- Location
- Helpston, England
- Offices
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-
Client
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Environment Agency
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- Location
- Helpston, England
- Offices
- Client
-
- Environment Agency
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In the 1980s, two landfill sites at Helpston, near Peterborough, were used for the disposal of an agricultural pesticide called mecoprop, as well as other commercial, domestic, and industrial wastes. While only a small amount of this pesticide was disposed of, leaching of the mecoprop into the local groundwater aquifer created two major plumes of contaminated groundwater. The first plume extends several miles north-east of the site, polluting public water supply boreholes, while the second plume is migrating south-east.
The Environment Agency appointed us to develop and operate a system to contain pollution pathways, prevent further migration of mecoprop contamination, and design and implement source solutions at each of the landfill sites.
One of the challenges on the project has been the local geology and significant faults running through it, which results in extremely complex hydrogeology. We developed a thorough understanding of the local hydrogeology and produced multiple geological plans and cross-sections. This enabled us to come up with a revised conceptual model of the site and determine the contaminant flow paths and behaviour in the aquifer.
Working in partnership with the Environment Agency, we have made significant improvements to the groundwater treatment plant on an annual basis, enabling larger volumes of contaminated groundwater to be treated every year. In addition, we have improved the borehole abstraction system to enhance its efficiency and better contain the two pollutant pathways.
With work on the project ongoing, the target is to reduce groundwater contaminant concentrations to acceptable levels by 2033. When complete, the Helpston project will protect the drinking water supply of approximately 25,000 households in the area.
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- Location
- Helpston, England
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
Environment Agency
-
- Location
- Helpston, England
- Offices
- Client
-
- Environment Agency