Delivering WFD Objectives | 5

PROJECT 2 |

RIVER WEST ALLEN SEDIMENT ASSESSMENT

LOCATION: River West Allen, Northumberland

CLIENT: J N Bentley and Coal Authority

We investigated ways to reduce and control

contaminated sediment entering the River Allen in

Northumberland. The contaminated sediment originates

from old Lead and Zinc mines. 20% of the total load of

metals entering the Tyne Estuary every year originates

from within the River Allen catchment.

WHAT WE DID

• Fluvial geomorphological assessment to map key

sediment sources

• Hydraulic modelling to understand sediment transport

• Options development and Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA).

BENEFITS TO THE CLIENT

• Robust solutions to slow down and stop contaminated

sediment entering the river

• Promotion of green engineering solutions

• Use of our multi-disciplinary teams.

FLUVIAL GEOMORPHOLOGY/

HYDROMORPHOLOGY

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU

Being experts in river restoration design, geomorphic interpretation and hydraulic

modelling, we understand geomorphological processes in different fluvial

environments.

• Catchment baseline surveys provide the context required to ensure

regional integration and sustainability of proposed management options.

• Fluvial audits improve understanding of sediment budget and channel

stability on a reach-by-reach scale.

• Analysis of hydraulic and sediment dynamics quantifies the extent

of on-going or potential sediment problems.

• Catchment scale vision helps restore the functioning/structure of river

forms and processes that are characteristic of particular river types.

• Channel restoration design based on current best-practice methods

ensures designs are innovative and sustainable but practical.

• River rehabilitation is used to improve riverine habitat diversity and

overall condition.

• Options appraisals assess the potential impacts/assist in the design

of proposed floodplain or channel works.

• Post-project appraisal, including process and form monitoring, develops

effective evaluation.