: 105mm H: 145mm RATE: £160

LOGO

 DIRECTORY Company name, address, contact number, email and one logo.

RATE: £50

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All advertising artwork must be supplied in 114 dpi resolution.

Magazine

Artwork must be delivered to the AGS using the agreed artwork specification size listed left.

Artwork should be emailed to ags@ags.org. uk no later than 10 days prior to publication.

Directory i2 Analytical Ltd 7 Woodshots Meadow, Croxley Park, Watford, Herts, WD18 8YS  +44 (0)1923 225 404  reception@i2analytical.com

ADVERTISE HERE FOR JUST £50

AGS Dates for Your Diary Upcoming AGS Events AGS Annual Conference National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham Wednesday 3rd April 2019 For more information, contact ags@ags.org.uk

AGS Loss Prevention Seminar One Moorgate Place in London Wednesday 3rd July 2019 For more information, contact ags@ags.org.uk

January / February 2019

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