Chair’s Foreword
Welcome to the May issue of the AGS Magazine which is the last edition published during my two year tenure as Chair. I would like to thank all those involved in producing the magazine during that time.
In this edition we debunk social value myths, take a look at turbidity in piling and have a Q&A with Mark Toye from Igne who is also Chair of the BDA and Ground Forum. We also thank Hugh Mallett for over 3 decades of invaluable contribution to the AGS.
Since 2024, the AGS have been compensating for carbon emissions from its in person events by contributing to the Midlands Wild Revival Fund. In this edition, we have an update on how our donations have been used.
Also in this edition, we are introduced to InterEngineering on the work they do and how we can support the LGBTQ+ community working within our industry.
An introduction to the new SiLC Employers Scheme, which aims to clearly identify which organisations are genuinely committed to quality is presented in this edition. The Environment Agency’s Land Contamination: Risk Management, requires land contamination practitioners to be competent (as defined in Annex 2 of the NPPF). The SiLC scheme is one way of demonstrating this
competence.
We have several events coming up. In June we are holding a ‘Sustainability – Practical Steps for AGS Members’ webinar, where the AGS Sustainability Charter will be launched.
In September the Safety working group are presenting a webinar: ‘Trial Pitting; Controlling the Risks and in December we are holding the AGS Data Conference – an in person event. I hope you will be able to join us.
Thank you to all who have contributed to the magazine over the past 2 years. Please keep up your engagement with the AGS as this helps us be an effective Trade Association for you. Finally, why not enter the AGS Photography Competition – you could win a prize!
We are always on the lookout for additional, informative content for the magazine, so if you have an opinion piece, a case study, a technical article or a wider issue that you think the geotechnical and geoenvironmental public would find beneficial, please do get in touch.
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.
ABOUT THE AGS
The Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) is a not-for-profit trade association established to improve the profile and quality of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. The membership comprises 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
Vivien Dent, AGS Chair
Sally Hudson, Coffey Geotechnics
Caroline Kratz, Forum Court Associates (FCA)
Katie Kennedy, FCA
Julian Lovell, Equipe Group
Calum Spires, Equipe Group
David Entwisle, BGS
Lauren Hunt, Arcadis Adam Latimer, Ian Farmer Associates
Dimitris Xirouchakis, Structural Soils
EDITORIAL STORY
To submit an article for inclusion in the AGS Magazine, 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 or events received.
CONTACT US
Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists Forum Court, The Alexander Centre, 15-17 Preston Street, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8NZ ags@ags.org.uk
020 8658 8212
Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists
Vivien Dent AGS Chair
www.ags.org.uk
Inside this month’s issue
FEATURE PAGE 40
COVER STORY PAGE 10
A review of the AGS flagship event, on 1st May 2025 at One Great George Street in London’s Westminster.
AGS DATA CONFERENCE
PAGE 18
Groundwater turbity monitoring during piling operations
Andrew Tranter explains how turbidity measurements cannot distinguish between microbial or mineral particulates, and therefore activities that could lead to an increase of mineral particles within the groundwater, such as piling, are undesirable.
Taking place on Thursday 4th December at ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum.
RAISING THE PROFILE OF INTERENGINEERING AND SUPPORTING THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
PAGE 26
Fiona Connor on supporting the LGBTQ+ community
DEBUNKING SOCIAL VALUE MYTHS: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
PAGE 34
Kalisha Sejpar explains what it is and why it matters
MORE INSIDE
PAGE 4
News in Short: Incl. Publication Updates
PAGE 8
Emma Anderson: Obituary
Remembering Emma
PAGE 46
Q&A - Mark Toye
Getting to know Igne's MD
News and Events
AGS Publication Updates
The top three downloaded AGS publications in last month:
1. Managing pressurised gases during drilling
2. Bitesize Guide – EC7 Next Generation 12 – Ground Properties
3. AGS Guidance on Waste Classification for Soils – A Practitioners Guide
Recent AGS publications available on the AGS website:
• Managing pressurised gases during drilling
• Glossary of Useful Insurance Phrases
• AGS Sustainability Charter
• AGS Sustainability Policy
To download the publications for free; click here.
Championing Quality: Introducing the SiLC Employers Scheme
In a time of renewed focus on planning reform and the redevelopment of brownfield sites across the UK, the pressure on land condition professionals has never been greater. The Government has made it clear that brownfield land must play a central role in addressing national housing and infrastructure needs. As this agenda accelerates, so too does the need for robust, high-quality expertise to guide decision-making and remediation strategies.
At the heart of this expertise are SiLCs who have long provided trusted, independently assessed competence in managing contaminated land and related issues. For
many years, SiLC has stood as a benchmark of individual quality in the environmental and land development sector. Now, in response to growing demand and the need for clear signals of excellence in the industry, SiLC is taking the next step by launching the SiLC Employers Scheme.
Recognising Organisational Commitment to Quality
The new scheme is designed to formally acknowledge and promote those employers who actively invest in and support SiLCs within their organisations. In doing so, it establishes a quality mark, an authoritative, independent recognition that an organisation is committed to maintaining the highest standards of land condition competence.
This recognition isn’t simply symbolic. Members of the scheme can use the SiLC Employers
Mark in marketing materials, proposals, and formal tender submissions. It communicates to clients, regulators, and other stakeholders that the organisation is not only employing registered SiLCs, but also values and applies their expertise in meaningful ways.
Why Now?
With the increasing prioritisation of brownfield regeneration, decisions made by public and private sector stakeholders must be underpinned by trust and transparency. It is vital that those making land use decisions, whether that’s planners, developers, or regulators, can clearly identify which organisations are genuinely committed to quality.
“In our view, it is not enough that SiLCs exist,” Louise Beale Chair of the SiLC PTP states. “They need to be used and valued appropriately.”
The Employers Scheme aims to do just that, by spotlighting those firms who are helping lead the industry forward through their investment
in SiLC-level talent.
Building a Critical Mass
The ambition for the SiLC Employers Scheme is clear: to build a critical mass of qualityfocused actors in the land condition industry. By uniting like-minded organisations under a shared banner of competence and integrity, the scheme aims to drive cultural change, amplifying the importance of verified expertise in contaminated land and ensuring it’s at the forefront of development decisions.
This initiative is not just an invitation to participate; it’s a call to help shape the future of brownfield redevelopment in the UK.
We would like to thank our founding supporters of the scheme, RSK, Arcadis and igne and we look forward to more like minded employers joining them.
To learn more or express your interest in joining the scheme, contact Amy Hart at silc@silc.org. uk.
Breaking Ground Podcast: New Episode Now Live
Breaking Ground, a podcast collaboration between Ground Engineering Magazine and the Ground Forum, have released a new episode which is available for free listening:
Î The Ground Forum Undergraduate Mentoring Program
Hosted by Steve Hadley, Breaking Ground covers a wide range of ground engineering related topics. Key themes include sustainability, design, commerce, diversity, health and safety, welfare, construction techniques, education, and industry challenges. Episodes also profile industry members careers within the context of discussing industry issues, construction techniques and case studies.
Breaking Ground is available for free download on channels including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. To listen to the podcast, click HERE.
For further information on the podcast or for podcast sponsorship opportunities please email gforum@ground-forum.org.uk.
News and Events
Three Decades of Dedication: Hugh Mallett Retires with a Lifetime Achievement Award
At the Annual Conference on 1st May in London, the AGS presented Hugh Mallett with a Lifetime Achievement Award to mark over 34 years of work, contributions and service to the Association.
Hugh attended his first AGS committee meeting in 1991 and was among the founding members of the Contaminated Land Working Group, which was established and chaired by Jan Hellings.
Over the years, he provided invaluable expertise and input to drive the AGS forward and make positive waves for the benefit of the geoscience industry. He served as AGS Chair from 2003 to 2005 and was the Leader of the AGS Loss Prevention Working Group for eight years, from 2014 to 2022.
Over the years, Hugh represented the AGS at numerous conferences including multiple AGS Annual Conferences and the AGS Commercial Risks and How to Manage Them Conferences (in 2019 and again 2020). He has also been a regular contributor across the AGS’ webinar programme, having presented at virtual events including, Commercial Risks and How to Manage Them: Basic Contractual Risk Mitigation in 2021, and Loss Prevention Guidance: What You Don’t Realise You Need To Know (2022 Updates) in 2023.
Hugh has made invaluable contributions
to the AGS over the past three decades as an author, where he was written a range of publications, including AGS Magazine articles, Loss Prevention Alerts and client guides. He has also played a pivotal role in revision of the Loss Prevention Guidance (formerly known as the Loss Prevention Tool Kit) in 2017 and 2022. In 2023/2024, Hugh conducted a review of the Loss Prevention Alerts, working his way through over 70 alerts and identifying which ones needed updating or archiving.
AGS Chair, Vivien Dent, commented: “I’d like to thank Hugh for his dedication to the AGS over the last 3 decades. His hard work has left a lasting legacy and he will be greatly missed.”
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Hugh for his work and contributions, not just to the AGS, but to the geoscience industry as a whole. We wish him a long and happy retirement with his family and friends. Thank you, Hugh.
News and Events
Emma Anderson: Obituary
27th December 1972
– 28th March 2025
Emma Anderson sadly passed away on the 28th March 2025 after a short period in Peterborough hospital. Her decline was shockingly rapid, being at work some 6 weeks prior to her passing, and only being diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer the week before she died.
Emma was a much loved, and well-respected Principal Engineering Geologist based in Royal Haskoning DHV’s Peterborough Office, and her loss has been felt deeply, not only by her immediate colleagues, but also the wider RHDHV community which extends internationally to many of our overseas offices.
Emma started her journey as a geologist at the University of St Andrews doing her BSc in Geoscience, graduating in 1995. She went on to do an Engineering Geology Masters at Newcastle University, which she completed in 1998 and later became a Fellow of the Geological Society.
Emma then worked for 4 years for AEG (now part of Igne), undertaking and supervising ground investigations all over the UK.
Working for a Contractor on site in those days probably had its rewards and challenges; long hours, often challenging weather, especially in winter months, and dealing with what was a very much male dominated industry. It would have also exposed her to many interesting
places throughout the UK, and the varied geology that the British Isles brings. It inevitably will have shaped her into the geologist that we later came to know; a confident, very capable engineer, who would take on each new project with interest, enthusiasm and her usual meticulous attention to detail.
In 2003, over 22 years ago, she joined the team at Royal HaskoningDHV, initially in the Peterborough office as an Engineering Geologist. She later moved to the London office in 2006 where she worked for several years before relocating back to the Peterborough office.
As is often the case for Engineering geologists, their involvement starts (or should start) near the start of a project where little is known about the site, its history (recent industrial or long term geological) and the project plans are often not well developed. Through Emma’s skill and experience, she was able to guide and navigate projects through those early stages of a project, using her excellent geological knowledge and well-honed analytical skills to bring greater
News and Events
The AGS hosted its flagship event, the AGS Annual Conference, on 1st May 2025 at One Great George Street in London’s Westminster. It was a sell-out event for the association, with 240 delegates having registered to attend the full day event and evening networking reception.
Chaired by AGS Chair, Vivien Dent, the conference had seven guest presentations covering a range of geotechnical and geoenvironmental topics with an overarching theme of The Future. The AGS Working Group Leaders also provided short reports about their Working Groups from the past 12 months.
The conference showcased entries from the AGS’ Early Careers Professional Poster Competition on the theme Innovations in Your Line of Work, and invited the winner Luqman Ismail, to attend the event. Luqman’s winning entry looked at drone-based survey techniques and suggested that as technology evolves, so should the way we see the ground.
The event started with an opening introduction from AGS Chair, Viven Dent. Vivien took the opportunity to celebrate this year’s AGS Award Winners, in particular, Hugh Mallett who was awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Award for dedicating over 34 years of service to the AGS.
Dipalee Jukes (Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Ground & Water) opened the conference sharing her life experiences as an intersectional woman of colour, female leader and working mother in the industry. Her inspirational talk highlighted the challenges and successes she has faced over the years. This was followed by Jonathan Atkinson (Technical Director at CL:AIRE and Member of Land Condition Community at IES) who presented on how land condition faces a number of challenges in the future and some of the opportunities to develop sustainable practice through interdisciplinary collaboration and development of solutions.
After a refreshment break, Stephanie Bricker (Head of Urban Geoscience and Spatial Planning at British Geological Survey) explored the transformative Common Ground project and its impact on improving access to ground investigation data in the UK. Dr Jennifer Scoular (Head of Product at SatSense) looked at the evolving role of InSAR in geotechnical applications, from tracking unstable slopes and wide-area subsidence to high-resolution monitoring of critical infrastructure, and highlighted case studies demonstrating how InSAR complements traditional site investigation techniques.
Following lunch and networking opportunities,
Luke Wilkinson (Principal Geo-Environmental Engineer at Soils) Chris Milne (Transportation Technical Lead – Geotechnics at Murphy Group) and James Blyth (Director at SoilSafe) presented on the challenges of obtaining accurate in-situ ground stiffness measurements and compared surface wave stiffness data with that obtained by other common techniques. This was followed by a presentation from Lin Harrington (Social Value Lead at WSP) on how WSP approaches social value from a ESG and project perspective, and explored some geoscience project case studies. Ben Gilson (Associate at Arup) gave the final presentation of the event which discussed the transformative potential of Generative AI within the field of ground engineering, covering the fundamentals of Generative AI, its uptake, and its impact on productivity.
Alex Lee, AGS Chair Elect wrapped up the conference and took the opportunity to thank Vivien Dent for the exceptional service
and leadership that she has provided to the Association over the past two years as Chair. Her legacy has strengthened the association, its direction, collaboration and governance.
The Annual Conference concluded with a networking drinks and canapé reception in the Smeaton Room which gave guests the opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues at their leisure.
It was a fantastic event that provided a valuable opportunity for industry professionals to come together, network, and share insights.
The AGS would like to take this opportunity to thank our speakers and sponsors including Soil Engineering, Igne, Eijkelkamp Fraste UK, Pebble Geo, SOCOTEC, Brimstone, Groundsure, Equipe, Huesker, Envirolab, BAM Ritchies, In Situ Site Investigation, AFITEXINOV UK, Geosense, Geotechnical Engineering, Landmark Geodata, i2 Analytical and Dr Sauer & Partners.
SPONSORED BY
Entry into the competition is free and the overall winner will receive a £100 Amazon voucher. There will also be five category winners who will each receive a runner up prize of an Amazon voucher worth £30.
There are no restrictions on the photography equipment used, so feel free to use a phone, computer, tablet or a traditional hand-held camera to capture your image as long as the below criteria are met.
All entries will be reviewed by select members of the AGS, who will decide on the winners. Full details will be announced later in the year.
IMAGE REQUIREMENTS
The AGS are looking for high resolution JPEG images (300 DPI / over 1MB image file size) of a geotechnical and geoenvironmental nature. Photographs featuring any on-site operatives should showcase health and safety procedures in place, if appropriate. Images should be no smaller than 4200 x 3400 pixels.
HOW TO ENTER
Please email your image with the following information to ags@ags.org.uk with the subject ‘AGS Magazine: Photography Competition 2025’ in the email.
Î A short description of what it showcases and where it was taken (up to 50 words)
AGS Event Programme 2025
[webinar] Sustainability – Practical Steps for AGS Members
Thursday 12th June
11:00 – 13:00
FOC for AGS members / £50 (ex VAT) for nonmembers.
Click here to register.
Î Which category your image is for
Î Image credit information (if applicable)
Î Your full name
Î Company name
Please note that there is no limit to the number of images you enter and the deadline for entries is 25th July. Entry into the competition is free.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Î Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
Î All images must be high resolution and 300 DPI (dots per inch) / over 1MB image file size.
Î Applicants must be based in the UK.
Î The photographer must have full copyright of all entered images and appropriate permissions from all involved parties, for all images submitted.
Î All images entered may be reproduced by the AGS and used in future AGS event and marketing literature without prior notice. This may include usage across the AGS’ social media channels, inclusion in the AGS Magazine, event programmes and on the AGS website. Please note that all images used will be credited.
[webinar] Trial Pitting; Controlling the Risks
Wednesday 24th September
11:00 – 13:00
FOC for AGS members / £50 (plus VAT) for non-members.
To register your interest and for sponsorship opportunities email ags@ags.org.uk
AGS Data Conference 2025
Thursday 4th December
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
To register your interest and for sponsorship opportunities email ags@ags.org.uk
News and Events
We were delighted to announce this year’s AGS Award and Commendation Winners at the AGS Annual Conference, held at the One Great George Street in London on 1st May 2025.
Chosen from a select number of AGS Working Group Members, these Winners were all nominated by their Working Group Leader in testament to their hard work and dedication to the AGS over the past year.
A huge well done and thank you to the following Award and Commendation Winners:
AGS Lifetime Achievement
Hugh Mallett (Award Winner)
AGS Loss Prevention Working Group
Tim White (Award Winner)
Syd Pycroft (Commendation)
AGS Safety Working Group
Jon Rayner (Award Winner)
AGS Geotechnical Working Group
Emma Bell (Award Winner)
Georgina Donbroski (Commendation)
AGS Data Management Working Group
Petra Lincoln (Award Winner)
AGS Contaminated Land Working Group
Barry Mitcheson (Award Winner)
Tim Rolfe (Commendation)
AGS Instrumentation & Monitoring Working Group
David Hutchinson (Award Winner)
Tim Clegg (Commendation)
AGS Sustainability Working Group
Marla Gillow (Award Winner)
Jai Shah (Commendation)
AGS Business Practice Working Group
Bradley Falcus (Award Winner)
AGS Executive
Chris Raison (Award Winner)
To view the montage of acceptance speeches from our Winners, please click here
News and Events
SiLC Annual Forum 2025: Celebrating 25 Years of Industry Excellence
The SiLC Annual Forum 2025 took place virtually on March 27th, bringing together industry professionals for a half-day of insightful discussions, expert presentations, and forward-thinking conversations. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked the 25th anniversary of the formation of SiLC, reflecting on its journey and future aspirations within the land condition sector.
A Look Back: 25 Years of SiLC
The event was chaired by Louise Beale (SLR Consulting), who opened with a retrospective on SiLC’s evolution over the past 25 years. Her presentation highlighted the organisation’s enduring relevance and the key individuals who have contributed to its success. The session set the stage for an engaging forum that examined both historical milestones and the path forward for land condition professionals.
Key Discussions and Presentations
The forum featured an impressive lineup of industry experts covering a wide range of pressing topics:
Î Judith Nathanail (Land Quality Management Ltd) presented “PDF to AGS: alchemy or AIchemy?”, discussing AI-driven innovations
that extract AGS data from borehole logs and laboratory certificates, ensuring critical insights are not lost in PDFs.
Î Andrew Fellows (RSK) shared findings from an industry survey on climate change risk assessment in land development, offering valuable insights into geo-related impacts and future guidance.
Î Holger Kessler (AtkinsRéalis) explored “The Future of the Subsurface,” emphasizing the challenges and opportunities in underground space management as we adapt to climate change and infrastructure needs.
Î Tom Pashby (New Civil Engineer) provided an engaging session on effective risk communication, stressing the importance of clear messaging to avoid unnecessary public concern.
Î Joe Jackson (Jackson Remediation) showcased real-world examples of successful stakeholder engagement in land remediation projects, reinforcing the critical role of perception in project success.
Î Paul Nathanail (Land Quality Management Ltd) delved into “Risk-Based Management of Emerging Contaminants of 2050,” discussing how proactive measures today can prevent future contamination challenges.
News and Events
The AGS Data Management Working Group invites you to attend a full-day CPD conference, which will cover the latest developments and advancements in AGS Electronic Transfer of Data.
Taking place on Thursday 4th December at ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum, this event will provide industry expert presentations, including an overview of the refinements to the AGS4 data dictionary with the release of AGS 4.2, AGSi, AGS Piling and an outline of the proposed AGS 5 (estimated release in 2030).
During this one day conference, the Working Group will discuss recent developments since the 2022 Conference. They’ll include an overview of the need-to-know refinements to the AGS4 data dictionary and a broad summary of the Working Groups activities. They’ll also use the time to signpost to some helpful resources.
Attendees will also have the chance to engage with members of the Working Group and gain perspective of the industry’s data management thought leaders.
The world is a fast-changing place, and the buzzwords of AI and big data can present challenges as well as opportunities. Whether you are an engineering geologist, geotechnical
engineer, geoenvironmental specialist, data scientist, or just looking to get involved in the next generation of the format or find out more about AGS Electronic Transfer of Data, this event can help future-proof your organisation. Find out how you can be involved as we evolve AGS data to be fit for the future.
This event is currently sponsored by SoilCloud and Socotec.
TICKETS
AGS member company tickets are priced at the reduced rate of £150. Non-members may attend the conference for £250. Prices exclude VAT. To register for the conference please click here
Registration strictly closes at 10am on Wednesday 26th November. All tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis.
SPONSORSHIP
The AGS have a range of sponsorship opportunities for companies wishing to have a visual presence during this live event. For details of our sponsorship packages please click HERE. Please note that spaces are limited and are offered on a first-come, first served basis.
CONTACT
SOCOTEC UK
Sarah Valentine Business Unit Director sarah.valentine@socotec.co.uk
0845 603 2112
SOCOTEC UK GROUND INVESTIGATION SERVICES
We are a leading Ground Investigation contractor, capable of carrying out bespoke services including specialist field testing and consultancy.
Our expert field operations backed up by UKAS accredited analytical testing and proven technical support draw on over 80 years’ experience in delivering high quality ground investigation services to help our clients to minimise ground related uncertainty and risk, as well as maximising efficiencies.
We provide a complete, integrated package of services, covering the whole project lifecycle from the prebuild phase through to site investigation, design, construction and the built stages.
As part of this service, we accurately investigate, test and advise on ground, geological and structural conditions. This includes the risks they pose, as well as identifying potential environmental impacts. Our reports then deliver the information required to create cost effective and safe solutions.
Our specialist services Include:
› High Pressure Dilatometer (HPD)
› Self Boring Pressuremeter (SBP)
› Cone Pressuremeter (CPM)
› Flat (Marchetti) Dilatometer (DMT)
› Cone Penetration Testing
› In Situ Testing and Monitoring
› Drilling and Sampling
Our Infrastructure Division is also equipped to provide related services, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience by keeping everything within the same team, such as:
› Remote monitoring
› Materials testing
› Structural & Pavement investigations
› Environmental consultancy
› Foundation testing
News and Events
SPONSORSHIP NOW OPEN
The AGS is pleased to announce details of the AGS Data Conference – Discuss, Engage, Evolve. This full-day, CPD event is taking place on Thursday 4th December at ThinkTank Birmingham Science Museum.
Please see details below of our available sponsorship packages below. Sponsorship is open to both Members and non-Members of the Association who wish to have a presence during the event. All listed rates exclude VAT.
CATERING
SPONSOR* (AGS Member Rate: £1600 / Non-Member Rate: £2100)
Î Company logo featured on catering tables
Î Two/three page company/individual Q&A in AGS Magazine (over 7,550 subscribers)**
Î Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400)**
Î Entry for three delegates into the conference
Î A designated area to exhibit company
initiatives, research and software during the conference. This exhibition space can also be used to showcase marketing materials, company literature, research and banners
Î Company logo on the event presentation holding slide
Î Company logo, overview and URL on the event programme
Î Company overview and URL on the AGS website
Î Company logo featured in promotional emails
Î Three company posts on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 8,950 followers)
Î Company inclusion in pre-event and postevent articles in AGS Magazine (over 7,550 subscribers)
*one package available **terms and conditions apply
Sustainability – Practical Steps for AGS Members, is a two-hour long webinar which is taking place on Thursday 12th June at 11:00 –13:00.
Chaired by Alison Nicholson (Geoenvironmental Associate Director, Buro Happold), this virtual event will share practical steps for AGS members to embed sustainable practices into their work and operations.
Perfect for those who wish to positively influence their company sustainability policy, this webinar will launch the AGS Sustainability Charter, a framework for members to embed sustainable practices into their operations, while respecting and complementing existing commitments made under other sustainability initiatives.
By joining this Charter, AGS members pledge to take practical, relevant, and achievable steps towards advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This will enable all AGS members, regardless of size or focus, to contribute meaningfully to the collective goal of a more sustainable industry. Through these efforts, AGS members will not only reduce the negative impact they have on the environment but also lead by example, driving positive change throughout the industry and beyond.
TICKETS
The webinar is free to attend for Members and £50 (ex VAT) for Non-Members. To register, please click here.
PRESENTATIONS
AGS Sustainability Routemap
Vivien Dent (Groundwater and Land Quality Technical Specialist, Environment Agency) and Marla Gillow (Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Ramboll).
This presentation will share the results of the recent AGS sustainability questionnaire and how this has formed the basis for the AGS’ Sustainability Routemap focussing on the key sustainability aspects that are important to the AGS membership.
AGS Sustainability Charter Launch Natalie Cropp (Sustainability Director, Tony Gee) and Sam Setchell (Principal Engineering Geologist, Jackson Drilling).
Natalie and Sam will present and launch the AGS Sustainability Charter, a framework for members to embed sustainable practices into their operations. They will also introduce the accompanying AGS guidance including real case studies to showcase how AGS members can take practical and achievable steps to meet sustainability goals.
Reducing Climate Related Risks
Helen McMillan (Technical Director, RSK).
Helen will present on current and upcoming sustainability guidance and best practice within the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industry, alongside key database sources. Helen will also discuss how we can apply this understanding to reduce risks posed by climate change and implement suitable adaptive measures on our projects using real case studies.
Photo credit: Joanna Maplethorpe
Trial Pitting; Controlling the Risks, is a twohour webinar taking place between 11:00-13:00 on Wednesday 24th September.
Chaired by AGS Safety Working Group Leader, Elizabeth Withington, (CC Ground Investigations), this webinar will focus on the safety of trial pitting from the perspective of the Main Contractor, Designer and GI Contactor.
When entering “what is trial pitting” into an AI tool, we are given the definition, “trial pitting, also known as test pitting or trial trenching, is a ground investigation technique where holes or trenches are dug to assess subsurface conditions, soil profiles, and groundwater conditions, typically before construction or development begins”. So clearly, even for AI, trial pitting is very useful in the toolbox of available GI techniques. However, whilst acknowledged as an extremely useful and rapid technique for assessing ground conditions, the process is frequently coming under scrutiny from a safety viewpoint, particularly when examined from the perspective of temporary works.
This webinar, which will include presentations from Will Capps (Lucion Delta-Simons) and Marcus Boneman (AtkinsRéalis), will discuss how “temporary works” is often applied to trial pitting, what legislation should be considered, and what reasonable safety applications should be used for the opening of short duration ground investigation trial pits. This event will explore if temporary works design really is applicable, what the designer should be specifying and are they considering time and resources, and how the GI contractor should safely comply with legislation and expectations.
This virtual event will feature three presentations, plus a panel discussion where attendees will be encouraged to asked questions and discuss what alternatives there are out there.
TICKETS
The webinar is free to attend for Members and £50 (ex VAT) for Non-Members. To register, please click here.
AGS WEBINAR
SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS
Since our first webinar in July 2020, our virtual events have been a huge worldwide success within the geoscience industry. We frequently have attendees register to attend from countries across the globe including the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Italy and UAE to name but a few, and sponsorship provides a fantastic opportunity to put your company in front of a worldwide audience.
The AGS have both Headline and Associate sponsorship packages available for all webinars. Packages are limited, however bespoke packages can be developed with companies (subject to space) to suit all budgets.
HEADLINE SPONSOR
- Price: £400 (members) or £640 (non-members)
*one package available per webinar
Î Company website link or pop-up promotion to feature during the live webinar
Î Large logo on sponsor slide during the webinar
Î Company mention during webinar opening and closing address
Î Logo and overview in the event program
Î Company Q&A feature in AGS Magazine (5,700 subscribers)
Î Full page advert in AGS Magazine
Î Two complementary event registrations
Î Company logo and overview featured on the webinar registration page
Î Logo featured on promotional marketing emails
Î Company logo and overview on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (9,000 followers)
Î Company logo featured on replay email campaigns
Î Company inclusion in a follow up article in AGS Magazine (5,700 subscribers)
ASSOCIATE SPONSOR - Price: £150 (members) or £240 (non-members)
*10 packages available per webinar
Î Logo on sponsor slide during the webinar
Î Logo and overview in the event program
Î Company mention during webinar opening & closing address
Î Logo featured in promotional marketing emails
Î Company directory insert in AGS Magazine, worth £50 (5,700 subscribers)
Î One complementary webinar registration
Î Company logo and overview on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (9,000 followers)
Î Company mention in a follow up article in AGS Magazine (5,700 subscribers)
Î Company overview on the AGS website
Î Company logo featured on replay email campaigns
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Raising the profile of InterEngineering and supporting the LGBTQ+ community
OArticle contributed by Fiona Connor (Technical Associate, Hydrock now Stantec & Co-Chair of InterEngineering)
riginally, it was more luck than judgement that I found myself working in ground engineering, but I quickly realised when, fortunately, my graduate employer took a chance on my slightly atypical CV that it was the sector where I wanted to advance my career. I realised my passion is ground engineering. I’m fascinated by soil mechanics, earthworks and how geotechnical testing can best represent in situ conditions. I’ve worked hard in my career to excel and understand the intricacies of our complex field.
However, starting off as a Geography graduate with a penchant for colouring in (A-level art, not physics!) with no engineering or even geology background, I’ve had to learn fast, learn a lot, and prove myself capable – as on paper I might not have been considered your ‘ideal graduate’
Back in 2014, I not only started my first graduate site role in geotechnical engineering, but I also reached a place of self-assurance with my sexuality and started dating women – specifically, my now partner. I soon reached the point of feeling I needed to come out to my colleagues, but I had no reference as to what that might be like, how to navigate this in a professional environment, and an environment where, at times, I already felt quite isolated.
Working as a graduate for a contracting firm in the ground engineering sector meant I was pretty much on a new site each week, sometimes with colleagues, mostly with subcontractors and agency staff, and regularly on general construction sites. I loved my job, but I’d already had to navigate and be resilient to an unacceptable amount of sexism. As a young female in a predominantly male dominated environment, in order to be seen and respected professionally, and to avoid sexism, the last thing that seemed like a good idea was to exacerbate my difference by opening up about being queer. Drawing attention to my sexuality, which, as a lesbian, tends to embolden some men to sexualise women, didn’t seem wise.
Fortunately, after some googling, I came across InterEngineering, a network for LGBTQ+ engineers. In 2016, I decided to attend one of their networking events. This allowed me to meet other LGBTQ+ engineers and feel a sense of community. It was valuable to hear I wasn’t alone in my experiences, to hear from people who were out at work in engineering with positive experiences, and hear how people had navigated more challenging environments was invaluable. It was the first time that I truly understood the importance of visible role models and community. I’m honestly unsure if I’d have stayed in the industry and been as assured of my place if it had it not been for the continual support and camaraderie provided by InterEngineering, and for other networks such as Bold As Brass.
networks within engineering, NetworksEqualEngineers which offer community and resource for a wide range of underrepresented groups.
What
InterEngineering
does:
Î Run summits and conferences, workshops and training, and webinars on various topics covering LGBTQ+ DEI.
Î Participate in pride events, such as Pride in London, Birmingham and Manchester Prides, smaller, local pride events and UK Black Pride.
“ Working as a graduate for a contracting firm in the ground engineering sector meant I was pretty much on a new site each week, sometimes with colleagues, mostly with subcontractors and agency staff, and regularly on general construction sites. I loved my job, but I’d already had to navigate and be resilient to an unacceptable amount of sexism.
Î Promote best practice through our library of publications and resources, and our workshops, webinars and speaking events.
Î Work with a range of large organisations and SMEs, Professional Engineering Institutions, Academies, and other bodies such as the House of Commons.
InterEngineering supports LGBTQ+ engineers informs allies by providing:
Î An aim to connect, inform, and empower LGBTQIA+ Engineers and supporters with our cross-discipline network across the UK.
Î A safe space for engineers from organisations without internal ERGs or those not as advanced on their DEI journey.
Î Resources on LGBTQ+ DEI to help promote good practice in Engineering.
InterEngineering is one of a wider group of
Î Opportunities to work, network, develop, and connect with LGBTQIA+ engineers and associated products, including mentoring opportunities.
on the platform Circle. (https://bit.ly/ EEInterEngineeringNetwork ).
Our rights and safety as LGBTQIA+ people are fundamentally hinged on political decisionmaking, with global powers hugely influential on the protection of antidiscrimination laws and policies.
Ten years ago, the UK seemed an optimistic place to be out and proud, with positive prospects of equal rights for the LGBTQIA+ community. It wasn’t perfect, but we were heading in the right direction. Same sex marriage had recently become law in England, Scotland and Wales. In ILGA-Europe’s 2015 review of LGBTI rights, the UK received the highest score in Europe, with 86% progress toward “respect of human rights
“ Ten years ago, the UK seemed an optimistic place to be out and proud, with positive prospects of equal rights for the LGBTQIA+ community. It wasn’t perfect, but we were heading in the right direction.
By 2023, the UK had fallen to 17th place. When we look globally, we can see how easily hardwon rights can be revoked. The USA has significantly revoked Trans+ rights and LGBT+ education and support in schools, and fears of regression of many other areas of LGBTQ+ rights remain. Here in the UK, as I’m writing this article, a supreme court ruling has ruled against supporting trans+, nonbinary and intersex rights and protections. Just this month, both Hungary and Georgia’s governments have moved to revoke LGBT+ rights. Trinidad and Tobago have also recriminalized gay sex – a move that will likely have wider implications across the Caribbean.
My visible profile of LGBTQ+ identity means I’d be cautious about travelling and working in regions where LGBTQ+ rights aren’t supported, with 65 nations still criminalising our community with lengthily jail sentences. At least 6 of these implement the death penalty – Iran, Northern Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen – and the death penalty is a legal possibility in Afghanistan, Brunei, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, UAE and Uganda. 14 nations also criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of transgender people.
The construction and engineering industries are tough. It is often stressful, people typically work long hours and spend time away from family, friends and loved ones. Colleagues and camaraderie play a big part of people’s coping mechanisms and resilience. Also, it’s important to consider that it might not be that your colleague who is LGBTQ+, it might be a partner, family member or friend. Ensuring colleagues feel comfortable to talk about LGBTQ+
The Royal Academy of Engineering survey in 2023 suggests over a third of the workforce have witnessed LGBTQ+ discrimination in engineering, and that figure can rise to 100% when specifically considering the trans+ community. Within the workplace in general, one in ten Black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBT employees have been physically attacked by customers or colleagues in the last year, with nearly two in five bisexual people not out to anyone at work.
I’m conscious though my security in being able to be out at work came partially from privilege: Î I came out as a young graduate employee already a secure job, no dependents, and wasn’t from a low-income background. If it didn’t go well, I didn’t have as much as some to lose.
Î I’ve been able to be selective the employers I’ve worked for since coming out, establishing they’ll likely be supportive
That said, I’m not sure I’d be as confident to come out given the political and societal context today.
People remain in the closet because of:
1. The fear of discrimination and bias: One of the primary reasons why LGBTQIA+ employees hesitate to come out at work is the fear of facing discrimination or bias from their colleagues or superiors.
2. Lack of support: Without a supportive network, LGBTQIA+ employees may feel isolated and unsure if they can be their authentic selves at work. The absence of openly LGBTQIA+ role models or lack of awareness programs further exacerbates this situation.
Î Respondents reported a range of micro and macro aggressions, such as ‘discrimination passed off as banter’ to job rejections due to a ‘culture mismatch’, ‘blackmail’, and comments by colleagues ‘comparing LGBT to paedophiles and bestiality’.
Î Discrimination becomes more ‘sophisticated’ with age and seniority –verbal abuse decreases whilst progression bias and blackmail increases with increased age and seniority.
“ As a reminder, just because you may not ‘have a problem with the LGBTQ+ community’ it doesn’t mean that your colleagues know that.
3. Lack of psychological safety: Creating an environment where employees feel safe and supported to come out is essential for fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Encouraging open dialogue and providing resources such
As a reminder, just because you may not ‘have a problem with the LGBTQ+ community’ it doesn’t mean that your colleagues know that. The media constantly bombards us with negative news and opinion articles on homophobic attacks across the country, how LGBTQ+ themes ‘aren’t appropriate to be taught in schools’, and how trans people are ‘threats to society’. The bombardment is endless, and so it’s no wonder people are still cautious and hesitant to bring their whole selves to work.
3,000+
V
legislated in 2020, as outlined in Procurement Policy Note PPN 06/20, which solidified the commitment to embedding social value into the award of public sector contracts, assigning a minimum 10% weighting to it in tender evaluations. Social Value has since become an essential consideration for public sector clients, policymakers, and communities.
However, many private sector organisations are increasingly adopting Social Value principles voluntarily, driven by shifting public expectations, stakeholder pressure, and a desire to demonstrate corporate responsibility. While there may not be a legal mandate for private sector organisations to deliver Social Value, developers and investors are recognising the long-term benefits of integrating Social Value into their projects
For businesses, embracing Social Value is not only an ethical choice but a competitive one, as it helps improve reputations, build trust, and ultimately, win work across both public and private sectors.
“ For businesses, embracing Social Value is not only an ethical choice but a competitive one, as it helps improve reputations, build trust, and ultimately, win work across both public and private sectors.
environmental impacts. This can include enhancing physical and mental well-being, delivering environmental benefits, fostering diversity and inclusion, supporting SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) and VCSEs (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise), improving educational and training opportunities, and engaging in codesign and delivery with communities. These are all critical components of Social Value that address the broader needs of communities, the environment, and society at large.
Myth 2: “Social Value is just about STEM and job creation”
While STEM outreach and job creation are an important aspect of Social Value, they
The broad scope of Social Value offers opportunities for a wide range of businesses and professionals to contribute. Contractors, consultants, and suppliers alike can integrate Social Value into their operations through various means. Social Value is also not limited to large businesses or those with specific expertise; it can be embedded into everyday practices across the supply chain, enabling businesses of all sizes to make a meaningful contribution.
The exact social value that a project delivers will depend on the needs of the local
community and the priorities of the client. Social Value should be tailored to the people most impacted by the development, with outcomes defined based on local needs and the specific context of the project. This means that Social Value is not a one-size-fits-all solution; rather, it must be relevant and meaningful to the community in which the project takes place, focusing on the issues that matter most to those directly affected.
Myth
3: “Designing/ building a hospital or school counts as our Social Value”
Another common misconception is that simply contributing to the construction of projects such as hospitals or schools automatically counts as delivering Social Value.
and healthcare, Social Value goes beyond merely providing infrastructure. It’s about embedding positive, additional impacts throughout the project’s lifecycle, adding social, environmental, and economic benefits that extend beyond the primary objective.
This concept can be broken down into three distinct categories:
Inherent Social Value relates to the direct and primary impacts that an activity or contract delivers as part of its core purpose. For example, providing health services through the construction of a hospital is an inherent benefit, directly contributing to the community’s healthcare needs.
“ The exact social value that a project delivers will depend on the needs of the local community and the priorities of the client.
A fundamental principle to recognise is that Social Value involves creating additional value beyond the intrinsic value that is inherently tied to fulfilling the primary purpose of a contract. So, although the creation of a school or hospital can be a significant step towards improving communities' access to education
Embedded Social Value typically involves an organisation’s ‘business as usual’ activities that contribute to social value, typically delivered through practices like apprenticeship schemes, environmental policies and supply chain engagement. For example, sustainable supply chain practices, such as sourcing materials from local suppliers to reduce carbon emissions and support local
Additional Social Value goes beyond both inherent and embedded value and involves intentionally creating extra, measurable societal benefits that are not an intrinsic part of the core service. For example, encouraging staff to volunteer in community projects, like creating a green space local to the hospital site.
When delivering Social Value through contracts, Inherent Social Value cannot be claimed, however Additional Social Value, and where appropriate Embedded Social Value, can be claimed, but only for the tangible benefits that arise directly from the contract in question.
Myth 4: “We already do CSR, so we’re delivering Social Value”
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reflects a commitment by businesses to operate responsibly, ensuring they adhere to ethical standards and hold themselves accountable for their actions. CSR is primarily voluntary and self-regulatory. It predominantly revolves around internally focused initiatives within business operations, with strategies often self-determined, guided by an organisation’s own priorities rather than being shaped by the needs of a particular community, client, or contract. CSR activities can be valuable, but they do not necessarily meet the criteria for Social Value especially as they often comprise one-off endeavours that do not necessarily occur where contracts are being delivered. However, where relevant, they can contribute to Embedded social value.
organisations to consider how they can maximise tangible, lasting benefits for the communities directly affected by their work.
“ Embedded Social Value typically involves an organisation’s ‘business as usual’ activities that contribute to social value, typically delivered through practices like apprenticeship schemes, environmental policies and supply chain engagement.
For example, an organisation may have a CSR initiative that funds tree planting in various locations nationwide. While beneficial, it’s a broad, self-directed effort. In contrast, to deliver Social Value on a local infrastructure project, the organisation can plant trees in nearby urban areas, working with local schools to educate students on biodiversity and climate resilience. This ensures the impact is place-based, directly benefiting the local community and aligning with project-specific goals. The key distinction therefore is that Social Value is an integrated and accountable part of project delivery, not just a standalone corporate initiative.
Myth 5: “Social Value is not my responsibility – someone else will deal with it”
Social Value is everyone’s business. Regardless of role, sector, or project stage, all professionals involved in the built environment—including geotechnical and geoenvironmental specialists—have a part to play in delivering meaningful benefits to society.
Social Value, by contrast, is contract-specific, locally focused, and embedded into the delivery of a project or service. It requires
Social Value is not limited to those in clientfacing roles or those directly involved in community engagement, or on-site construction – it is relevant to all services including consultancy, design, investigation, and construction, and applies equally to those conducting early-stage desk studies as to those delivering on-site groundworks.
Social Value can take many forms across the geotechnical and geoenvironmental sector. Some examples include:
Î Contractors working in an economically deprived area can create targeted employment and training opportunities for local workers from disadvantaged backgrounds;
Î Consultants can share findings on geotechnical hazards or contamination risks with local communities, helping to raise awareness of climate resilience and environmental sustainability, and helping communities feel more connected to the development process;
Î Contractors can minimise environmental disruption by adopting low-carbon ground improvement techniques, sourcing locally sourced materials and implement construction practices that minimising noise;
Î Consultants can implement solutions that minimise soil disturbance, allowing for the preservation of trees and green areas, which supports biodiversity and provides space for community activities;
Î Consultants and contractors can volunteer time for example restoring local wetlands, or providing technical advice on local geotechnical or geoenvironmental hazards, involving residents and improving overall community wellbeing
While some of these outcomes are often by-products of good engineering practice, there is now a growing expectation—from governments, clients, and the public—that they be planned, measured, and maximised.
Embedding Social Value into projects is not about reinventing roles as professionals but rather being intentional about maximising positive outcomes.
Myth 6: “There’s no contractual
commitment to Social Value”
Another common misconception is that Social Value commitments made during tender are not enforceable and that there are no real consequences for failing to deliver them. However, this is increasingly not the case. Clients, both public and private sector, are strengthening their approach to Social Value by integrating mechanisms into contracts.
For example, many contracts include performance monitoring, with Social Value within Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This means that not delivering on your commitments can lead to removal from the project/framework and significant reputational damage. Others go further by enforcing financial penalties for non-delivery.
Going forwards, under the Procurement Act 2023, contracting authorities will have greater flexibility to assess supplier performance over time, meaning that failure to embed and deliver Social Value could lead to exclusion from future contract opportunities. Similarly, government guidance for the new Social Value model is to include all social value commitments in the contract either as contract terms, key performance indicators, or performance indicators.
With growing scrutiny, businesses must take Social Value commitments seriously. This requires moving beyond vague promises and ensuring that measurable, meaningful outcomes are delivered and performance evidenced at regular intervals throughout the contract lifecycle.
Myth 7: “It’s all about maximising SROI”
There is a common misconception that Social Value is primarily about achieving the highest possible Social Return on Investment (SROI) or maximised financial figures. While monetisation can be a useful tool in measuring Social Value, it is not the sole focus.
Monitoring of Turbidity within Groundwater during Piling Operations
Article contributed by Andrew Tranter (Associate Technical Director, RSK)
Turbidity is defined as the measure of the relative clarity of a liquid. It is caused by the presence of organic and inorganic particulates from local sediments/ rocks as well as microbial organisms that have been picked up/transported within the groundwater1.
Turbidity is routinely monitored at groundwater abstraction wells (as required by the Drinking Water Inspectorate) for potable water supplies as an indicator for microbial organisms, particularly cryptosporidium. The shutdown of the public water supply at Brixham in May 2024 due cryptosporidium illustrates how severely water companies can be impacted by cryptosporidium. Also, high turbidity levels may negatively impact on the water treatment process. However, turbidity measurements cannot distinguish between microbial or mineral particulates, and therefore activities that could lead to an increase of mineral particles within the groundwater, such as piling, are undesirable.
In the first instance, a piling risk assessment should be undertaken in line with the Environment Agency’s updated guidance2 (which has just been published) if piling operations have the potential to impact on a groundwater abstraction well (e.g. the site is
located within Zone 1 of a Source Protection Zone (SPZ)). A number of measures may be considered to mitigate risk, for example using a different piling technique or altering pile depth. However, the Environment Agency will often request that groundwater monitoring is carried out when the site is located within Zone 1 of a SPZ, including the measurement of turbidity to confirm that the pilling operations have not adversely impacted the aquifer and abstraction well.
The AGS previously published ‘Assessment and Mitigation of Turbidity Risks from Piling’, dated July 2023 which focussed more on turbidity risk assessment but should be read in conjunction with this article. There is currently no UK guidance on how turbidity should be monitored during piling operations, and therefore a discussion on the various instruments available, and important considerations in relation to the sampling methodology, is provided below.
Instruments for Monitoring Turbidity
Turbidity is measured using instruments that detect the amount of light scattered by particulates. High levels of scattered light correspond with higher levels of particulates and turbidity. A range of light sources can be used depending on the technique, such as natural light (i.e. Secchi discs used for surface water measurements); tungsten lamps (i.e. used in bench top meters) and light emitting diodes (LED), which are often utilised within
Bottles with different levels of sediment
laboratory data to confirm suitability of the method.
Borehole Construction
To ensure that the sampling is representative of the actual conditions within the aquifer, it is critical that careful consideration is given to the design and construction of the monitoring wells. Design objectives should be clearly stated as part of the piling risk assessment for the site, which are based upon the development of a conceptual site model (CSM) of realistic contaminant source-pathway-receptor linkages.
“ To ensure that the sampling is representative of the actual conditions within the aquifer, it is critical that careful consideration is given to the design and construction of the monitoring wells.
At least one well should be positioned hydraulically up-gradient, and two downgradient of the site. If pragmatic within the site constraints, a stand-off from the monitoring well and the area subject to piling is beneficial to reduce the potential for the monitoring well to pick up localised disturbance of the soils during piling operations.
Furthermore, keeping a record of the position of the piling rig during piling operations is also useful to aid the interpretation of results. The slotted section of the monitoring wells (i.e. response zone) should target the water body/
depth of interest, including the full pile depth within the water body as defined by the CSM. To prevent borehole installations from being clogged by fine sediments, a granular annulus is placed around the response zone. For fine sediments of less than 2mm it be also be necessary to wrap a geotextile membrane around the pipe. However, the membrane should have a pore size of not less than 85 microns so that the target particles can pass through it (majority of suspended particles are <10 microns, and particles >100 microns are unlikely to stay suspended in groundwater6. If the strata is fractured rock then geotextile membrane should not be used. A bentonite seal is required above and below the response zone to prevent mixing from other strata/bodies of water.
Prior to sampling, the monitoring well will need to be thoroughly ‘developed’ in accordance with BS ISO 5667-115 to remove any drilling fluids/sediment, and allow the surrounding granular filter to settle. Once ‘developed’ the monitoring well should be left for the conditions to return to equilibrium with the surrounding groundwater, which can take several weeks depending on the surrounding stratum.
Following development and prior to sampling,
caused by the disturbance of the surrounding soils during drilling/sampling so that it is not attributed to the piling operations. The borehole should then be left to settle before monitoring starts, ideally for several weeks.
Î At least one well should be located hydraulically up-gradient and at least two down-gradient of the site so that the impact on the aquifer can be determined during piling operations. If practical (which is often not the case) a stand-off between the location of the monitoring wells and area subject to piling is beneficial to reduce any localised impact from piling on the well.
Î Baseline monitoring should be carried out prior to piling operations in order to characterise the turbidity concentration within the aquifer. To provide confidence in the results and assess any possible variation (e.g. seasonal), often multiple visits will be required.
Î The low flow/micro purging technique is considered to be the most suitable method for monitoring turbidity as it minimises disturbance to the aquifer. However, other techniques can be used with appropriate justification.
References
1. US Geological Society www.usgs.gov/ labs/national-water-quality-laboratory/ science/science-topics/turbidity.
2. CLAIRE, 2025, Piling and Penetrative Ground Improvement Methods on Land Affected by Contamination: Guidance on Pollution Prevention.
3. RWord Health Organisation (WHO), 2017, Water Quality and Health Review of Turbidity: Information for regulators and water supplier.
4. British Standard, first published 2015, Code of Practice for Ground Investigations, ref BS5930+A1:2020
5. International Standards Organisation (ISO), 2009, Water Quality- Sampling Part 11: Guidance on Sampling of Groundwaters, ref ISO 5667-11:2009.
6. Burris et al, 2020. Tunnelling, Chalk and turbidity: conceptual model of risk to groundwater public water supplies. P. Burris, C. D. Speed, A. E. Saich, S. Hughes, S. Cole and M. Banks. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology
& A with...
Mark Toye
Job Title:
Managing Director, Ground Investigations (England & Wales)
Company:
Igne
Who or what inspired you to join the geoscience industry?
Mrs Kirk, my A level Geology teacher at North Tyneside College.
Can you tell us about your career path to date?
I started as a graduate engineering geologist with Norwest Holst Soil Engineering at Leeds in February 1999 and stayed there through various name changes and base locations till Dec 2015 by
then I was Pre-Construction Manager and had focused on tendering and estimating since late 2003. In January 2016 I joined ESG formerly Soil Mechanics and now SOCOTEC leaving in December 2024 to join Igne as Managing Director for Ground Investigations in England and Wales.
How long have you held your current position for, and what inspired you to apply for the position? Since December 2024 so at the time of writing this only two months. Impressed by Igne’s growth ambitions, team development focus, and dedication to the ground investigation market.
Some years ago, a good friend - who sadly died far too young - made me realise that you should focus on doing what makes you happy, if that’s
not the case it’s time for a role change, company change or career change.
What does a typical day look like?
I think the beauty of the ground investigation industry is that there really are no typical days.
What are the most challenging aspects of your day-to-day role?
Sadly, ground investigation project budgets often don’t reflect the value and benefits they bring. Recruitment and insufficient entrants to the market is also a major challenge.
How do you manage a work/life balance?
Much better than I used to! When I started in the industry, I also played a lot of sport and those outside commitments meant that there were always time pressures particularly when working away, over more recent time I have got better at putting time aside for nonwork activities and spending more time with family and friends.
What areas of the industry are you most passionate about?
Improving the quality and safety of the drilling
industry. There is still huge noncompliance with standards and specifications, AGS member companies have a major part to play in this they should only be utilising British Drilling Association Audited drillers when it comes to any ground investigation works otherwise, they are not complying with the current UK Ground Investigation Specification and other British Standards!
What lessons have you learnt throughout your career?
You can learn an awful lot from talking to an experienced
driller and I have worked with some great individuals over the years - but don’t necessarily believe everything they tell you!
What can AGS Members do to address the gender imbalance and improve diversity within their organisations?
Treat everyone as individuals and celebrate the career successes of the remarkable women already in the industry to inspire others. Be engaging, honest, and free of preconceptions when interacting with all people.
How can AGS Members support graduates and early career professionals who are entering the industry?
Provide more training and work experience opportunities to help graduates understand the various aspects of the geotechnical and geological fields. Many geology graduates are unaware of the industry’s scope and the opportunities it offers. Collaborate with universities to better prepare graduates for the sector and its requirements.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Avoid revolving dance floors - they will lead to persistent knee issues for the next 30 years!
In-river view of bermCredit: Ian Owen (2024)
Reviving the Wild in the River Blythe
The AGS has been supporting Projects for Nature, an initiative that aims to restore nature recovery in the UK, since 2024. Over the past year, the association has donated almost £6,400 to the Midlands Wild Revival fund which aims to revive wildlife on the River Blythe in Warwickshire.
This article, written by Emily Reilly who works for the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, explains the progress made to the project so far and how the donation has been used.
The River Blythe Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), extending 45 km through the heart of Warwickshire, is a prime example of a river needing our help to recover from historic human interventions. Artificially straightened, widened, dredged and depleted of nature,
the Blythe has suffered in the past. But now, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust are restoring natural processes and bringing wildlife back to the Blythe.
Through the Midlands Wild Revival project, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust are working with landowners, farmers and local communities to restore key sections of the river Blythe to a healthier condition. Positive interventions are being carried out to put meanders back into the Blythe, reconnect the river to its surrounding floodplain, and restore habitats for wildlife along its course.
Natural Flood Management (NFM) techniques are being used bring back features to the river that should occur naturally. Berms and flow deflectors have been installed to re-meander the river, directing water flow back into a wigglier, more variable state. Scrapes and ponds have been created on the floodplain, utilising pieces of un-farmed land to increase flood storage capacity along the river and
Article contributed by Emily Reilly (Warwickshire Wildlife Trust)
Wetland scrapesCredit: Simon Watts (2024)
create fantastic wetland and riparian habitat for plants, invertebrates and wading birds. Tens of thousands of native trees have been planted to enhance biodiversity, reduce soil erosion and restore hedgerows and islands of scrub for wildlife. Large areas of land have been seeded with wildflowers for pollinators. The positive impacts of river restoration on the Blythe are being seen already, with native wading birds using newly created wetland scrapes, the shape and flow of the river improving where interventions have taken place, and newly restored hedgerows providing valuable habitat for birds and small mammals.
“ The ultimate ambition for the Blythe is to continue to restore the river and eventually redefine Warwickshire’s landscape.
Wild Revival project from AGS is essential in helping us carry out this vision. Via Projects for Nature, a Crowdfunder initiative formed by The Council for Sustainable Business, Accenture, Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency, donations from AGS are helping to continue Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s work to restore natural ecological processes, improve climate resilience and move towards a more biodiverse landscape along the river Blythe SSSI.
And this is only the start. The ultimate ambition for the Blythe is to continue to restore the river and eventually redefine Warwickshire’s landscape. To create a haven for wildlife where nature can thrive and give people the opportunity to connect with Warwickshire’s nature in ways that, for many, haven’t yet been possible. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust have been laying the groundwork for the rewilding of 750 acres of land along the Blythe since 2021 and are now taking the leap into rewilding history.
The funding support provided to the Midlands
The restoration and rewilding of the river Blythe is an ongoing process, and much work remains to be done. The progress made so far is a hopeful sign of what can be achieved when communities, conservationists, and supporters work together to heal and restore our natural waterways. As the Blythe slowly returns to a more natural state through continued restoration, we can ensure that future generations of people and wildlife will benefit from this vital watercourse.
More information about the Midlands Wild Revival project can be found at: https://www. projectsfornature.com/p/midlands-wildrevival
Training Courses
Specialist Geotechnical Courses
Equipe Training's specialist geotechnical training courses are delivered both in person at our dedicated training facility just outside of Banbury, Oxfordshire, and also online via Zoom!
Available upcoming dates are provided below:
Î 14th May 2025 - Understanding and Scheduling Geotechnical Laboratory Tests
Î 15th May 2025 (ONLINE) - Mastering the AGS Data Format
Î 29th May 2025- Professor David Norbury’s Rock Description Workshop
Î 10th June 2025 - Contaminated Land Investigations and Risk Assessment
Î 11th June 2025 - Planning for Effective Ground Investigations
Î 11th June 2025 - Basic Foundation Design
Î 12th June 2025 - Further Foundation Design
Î 18th June 2025 (ONLINE) - Earthworks Design & Construction
Î 18th June 2025- Professor David Norbury’s Soil Description Workshop
Î 19th June 2025 - Professor David Norbury’s Chalk Description Workshop
Î 19th June 2025 (ONLINE) - Slope Stability Design
Places on these courses can be booked online here, or via contacting Equipe on +44 (0)1295 670990 or info@equipegroup.com
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 resumed being delivered in person, as well as being delivered online where required.
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 dates include:
Î 20th – 22nd May 2025 - IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites
Î 4th June 2025 - Managing and working with Asbestos Risk in Ground Investigation
Î 5th June 2025 - IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services
Î 4th July 2025 (ONLINE) - Safe Working on Geotechnical Sites
Places on these courses can be booked online here, or via contacting Equipe on +44 (0)1295 670990 or info@equipegroup.com
Geotechnical training, whenever, wherever.
Save time. Cut costs. Train better.
Tailored geotechnical courses delivered on your schedule. Designed to keep your team sharp while minimizing downtime and expenses. Regular open courses delivered from our dedicated training facility, or bespoke courses delivered at your site or offices. Whenever, wherever - Equipe can fulfill your training needs.
Health and Safety Courses
Delivered in partnership with RPA Safety Services
IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites (3 Days)
Learn in detail how to keep yourself and your on-site operatives safe in the fieldthe geotechnical industry’s SSSTS equivalent
IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services
In accordance with the requirements and guidance set out within HSG47
Safe Working on Geotechnical Sites
The ultimate one-day introduction to safety on geotechnical projects
Other Health and Safety Courses
Delivered in partnership with EB Safety Solutions
MARGI - Managing & working with Asbestos Risk in Ground Investigation
A comprehensive guidance to deal with asbestos in a ground engineering environment, including full adherence to CAR 2012
Geotechnical Courses
Prof. David Norbury’s Soil Description Workshop
Providing a detailed approach to soil description practices and techniques
Prof. David Norbury’s Rock Description Workshop
Providing a detailed approach to rock description practices and techniques
Understanding & Scheduling Geotechnical Laboratory Tests
Detailed overview of processes involved in efficiently scheduling Geotechnical Laboratory Testing
Contaminated Land Invesigations & Risk Assessment
How to prioritising safety and efficiency on contaminated sites
Planning for Effective Ground Investigations
Understand objectives and provide crystal clear specifications
Basic Foundation Design
Shallow foundation overview for geotechnical practitioners and engineers
Further Foundation Design
Complex & deep pile foundations for geotechnical practitioners and engineers
Earthworks Design and Construction
A general overview of materials sourcing / selection for design & construction
Slope Stability Design
Comprehensive overview for geotechnical practitioners and engineers
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 Executive meeting. The deadline for the next round of completed applications is 7th August 2025.
How to become a Member of the AGS AGS Chemical and Legal Helplines
All Members of the AGS are entitled to free introductory advice on chemical and legal/contractual matters from AGS Loss Prevention Group members, Marquis & Lord and Beale & Co.
For advice on chemical safety and best practice, Marquis & Lord will provide up to 30 minutes of free advice, for one issue, to any AGS Members.
Additionally, if you’re an AGS Member and are looking for legal advice, please contact Beale & Co and quote ‘AGS Helpline’ where the first 15 minutes of legal advice will be free of charge.
CHEMICAL SAFETY HELPLINE
Marquis & Lord
Tel: +44 (0) 121 288 2386
www.marquisandlord.com
(Please quote ‘AGS Helpline’)
LEGAL HELPLINE
Beale & Co
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7469 0400 www.beale-law.com
Member Reporting Service for Industry Issues
If you have any queries regarding AGS Data Format, there is a discussion forum on the AGS Data Format website, where queries can be posted and answered by the Data Format team.
If a Member has any issues with regard to Safety, Contaminated Land, Geotechnical, Instrumentation & Monitoring or Laboratories which you think the industry should be aware of please email ags@ags.org.uk, we will then forward your email to the relevant AGS Working Group.
Disclaimer
All articles in the AGS Magazine 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(s), 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.