The importance of early data collection in quarry development consent applications; linking hydrogeological assessment to the decision makers’ legal framework, a case study

The working of superficial deposits frequently interacts with the groundwater table and thus may affect surface water and groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems. The Habitats Directive and the Water Framework Directive require detailed consideration of these potential effects during any application for planning consent or other authorizations and during periodic reviews. These assessments need to consider water resources impacts, the potential for pollution and whether the natural water chemistry may be changed in a way that could change ecological conditions. Early recognition of these challenges, and a well-structured hydrogeological investigation programme to properly characterize the site, is essential to facilitate timely progress through the planning process. This case study presents the approach to hydrogeological characterization and assessment used at the proposed Upwood Quarry, Oxfordshire, which is adjacent to a calcareous wetland protected at European level. Through careful characterization and stakeholder engagement, planning consent was obtained. We consider lessons that may be applied to other sites especially with increased regulation of dewatering abstractions and consider the potential impacts of recent court decisions.

Hydrogeological Investigation for the Assessment of Spring Pollution Due to Abandoned Mines in a Karst Area

This paper presents a hydrogeological investigation case study for assessing the sources and pathways of spring pollution in a karst area in Guizhou Province, Southern China. Our methods included hydrogeological surveys, geophysical surveys, cave detection, tracer tests, and borehole drilling. The results showed that the pollution of the Longdong Spring is controlled by the amount of rainfall, which also determines the duration of pollution. The concentration of Fe and Mn ions in the spring was found to exceed that in the code for drinking water quality (China) by more than 300 times. The investigations showed that the source of the pollution is the mine water drainage from the abandoned Feilong coal mine, which is located to the northwest of the Longdong Spring. The drainage to the spring was found to occur 24 h after the groundwater level in the goaf reached approximately +908 m above sea level. This indicates a recharge pathway between the abandoned mine and the Longdong Spring. Recommendations for grouting around the spring and sinkhole for pollution control are put forth.

The Role of Hydrogeological Investigation in Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering investigation should be carried out with the perspective purpose of understanding the knowledge of the ground conditions through fundamental planning and construction of infrastructural objects like excavation pit, various foundation, land reclamation, and beach nourishment, and so on. During the processing, hydrogeology takes an essential part in geotechnical engineering investigation by analyzing the recharging status of how water gets into the ground, how water flows in the subsurface through aquifers, and how groundwater interacts with the surrounding soil and rock. This review mainly analyzes the hydrogeological problems in geotechnical engineering investigation, and puts forward corresponding measures and suggestions for hydrogeology in combination with the work.

The Application of Piezocone Penetration Test (CPTU) in Water Area Hydrogeological Investigation

Piezocone penetration test device imported from the Netherlands was used to conduct pore pressure dissipation tests at 4 measuring points in 2 holes in the water area of Sutong GIL utility tunnel project. After dissipation, stable pore pressure was used to analyse groundwater pressure and further obtain the height of groundwater head. This method provides a successful solution for in-situ stratification testing of groundwater parameters in water area engineering, and provides reliable hydrologic parameters such as groundwater pressure for structure design and construction