August 2022
'NET CARBON ZERO' & THE GEO INDUSTRIES
A look at how the 'Net Carbon Zero' plans outlined by the Government will impact the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industries
Image Credit: Johanna Houlahan 'YELLOW BOOK' UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE
AGS PUBLISH ROADMAP FOR AGSI
USE OF DOWCOP FOR LANDFILL DEVELOPMENTS
The AGS is delighted to announce the launch of the new Yellow Book revision
A roadmap for the formal release of AGSi into the wider industry
Jo Strange reviews the Environment Agency's current stance on DoWCoP
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.
Chair’s Foreword This is our first magazine since the AGS Annual Conference in July and I am pleased to report that it was a fantastic day with a great turn-out and very well received, with the added benefit of combining the event with the Geotechnica trade show. A big thank you is owed to all those involved, the sponsors, speakers, delegates and organisers. It was great to see so many of you there and I look forward to reviewing the invaluable feedback from delegates so that we can continue to improve our conference experience for Members. We have our focus on the environment in this month’s magazine issue, which highlights the implications of Net Carbon Zero goals on our industry and also explores the application of the DoWCoP (Definition of Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice) to developments on landfill sites. We also have advice on temporary platform engineering and an update on the future I hope you can join us at the AGS Geotechnical Data
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EDITORIAL BOARD
Conference in December, where you will hear of the roadmap for the AGSi transfer format. Read on for information on past and forth-coming events, including our popular series of on-line seminars, together with the latest news and updates on new publications and services available to Members, many for free! I hope to see you soon. We are always on the lookout for additional, informative content for the magazine, so if you have a case study or technical article that you think the wider 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.
Sally Hudson AGS Chair
Sally Hudson, AGS Chair Caroline Kratz, Forum Court Associates (FCA) Katie Kennedy, FCA Julian Lovell, Equipe Group Calum Spires, Equipe Group David Entwisle, BGS Chris Vincett, Hydrock Lauren Hunt, Arcadis Adam Latimer, Ian Farmer Associates Dimitris Xirouchakis, Structural Soils Emma Anderson, HaskoningDHV UK Andrew Ridley, Geotechnical Observations 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 or events received. CONTACT US AGS Forum Court, Office 2FF, Saphir House, 5 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD ags@ags.org.uk 020 8658 8212 Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists @agsgeotech www.ags.org.uk
Inside this month’s issue
Image credit: Mark Lindahl
FEATURE PAGE 13
COVER STORY PAGE 22 How will 'Net Carbon Zero' plans outlined impact the geotechnical and geoenvironmental industries?
UK Specification for Ground Investigation (Third Edition): Now Available for Purchase The AGS is pleased to announce the launch of the third edition of the UK Specification for Ground Investigation – also known as ‘Yellow Book.’ To purchase Yellow Book, click HERE.
THE GEOTECHNICAL DATA CONFERENCE PAGE 8 Details on the upcoming Geotechnical Data Conference from the AGS
AGS PUBLISH ROADMAP FOR AGSI PAGE 15 A roadmap for the formal release of AGSi into the wider industry
PFAS - NOMENCLATURE PAGE 18 Paul Nathanail of LWM discusses Per- and PolyFluoroalkyl Substances.
MORE INSIDE PAGE 4
News in Short: Incl. upcoming AGS Events
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Webinar Update: Pressuremeter Seminar
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Granular working platforms for construction plant
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News in Short AGS Live and Virtual Events 2022 A Guide to Pressuremeter Testing: From Site to Design
• Î
The Geotechnical Data Conference (live event) Î
Date: Thursday 1st December
Î
Location: The Burlington Hotel, Birmingham
Î
Fee: £145 for AGS members and £215 for non-members. Prices exclude VAT. Click here to register.
Î
Date: 10th November 2022
Î
Fee: FOC
Î
Sponsorship: Packages can be viewed HERE.
Î
Sponsorship: Headline and Associate packages available
Î
Full details to be released in due course
Î
Full details to be released in due course
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The top three AGS publications in the last month 1. AGS Guidance on Waste Classification for Soils - A Practitioners Guide 2. AGS Guidance on the Description of Anthropogenic Materials – A Practitioners’ Guide 3. Comment on the approach for classifying sites into green, yellow or red To download the publications for free; click here.
Insurance Trends Report – Beale & Co In their latest insurance trends report, Beale & Co’s leading sector specialist partners set out their thoughts on the insurance claims environment as we recover from the pandemic – the issues that are likely to give rise to claims
in the short and longer term and how insurers are responding to the potential liabilities. Understanding these trends and the nuances between the professions, how they will be affected and how best to mitigate the risks involved is important. This report aims to shed some light on the future of the insurance market this year and in the years to come. You can find the report here.
Breaking Ground Podcasts: New Episodes Now Live Breaking Ground, a podcast collaboration between Ground Engineering magazine and the Ground Forum, have released one new episode available for free listening: Î
Talking Slopes with Professor Neil Dixon
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.
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On the 6th July, we were delighted to hold the AGS Annual Conference 2022, on the first day of Geotechnica. Industry professionals from across the UK attended the Annual Conference and were welcomed to the Warwickshire Event Centre near Leamington Spa for a full day of networking and expert presentations. The conference saw Dave Petley discuss landscapes and climate change, Steve Wilson explore good practice for risk assessment for coal mine gas emissions, and Dr Basil Ogunmakin speak on ground improvement. An important presentation from Vicky Gutteridge from The Ollie Foundation reminded attendees of the importance of checking in on the mental health of yourself and your
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colleagues, with those in the construction sector particularly at risk. We were also joined by Paul Roberts, who discussed UK initiatives to arrest the decline in students taking on Geoscience degrees, and Paul Eaves, who spoke through the application of ALARP principals to the management of Geotechnical assets. It was an inspiring day all round and a great opportunity for people to get together, learn, and enjoy the exhibition space. We can’t wait to do it again next year! If you missed the AGS Annual Conference 2022, you can download the speaker presentations here.
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discussion from a panel of experts. There will also be unique insight from major infrastructure asset owners on their vision of the importance and use of data in large organisations both now and in the future. Further information on speakers and presentations will be released in due course.
The AGS is pleased to announce The Geotechnical Data Conference 2022 will be taking place on Thursday 1st December 2022 at The Burlington Hotel in Birmingham. This year’s conference presents current developments and investigates the future of ‘AGS Electronic Transfer of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Data (AGS 4.1.1)’, a new opensource Validator and formally releases AGSi the AGS’ ground modelling transfer format. This will include a review of the AGS Data Management Working Group’s input into the new ‘UK Specification for Ground Investigation, Edition 3’ (Yellow Book) and the updated requirements for data transfer/sharing. We will be welcoming questions from attendees (submitted in advance) on the overall AGS Data Format ‘experience’, lessons learned, irritations, suggested improvements for the future with 8
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The current sponsors for the conference are BAM Ritchies, Geosense, Jacobs, Geotechnical Engineering and SOCOTEC. Tickets are priced at £145 for AGS Members and £215 for non-members. Members of the Data Management Working Group and Students can attend the conference for £75. Prices exclude VAT. To register your place, please click here.
SPONSORSHIP The AGS has a range of sponsorship packages available for this event, each offering a varying level of exposure. Sponsorship packages start from just £500 and provide an affordable way to reach a worldwide audience across the AGS Magazine, our database of over 4500 delegates, our social media channels and of course, during the event itself.
DIAMOND SPONSOR* (AGS Member Rate: £1250 / Non-Member Rate: £1600)
(over 5970 followers) *Limited packages available
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GOLD SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £800 / Non-Member Rate: £1100)
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Catering sponsor with logo on menu Two – three page company Q&A article in AGS magazine (over 5,400 subscribers)** Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400)** Entry for three delegates into the event A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software. This exhibition space can also showcase marketing materials, literature and banners Company logo on the event PowerPoint presentation holding slide Company logo and overview on the event programme Company overview on the AGS website
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Three announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page (over 3280 followers) • Three announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 5970 followers) *one package available **terms and conditions apply
EMERALD SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £1000/ Non-Member Rate: £1250) • •
• • • • •
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Entry for three delegates into the event A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software. This exhibition space can also showcase marketing materials, literature and banners ½ page advert in AGS magazine (worth £250, over 5,450 subscribers) Company logo on the event PowerPoint presentation holding slide Company logo and overview on the event programme Company overview on the AGS website Two announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page (over 3280 followers) Two announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS’ LinkedIn page
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• • • •
Entry for two delegates into the event A designated area to exhibit company initiatives, research and software. This exhibition space can also showcase marketing materials, literature and banners Company logo on the event PowerPoint presentation holding slide Company logo and overview on the event programme Company overview on the AGS website ½ page advert in AGS magazine (worth £250, over 5,450 subscribers)
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Two announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page (over 3280 followers) • Two announcements of your company’s involvement on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 5970 followers) *Limited packages available
ASSOCIATE SPONSOR (AGS Member Rate: £500 Non-Member Rate: £650) • • • • • •
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Entry for one delegate into the event Company directory in AGS magazine Company logo on event PowerPoint Presentation holding slide Company logo on the event programme Company overview on the AGS website Announcement of your company’s involvement on the AGS Twitter page (over 3,280 followers) Announcement of your company’s involvement on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (over 5970 followers)
If you’d like to confirm your support please contact Caroline Kratz on ags@ags.org.uk before Friday 14th October. Please note that packages are limited and are offered on a first come, first served basis. August 2022
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AG S W E BI NAR
NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS
Image credit: Alan Beattie
On 17th May and 26th May 2022, the AGS Contaminated Land Working Group hosted their first webinar series entitled Sustainability in the Delivery of Brownfield Regeneration. The first webinar was on the topic of Sustainable Remediation Solutions, which was chaired by Alex Lee (Technical Director, Environment, WSP) and featured three speakers; Jill Crawford (Senior Associate Solicitor in the Planning and Environment Team, Irwin Mitchell), Jon Davies (Director, RSK Biocensus / RSK Wilding) and Nicola Harries (Technical Director, CL:AIRE). The second webinar looked at Sustainable Management of Soils, which was chaired by Ian Bishop (Managing Director, One Touch Data) and featured four speakers; Nicholas Willenbrock (Manager – Definition of Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice, CL:AIRE), Anna Willets (Partner, Gunnercooke LLP), Will Fardon (Technical Director, Chemtech Environmental) and Chris Swainston (Principal Environmental Consultant, Soils Limited). 205 delegates registered for the webinars, which looked at topics including; The Environment Act, BNG and ENG for Remediation Sites, the concept of Sustainable Management Practices, Sustainable Soils Management, Legal Responsibilities and the implications of getting it wrong, and standards and best practice related to sustainability. If you missed this webinar series, the recordings is now live and can be purchased from £25 per webinar via the AGS website by clicking HERE or HERE.
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The AGS is pleased to announce a free webinar will be taking place on the topic; A Guide to Direct Strain Pressuremeters: From Site Survey to Engineering Parameters, on Thursday 10th November 2022 at 11am.
Event Overview A sheet of paper has a thickness of about 0.1 millimetres. Direct strain pressuremeters can reliably measure changes in displacements more than 100 times smaller than this, about the wavelength of infra-red light. In a practical sense, this level of resolution allows the shear stress/shear strain response of the ground to be determined for shear strains of less than 0.01% to over 25%. This permits a high precision assessment of ground conditions ranging from competent rocks to very soft soils. A direct strain pressuremeter is an instrumented downhole tool measuring pressure and displacement, allowing for calculation of engineering parameters including stiffness, strength and in situ stress. This free webinar will introduce the guide and why it has been written. It will be aimed at both consultants and geotechnical contractors, with a focus on pressuremeter testing in soil, but also acknowledging the technique as conducted in rock. To register for this webinar, please click HERE. This discussion will include: Î An introduction to direct strain pressuremeters such as those manufactured and used by Cambridge insitu; Î A summary of the different types of pressuremeter and how they are deployed in different situations; Î An explanation of how testing is carried out; Î An outline of the theory in which the data analysis is based; Î An overview of how the analysis is undertaken in a real world context; Î Survey design and recommendations for efficient testing regimes; Î Applications for pressuremeter data. Speakers include: Î Î Î Î Î Î
Emma Cronin (Senior Geotechnical Engineer at SOCOTEC) Alex Dent (Associate Director at WSP) Thomas Cragg (Director, Cambridge Insitu Ltd) Yasmin Byrne (Senior Engineer, Cambridge Insitu Ltd) Ross Thompson (Associate Director at WSP UK) Further speakers to be announced.
There are sponsorship packages available for this webinar which start at just £350. For further information about sponsorship, click HERE or email ags@ags.org.uk.
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Since our first webinar in July 2020, our virtual event programme has been a huge success with 5,000+ delegates registering to attend from countries across the globe. We frequently have attendees from USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Italy and UAE to name but a few, and sponsorship provides a fantastic opportunity to put your company and its initiatives in front of a worldwide audience. The AGS has both Headline and Associate sponsorship packages available for all webinars in 2022. Packages are limited, however, bespoke packages can be developed with companies (subject to space) to suit all budgets. Please see package details below:
HEADLINE SPONSOR
ASSOCIATE SPONSOR
*one package available per webinar
*10 packages available per webinar
Price: £800 (members) or £1,100 (nonmembers) 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 (5,440 subscribers) Î Full page advert in AGS Magazine (worth £400) Î Two complementary event registrations (worth up to £180) 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’ Twitter page (3,208 followers) Î Company logo and overview on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (5,730 followers) Î Company logo featured on replay email campaigns Î Company inclusion in a follow up article in AGS Magazine (5,440 subscribers)
Price: £350 (members) or £650 (nonmembers)
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Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î
Logo on sponsor slide during the webinar Logo and overview in the event program Company mention during webinar opening & closing address Logo featured in promotional marketing emails Company directory insert in AGS Magazine, worth £50 (5,440 subscribers) One complementary webinar registration (worth up to £90) Company logo and overview on the AGS’ Twitter page (3,208 followers) Company logo and overview on the AGS’ LinkedIn page (5,730 followers) Company mention in a follow up article in AGS Magazine (5,440 subscribers) Company overview on the AGS website Company logo featured on replay email campaigns
All prices exclude VAT. If your company would like to support any AGS webinars or if you’d like any further information on the events, please contact Caroline Kratz on ags@ags.org.uk.
UK Specification for Ground Investigation (Third Edition): Now Available for Purchase
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he AGS is pleased to announce the launch of the third edition of the UK Specification for Ground Investigation – also known as ‘Yellow Book.’ This latest edition of Yellow Book has been revised by an industry working group led by the AGS, and provides best practice guidance for designing and executing good-quality ground investigations that will allow clients and land developers to manage the risks and help to reduce project time and costs. Ground investigations are an essential part of the design process for any structure and land condition assessment. They are used to validate the ground model, assess ground risk, obtain geotechnical data for design and geoenvironmental data for the assessment of the risk to human health. Yellow Book will help to protect construction professionals and clients, from unexpected ground conditions during construction. Updates in this edition take account of changes to health, safety and environmental legislation, numerous new British Standards and industry guidance. The UK Specification for Ground Investigation is essential for all ground practitioners involved
in ground investigation, including geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, environmental scientists, instrumentation and monitoring specialists, hydrogeologists and geophysicists, as well as specialists in other disciplines involved in specific investigations. To purchase Yellow Book, click HERE.
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WITH WORLD CLASS GEOTECHNICAL TRAINING FROM EQUIPE Health and Safety Courses
Delivered in partnership with RPA Safety Services
IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites (3 Days) - £495 + VAT
Learn in detail how to keep yourself and your on-site operatives safe in the field - industry SSSTS equivalent
IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services - £175 + VAT
In accordance with the requirements and guidance set out within HSG47
Other Health and Safety Courses Delivered in partnership with EB Safety Soltuions & RPA Safety Services
MARGI - Managing & working with Asbestos Risk in Ground Investigation - £225 + VAT
Comprehensive guidance to deal with asbestos in a GI environment, including CAR 2012
Geotechnical Courses
Prof. David Norbury’s Soil Description Workshop - £295 + VAT
Providing a detailed approach to soil description practices and techniques
Prof. David Norbury’s Rock Description Workshop - £295 + VAT
Providing a detailed approach to rock description practices and techniques
Online Geotechnical Courses Delivered in partnership with Plough Geotechnical
Basic Foundation Design - £250 + VAT
Shallow foundation overview for geotechnical practitioners and engineers
Further Foundation Design - £250 + VAT
Complex & deep pile foundations for geotechnical practitioners and engineers
Earthworks Design and Construction - £250 + VAT
A general overview of materials sourcing / selection for design & construction
Slope Stability Design - £250 + VAT
Comprehensive overview for geotechnical practitioners and engineers
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AGS publish roadmap for AGSi
A
GSi is a digital transfer format for ground model and interpreted data, created and maintained by the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS). It was launched, as a beta version, in November 2020 with a further update issued in November 2021. Documentation for AGSi can be found here. AGS has now issued a roadmap for the future of AGSi. This identifies the processes and actions required to get AGSi ready for its first formal release (version 1.0), before going on to look at what needs to happen to achieve the ultimate goal of establishing the use of AGSi in our industry, for the benefit of the industry.
has already been formed and the plan is for an early adopter user group to develop out of this. If you are interested in joining the steering group or getting involved as an early adopter, then please get in touch with us. AGS is aware of other international initiatives relating to geotechnical data and models. In particular, AGS is an active participant in the OGC Geotech Interoperability Experiment project that was launched in early 2022. The current intent, reflected on the roadmap, is for AGSi version 1.0 to be formally launched at the The Geotechnical Data Conference, hosted by AGS and to be held on 1 December 2022 at The Burlington Hotel in Birmingham. Hope to see you there!
The roadmap identifies a steering group that
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Photo Credit: Ele Brown
Use of DoWCoP for Landfill Developments Article contributed by Jo Strange, Technical Director at CGL
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DoWCoP on such sites, in general terms, this apparent change in EA policy effectively removes the option for re-use of soils on such sites without implementing an Environmental Permit. This has implications on sustainability, costs, programme, and ultimately viability of development projects on landfill.
here have been a number of incidences of the Environment Agency (EA) objecting to the use of the ‘Definition of Waste: This situation prompted a Whilst it may be Development Industry letter from the Specialist in possible in specific Code of Practice (DoWCoP) Land Condition Professional published by Contaminated cases to negotiate a & Technical Panel, (SiLC Land: Applications in Real solution [...] in general PTP) to Department of Environments (CL:AIRE), Environment, Food & terms, this apparent V2, 2011, for re-use of soil Rural Affairs (DEFRA)/EA, change in EA policy on developments on both The Ministry of Housing, effectively removes permitted and un-permitted Communities and Local landfills. There has also the option for re-use of Government (MHLGC) and been inconsistency in soils... Department for Business, their interpretation of the Energy and Industrial Waste Regulations in relation Strategy (DBEIS). This to applying DoWCoP on such sites. Whilst it requested: may be possible in specific cases to negotiate a solution with the EA to re-use soils under EITHER: Amend the guidance within the
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DoWCoP, to include the re-use of site won materials from within historic landfills without the need for Environmental Permitting;
opinion.
This current interpretation appears to represent a volte-face, given that the original OR: Produce new guidance that streamlines application of DoWCoP was clearly intended the waste recovery and surrender process for to include materials contained in/derived the re-use of materials from from historical landfill sites, as within historic landfills. evidenced by the published Responses have CL:AIRE case studies. Responses have been been received from received from the EA and However, on the basis of the EA and DEFRA DEFRA that clearly indicate recent correspondence, which clearly indicate that the EA and DEFRA the AGS recommends that the EA and DEFRA currently consider re-use of that members advising materials on landfill sites falls clients with respect to currently consider outside the scope of DoWCoP. redevelopment of land re-use of materials It is also noted that the EA containing historical on landfill sites falls is undertaking a review of landfills, take account of outside the scope of DoWCoP as they now ‘have the current EA Regulatory DoWCoP. concerns that elements of opinion regarding DoWCoP the framework are not legally to avoid the risk of robust’. In terms of alternative approaches, involvement in material handling, which could the EA is producing internal guidance on potentially be interpreted as being illegal waste permitting options to ensure consistency in EA activities.
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Figure 1: PFAS hierarchy (only terms used in this article are shown) (After colour conventions of ITRC1 and OECD Level numbering)
PFAS - Nomenclature Article contributed by Paul Nathanail, Director, LQM
P
er- and Poly-Fluoro Alkyl Substances (PFAS) are a universe of several thousand manufactured fluorinated organic chemicals with very varying chemical and physical properties (Figure 1). Some are still in use, some are present in legacy fire fighting systems and some have been banned. This short article was initially intended as an overview of the land contamination risk management aspects of PFAS but ended up using all the words AGS Magazine articles run to in exploring definitions and naming conventions for PFAS.
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Definitions Definitions matter2 especially when regulations apply to named substances. The OECD and the Environment Agency3 consider almost any chemical with at least one fully (per-) fluorinated methyl (–CF3) or methylene (–CF2–) group as a PFAS (OECD, 2021)4. Under this definition, the simplest PFAS is tetrafluoromethane (CF4), also known as carbon tetrafluoride or R-14 (a low temperature refrigerant and formally a common organic cleaning agent). The US EPA’s Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics definition is narrower: PFAS have at least two adjacent carbon atoms, where one carbon is fully and the other at least partially fluorinated. This would exclude CF4 and about 40% of the substances that would meet the
Figure 2: Fully fluorinated methyl and methylene groups. Black = carbon; green = fluorine; grey = covalent bond with the rest of the (unshown) alkyl chain)
OECD definition. The US Congress5 definition sat in between the OECD and US EPA definitions: “perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are man-made chemicals with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom.” OECD recognised that organisations may develop their own working definition of PFAS to meet specific needs. OECD even provided an approach based on molecular structural traits to organisations to make their own categorization in a coherent and consistent manner. The OECD highly recommends the context and rationale for such definitions be transparent to avoid confusion.
What’s in a name? There are three parts to the name of individual PFAS: the first tells you whether it is Poly- or Per-Fluorinated, the second tells you how many carbons in the alkyl chain (Hx = 6; Hp = 7; O = 8; N = 9) and the third what the functional group at the end of the molecule away from the fluorinated chain is (sulfonic acid = SA; octanoic
Table 1: PFAS related acronyms used in this article Acronym PFAS AFFF PFOA PFOS PFNA PFCA PFSA PFAA PFHxS PASF
Meaning Per- and PolyFluoroalkyl Substances aqueous film forming foams Perfluoro octanoic acid Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid Perfluorononanoic acid Perfluoro carboxylates Perfluoroalkane sulfonates Perfluoroalkyl acid Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid Perfluoroalkane sulfonyl fluoride
acid = OA). Long and short chain PFAS have significantly different properties - affecting the risks they pose and their amenity to different remediation strategies. According to the OECD (2013), "long-chain PFAS" are: (i) Perfluoro carboxylates (PFCAs) with 7 and more fully fluorinated carbons, such as PFOA (8 carbons) and PFNA (9 carbons);
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(ii) perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) with 6 and more fully fluorinated carbons, such as PFHxS (6 carbons) and PFOS (8 carbons); and (iii) precursors such as PASF- and fluorotelomer-based compounds that can degrade to long-chain PFCAs or PFSAs. Human health, ecological and controlled waters risk assessments reflect the fate, transport and for the first two the toxicity of the hazard. The most studied PFAAs to date are PFOA and PFOS - the primary PFAS focus of many site investigations. However, they are not the only PFAS and they cannot be used as surrogates for all PFAS. Long and short chain PFAS behave in different ways. Short chain PFAS are very mobile, soluble and have low adsorption potential. It has also been recognised that PFAS have broad toxicity6. The C8 Science Panel7, that featured in the legal case depicted in the Dark Waters film, determined that a “probable link” exists between C8 (PFOA) and the following 6 diseases: Î Î Î Î Î Î
Kidney Cancer. Testicular Cancer. Ulcerative Colitis. Thyroid Disease. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (including preeclampsia) Hypercholesterolemia.
The current body of scientific evidence clearly indicates that there are real, present, and significant hazards associated with specific PFAS - not least PFOS and PFOA - but significant gaps remain related to the impacts of other PFAS on human health and in the environment8. The time has now come for us to realise that PFAS may be a universe of substances but they are too diverse to be considered together or to consider individual substances - such as PFOS or PFOA - as surrogates in the way that we have been able to use benzo(a)pyrene as a surrogate for polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Understanding and dealing with the societal challenge that is PFAS will involve a multidisciplinary approach: chemists to resolve behaviour and develop analytical methods, toxicologists to establish dose-response relationships, geologists to predict subsurface fate and transport, engineers to implement remediation.
References 1.
2.
3.
Discussion We have been here before. About 30 years ago the dawning realisation that petroleum hydrocarbons were too broad a universe to have their varied fate, transport and toxicity represented by a single “total petroleum hydrocarbon” analysis led to the “TPHCWG” working group that gave us the Equivalent Carbon hydrocarbon fraction method of assessing the risks to human health from petroleum hydrocarbons.
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4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
https://pfas-1.itrcweb.org/2-pfas-chemistryand-naming-conventions-history-and-useof-pfas-and-sources-of-pfas-releases-to-theenvironment-overview/ https://www.sciencepolicyjournal.org/ uploads/5/4/3/4/5434385/dean_adejumo_caiati_ etal_jspg_v16.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/1012230/Poly-_and_ perfluoroalkyl_substances_-sources_pathways_ and_environmental_data_-_report.pdf https://www.oecd.org/officialdocuments/ publicdisplaydocumentpdf/?cote=ENV/CBC/ MONO(2021)25&docLanguage=En https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s1790/BILLS116s1790enr.pdf https://www.sciencepolicyjournal.org/ uploads/5/4/3/4/5434385/dean_adejumo_caiati_ etal_jspg_v16.pdf http://www.c8sciencepanel.org/ https://www.epa.gov/system/files/ documents/2021-10/pfas-roadmap_final-508.pdf
Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Specialists WHY BECOME AN AGS MEMBER? Enhance your status in the industry. Make a statement about quality and good practice. Participate in the AGS Working Groups and help shape the industry and set the standards.
WHAT DO WE STAND FOR? ■ Good practice in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering ■ Quality companies providing a quality service ■ Health and Safety ■ AGS Data Format
WHAT DO WE OFFER? ■ Guidance to good practice ■ Listing in the Directory of Members ■ AGS Magazine focused on ground engineering ‘hot topics’ ■ Legal helpline ■ Chemical safety helpline ■ AGS Loss Prevention Guidance Document ■ Seminars, meetings, conferences and webinars ■ Collaboration with other bodies ■ Liaison with UKAS ■ Lobbying on matters important to the sector ■ Developing and maintaining the AGS Data Format
MEMBERS CAN CONTRIBUTE BY PRODUCING SUCH DOCUMENTS AS: ■ AGS good practice guidance ■ AGS publications ■ AGS safety guidance ■ AGS client guides
MEMBERS CAN PARTICIPATE IN AGS WORKING GROUPS: For further information on the AGS and details on how to become a member visit www.ags.org.uk Established in 1988, the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists is a not-for-profit trade association which represents over 140 leading companies specialising in site investigation, geotechnics, geoenvironmental engineering, engineering geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, and other related disciplines.
■ Laboratories ■ Contaminated Land ■ Safety ■ Business Practice ■ Loss Prevention ■ Data Management ■ Executive Committee ■ Geotechnical ■ Instrumentation and Monitoring
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Photo Credit: Johanna Houlahan
The impact of ‘Net Carbon Zero’ on the Geo-Engineering Industry Article contributed by Jo Strange, Technical Director at CGL
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he UK Government has committed to Net Carbon Zero by 2050 Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Underpinning this goal is a 10 point plan encompassing the following areas: Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î
advancing offshore wind driving the growth of low carbon hydrogen delivering new and advanced nuclear power accelerating the shift to zero emission vehicles green public transport, cycling and walking ‘jet zero’ and green ships greener buildings investing in carbon capture, usage and storage protecting our natural environment green finance and innovation
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Whilst this puts a focus on the energy industries, this does not mean that the construction and associated industries are exempted. Indeed, according to the UK Green Building Council, around 10% of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions are directly associated with construction activities. The number rises to 45% when taking into account the whole of the built environment sector. Therefore, members of the AGS and their clients have an obligation to change behaviours, practices and methodologies to meet the challenge of net carbon zero. The clock is already ticking and changes need to be made sooner rather than later if the 2050 deadline is to be achieved. There are a number of instigators and drivers that trigger a starting point on this journey. This could be an internal commitment from senior management or funders requiring businesses to meet a standard or set commitment, such as ‘Pledge to Net Zero’ or
and establish a comparable metric. This will vary between business types, but there is much guidance and support available from organisations such as the Carbon Trust. The process can be started small with simple assessments related to energy usage and develop complexity with time , especially as the ‘wins’ and reductions become harder to achieve. Beyond business carbon footprints sits project carbon footprints. PAS 2080:2016 “Carbon Management in Infrastructure ” is already 6 years old and was designed to help organisations in the construction industry move to a sustainable future by identifying areas for improvement and utilising sector best practice. The PAS2080 framework looks at the whole life cycle carbon management when delivering infrastructure assets, aiming to reduce carbon and reduce cost through more intelligent design, construction and use. There are also multiple tools to assist in assessing carbon footprints and opportunities ‘SME Climate Commitment. These schemes for carbon reduction through good design trigger baseline carbon footprinting and and construction practice. The EFFC/DFI’s structured planning towards the 2050 (or Carbon Calculator for foundations allows earlier) target. Alternatively, the trigger contractors to establish their carbon footprint could be external through commercial 3rd on site and determine a benchmark against party requirements. The whole supply chain which reduction can be assessed and where is affected by the Government Pledge and, the carbon intensity is within a project. The therefore, public client bodies Federation of Piling Specialists will be requesting evidence (FPS) plans to mandate that The whole supply from suppliers to check if all projects over £1m in value they will meet the current chain is affected by require EFFC/DFI Carbon targets. We can expect that the Government Pledge Calculator calculations to these requirements will also and therefore public be submitted. For projects be seen from private clients, less than this, the FPS is client bodies will be especially as they develop considering a simple ‘rule requesting evidence their carbon reduction of thumb’ calculation that requirements beyond Scopes from suppliers of they can be applied to give 1 and 2 and into Scope 31, will meet the current an approximate carbon which requires assessment of targets. value. This process can the supply chain. be adapted to some site Having established a driver and investigation drilling committed to reducing carbon, the next step techniques. Similarly, structural engineers, is to measure the business’s carbon footprint
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Elliott Wood, have developed ‘The Structural steps to carbon reduction. Carbon Tool’ in conjunction with the Institution For businesses who believe they can carry of Structural Engineers to enable assessment on as always and simply off set their carbon of embodied carbon in structures. This includes without fundamental changes geotechnical structures such to processes, this is the as basements, retaining walls For businesses equivalent of putting a etc. On the contaminated plaster on a wound that who believe they land side of geo-engineering, can carry on as always needs surgery. SURF-UK has developed The drive to reduce carbon is and simply off set guidance towards Sustainable no longer a ‘wish-list‘ item. their carbon without Remediation, which includes Being able to demonstrate a number of Environmental fundamental changes how your business and Indicators such as ‘Emissions to processes, this is the designs or procedures to Air’ and ‘Natural Resources’ contribute to carbon equivalent of putting a and will expand to carbon plaster on a wound that reduction is becoming both measurement. Use of such a technical and commercial needs surgery. tools is increasing and we can requirement. It will soon expect it to become a normal be a ’must have’ and geopart of ‘value engineering’ or engineers need to be thinking ahead to meet ‘options appraisals’. the needs of both Clients and Government
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What could reduced carbon methods may look like? Each business will have different effective solutions. A big part is having the relevant technology available commercially, which is a work in progress for plant and commercial vehicles where battery power is currently limited in scope and range. In the meantime, sustainable fleet management and driving is already established as good practice e,g, FORS, which provides a measurable starting point. Electric drilling rigs have been available for some time, but often require a commercial electricity supply, which is often problematical, especially whilst the electricity supply infrastructure is not in place to support demand. Technology is continually developing and changes to support carbon reduction can be expected to become more frequent and more available. Also, think about office related improvements. Switching energy suppliers to green noncarbon based suppliers where possible, committing to zero waste to landfill/ recycling and resourcing eco-friendly supplies from recycled/recyclable materials will provide first
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drivers. If everyone starts to think about what they could do to manage their carbon footprint and plan towards it and put relevant demands on their supply chain, the goals will be achieved sooner.
References 1. Scope 1: Direct emissions that result from activities within your organisation’s control. This might include on-site fuel combustion, manufacturing and process emissions, refrigerant losses and company vehicles. • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from any electricity, heat or steam you purchase and use. Although you’re not directly in control of the emissions, by using the energy you are indirectly responsible for the release of CO2. • Scope 3: Any other indirect emissions from sources outside your direct control. Examples of Scope 3 emissions include purchased goods and services, use of sold goods, employee commuting and business travel, outsourced transportation, waste disposal and water consumption (Ref. www.carbontrust.com)
Plastic coreboxes are the future – here are 5 reasons why In today’s increasingly eco-conscious world, plastic is often a bad word. It pollutes. It takes an age to degrade. It’s killing our planet. On the contrary, wood is renewable, degradable and doesn’t pollute. In short, plastic is not environmentally-friendly. But what if it was? Now available in both single 1.5m channel and double 1m channel variations, RhinoCorebox is a plastic core transport and storage box made from 100% recycled materials. It is unequivocally the future of soil and rock core storage and is by far the best corebox on the market today. Here are 5 reasons why:
1. Zero waste RhinoCoreboxes are made from 100% recycled polypropylene and remain 100% recyclable at the end of their lifecycle. Zero waste. Nothing to landfill.
2. 700% cheaper per use On average, wooden coreboxes get used a maximum of four times before being binned and/or replaced. That’s around £4 per use. RhinoCoreboxes can be used upwards of 50 (yes, FIFTY) times. That’s a miserly £0.60 per use for the 1m boxes. Bargain.
3. Easy to clean Contaminants from samples soak into wood when they get wet. That means you can’t use that box again due to cross-contamination issues. That’s not a problem for plastic RhinoCoreboxes. Just jet-wash them down and they’re ready to go again. Reuse.
4. Safer to use Gone are the days of flimsy, painful string handles tearing hands apart. RhinoCoreboxes are ergonomically designed to make sure they’re comfortable to carry. They are lighter than their wooden counterparts, so they reduce your manual handling risk, and they even interlock when stacking for increased stability. Safe.
5. Core security Samples are the name of the game in ground investigation. Wooden boxes are not designed to house samples in a secure, supported manner. It’s literally a round core in a square box. Not good. RhinoCoreboxes are different. They cradle your core and ensure it doesn’t get damaged in transit. Take better care of your core.
ADDED BONUS: Storage and transport In comparison to clunky, flimsy wooden boxes, empty RhinoCoreboxes save you 300% on transport costs and up to 300% in empty storage costs. That means more space in your stores for equipment and gear and massive cost reduction on getting boxes to site. Spacious savings.
RhinoCorebox has been developed by industry experts to tackle the issue of dangerously heavy, cumbersome, inefficient, ineffective and unsustainable wooden corebox useage. They replace something that is outdated, ineffectual and wasteful with something you can use again and again.
In short, RhinoCorebox turns a consumable into an asset.
1M BOXES
£30.5 + VAT EACH
1.5M BOXES
£30.5 + VAT EACH
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Photo Credit: Tensar
Granular working platforms for construction plant: An overview on guidance documents available Article contributed by Chaido Doulala-Rigby, member of the AGS Geotechnical Working Group.
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emporary granular platforms for construction plant (including haul roads, working platforms and general hard standings) are a necessary feature of almost all construction sites but the need to ensure that they are adequate for the intended use is often overlooked. Inadequate design would most likely lead to significant incidents of overturning plant that would result in, at best, cost and delay or, at worst, injury and/or death. A major cause of plant instability is a poor site surface or working platform. This may be due
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to a lack of design, poor quality installation, or a lack of maintenance or inspection. Given the consequences of a rig falling over, most would agree that each of these aspects should be carried out thoroughly and by competent people. While current methods for the technical design of granular working platforms have proved generally reliable, it is recognised that there is a lack of consistency on how and when they are applied, resulting in varying degrees of economy (and possibly un-economic design in certain instances). In addition, the introduction of the ‘Eurocodes’ (although not entirely applicable) has brought about an increased expectation that temporary structures should be designed in line with current national
standards. In 2019, ‘a Guide to good practice’ document was published by the Temporary Works forum (TWf), that summarises all existing rigorous and empirical design methods and good practices available in UK industry. The Guide is not intended to replace current guidance, but it is hoped that it will supplement current guidance and provide an overall approach that addresses the aforementioned issues. This guide is, therefore, aimed at: • • • •
providing recommendations for the overall design of working platforms; improving the application of current structural design methods; suggesting a suitable method for the application of Eurocodes; considering ways of achieving greater economy while maintaining a suitable level of reliability with regard to the particular risks under consideration;
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providing an introduction to related health and safety and sustainability issues
The guidance offered is intended primarily for temporary works designers, in particular less experienced engineers. It is also, however, intended to act as an aid to others involved in the procurement and use of granular working platforms. The link to the TWf Guide is below: https://www.twforum.org.uk/ viewdocument/working-platforms-designof-granu Another useful document that summarises good practice and guidance from around Europe and beyond, is the ‘Guide to Working Platforms’ that was published by the European Federation of Foundation Contractors (EFFC) in January 2020 and the link is below: EFFC-DFI_Guide_For_Working_Platforms_ Edition_1_LowRes-1.pdf
Release of Site Investigation and Drilling Records held by the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), an office of the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland, has acquired or had deposited a large number of site investigation and drilling records, some of which date back over 75 years. These records were produced by commercial, government and other organisations, and many were deposited with GSNI to meet statutory obligations. These records are assessed to fall under the scope of the Environmental Information Regulations. In the interests of maximising use of these data, the GSNI intends to provide online access to all records originally deposited with GSNI that were received more than four years prior to the publication of this Notice. If you have deposited site investigation and/or drilling record information at GSNI and consider that its release will adversely affect or be harmful to your commercial interests, please contact: Borehole Data Manager, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3SB (or email gsni@economy-ni.gov.uk) to discuss the matter further. Our privacy notice can be found on our website. The proposed release will take place no sooner than three months following the publication of this Notice.
Training Courses Equipe Training: Specialist Geotechnical Courses Equipe Training are delighted to confirm that their specialist geotechnical training courses are continuing to be delivered, both in person at our dedicated training facility just outside of Banbury, Oxfordshire., and also online via Zoom! The in-person courses will be operating with limited places to ensure social distancing. Available upcoming dates are provided below: Î
6th September 2022 - Basic Foundation Design
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7th September 2022 - Further Foundation Design
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8th September 2022 - Earthworks Design and Construction
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13th September 2022 - Professor David Norbury’s Soil Description Workshop
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14th September 2022 - Professor David Norbury’s Rock Description Workshop
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26th October 2022 - Slope Stability Design (Online Course)
Places on these courses can be booked online here, or via contacting Equipe on +44 (0)1295 670990 or info@equipegroup.com
Equipe 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 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 courses have limited numbers of places available in order to maintain social distancing within the classroom environment. Upcoming dates include: Î Î Î
26th August 2022 - IOSH Avoiding Danger from Underground Services 31st August - 2nd September 2022 - IOSH Safe Supervision of Geotechnical Sites 9th September 2022 (Online) - Managing and working with Asbestos Risk in Ground 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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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 Executive meeting. The deadline for the next round of completed applications is Tuesday 16th August 2022
AGS Chemical and Legal Helplines All Members of the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists are entitled to free chemical and contractual advice through the use of Loss Prevention Committee Members, Marquis & Lord and Beale & Co. For advice on chemical safety and best practice, Marquis & Lord will provide 30 minutes of free advice to all 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
LEGAL HELPLINE (Please quote Beale & Co ‘AGS Helpline’) 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.
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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 that 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 6 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.
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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 Statom Group
VertaseFLI Ltd
Statom House 795 London Road, West Thurrock , Essex , RM20 3LH
Number One Middle Bridge Business Park Bristol Road, Portishead Bristol, BS20 6PN
01708 222777 enquires@statom.co.uk
+44 (0) 1275 397 600
AGS Dates for Your Diary A Guide to Pressuremeter Testing: From Site to Design
The Geotechnical Data Conference (live event)
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Date: 10th November 2022
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Date: Thursday 1st December
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Fee: FOC
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Location: The Burlington Hotel, Birmingham
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Sponsorship: Headline and Associate packages available
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Full details to be released in due course
Fee: £145 for AGS members and £215 for non-members. Prices exclude VAT. Click here to register.
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Sponsorship: Packages can be viewed HERE.
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Full details to be released in due course
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