GWP Consultants - Research

Here you can download copies of publications, research reports, public reports and conference papers that GWP has been involved with or software programs that we have created.

DUBLIN’S METRO NORTH: THE ROLE OF INDEPENDENT ENGINEERING EXPERTS - Conference paper

In 2008, the Irish Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) agreed to provide independent engineering advice for the benefit of property owners and residents possibly affected by the construction and operation of Metro North. RPA's initially published objective was for the experts to provide to the public accessible information about the scheme and proposed mitigation measures for significant impacts. This objective quickly developed to include promotion of meaningful consultation enabling local concerns to be translated into technical solutions in some cases.

This paper describes the work that was done and the value and outcomes of the appointment of independent engineering experts from both the client’s and experts’ perspectives, looking back. It reflects on: cost-benefit of this approach; how the independence of the experts was assured (and perceived); response from the community and RPA, and the deployment of listening and communication skills alongside technical expertise.

To download a full copy of the paper, CLICK HERE.

Dublin Metro North Independent Engineering Experts: FIRST INDEPENDENT ENGINEERING EXPERTS’ REPORT

This report reviews the Railway Order Application (especially the Environmental Impact Statement) for Dublin Metro North. It is the first formal output of a team of Independent Engineering Experts commissioned in August 2008 by RPA, on behalf of residents’ groups and associations and other non-commercial stakeholders with interests in the effects of the Metro North scheme. The terms of reference for the Independent Engineering Expert team were developed by the RPA in partnership with residents’ representatives, who also participated in the selection process.

It is intended to be available to residents and others as a resource to assist them in their consideration of the Railway Order application for Metro North, and in participating in the consultation process (including, as appropriate, making written and oral submissions to An Bord Pleanála).

For more information and to download a copy of the report, go to: http://www.metronorthexperts.com/

APPENDIX A, TECHNICAL ASSESSOR’S REPORT, TO THE REPORT OF EDWARD B. SIMPSON JP, Bsc(Hons), MRTPI (30 March 2007). Appeals by Canatxx Gas Storage Limited. (Planning Inspectorate reference APP/Q2371/A/05/1183799 & APP/HSC/05/07)

Report on geological, hydrogeological and cavern stability issues relevant to the consideration of the application by Canatxx Gas Storage Limited to develop and operate gas storage caverns at Preesall, Lancashire.

This report was appended to the Inspector’s report and provides a technical assessment of evidence presented in relation to geological, hydrogeological and engineering aspects of a proposal to create caverns by solution mining in salt at Preesall and their use for gas storage.

To download a copy of Appendix A of the report, CLICK HERE.

A copy of the full report can be found at: http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/viewdoc.asp?id=17444

PondSizer software

PondSizer is a software application for calculating the optimum size of attenuation ponds, settlement lagoons and sumps designed to ensure surface water discharges comply with regulatory requirements.

GWP Consultants has used PondSizer successfully for some time in designing ponds and lagoons for controlling surface water runoff from quarries, storage mounds, landfill caps, roads and other developments.

PondSizer is now freely available for download in two versions that are compatible with the two versions of the FEH CD-ROM. Please ensure that you download the appropriate version. To read more about PondSizer CLICK HERE.

PondSizer for FEH v1: PondSizer for FEH v2:

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ALSF Sustainable Aggregates: A Review of Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund Research Projects

Living within environmental limits is essential for any economic activity. Since its launch in 2002 the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) has made a significant contribution to knowledge and practice in how to produce aggregates in a sustainable way. It has invested nearly £40m in over 360 research and development projects covering an enormous range of topics.

The Sustainable Aggregates series of benchmark reports has been developed to reflect the latest information and good practice from ALSF or other recent work to make them easily accessible to those who can apply them in practice.

This summary report summarises the key findings of the reports and provides a sign-post to further information in the reviews.

To download a copy of this report, CLICK HERE.

Overview Report

An overview of design and management approaches to reducing the environmental footprint of the supply chain for land-won aggregates

The overview report draws on the information in the twelve reports which have been produced as part of the thematic review of Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) research projects for land-won minerals. It puts them into the context of the quarry life-cycle, specifically in relation to the various elements of environmental footprint and the stages in the supply chain for land-won aggregates. In particular, the report helps to emphasise some of the major findings of the ALSF research and describes some of the complex inter-relationships between environmental footprints at different stages of a quarry’s life.

The overview report builds on the concept of environmental footprint and, drawing on the twelve themes, shows how the design and management of the quarry has a key role to play in determining the overall balance of negative and positive environmental effects.

To download a copy of this report, CLICK HERE.

ALSF Overview Report Bibliographic Database

The ALSF Sustainable Aggregates overview report draws on information in thematic reviews of Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) research projects for land-won minerals.

The report emphasises the major findings of the ALSF research programme and describes some of the complex inter-relationships between environmental footprints at different stages of a quarry’s life.

The Downloadable database (for MSAccess versions 97 and 2003) is a searchgable biobliography of the theme reviews and their reference lists.

To view the ALSF Sustainable Aggregates Overview Report, go to http://www.sustainableaggregates.com/topics/topics_overviewreport.htm.

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A Quarry Design Handbook (pre-publication draft)

A project funded from the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) and managed by the Mineral Industry Research Organisation (MIRO). Research and writing carried out by GWP Consultants LLP and David Jarvis Associates Ltd.

The Handbook is about the design of new quarries, quarry extensions or revised quarry working schemes. The primary objectives of good quarry design are the safe, efficient and profitable extraction of the maximum usable material from the available land whilst causing the minimum environmental disturbance and resulting in beneficial final restoration and land-uses. The Handbook sets out to provide a source of reference and guidance to those involved in designing and operating quarries. In particular, it should assist them in preparing good quality mineral planning applications for new and extension sites, which also incorporate the requirements of the Quarries Regulations, 1999 and demonstrate effective mitigation of environmental impacts.

To read more about the Quarry Design Handbook, CLICK HERE

Or to download the document now, use the button below:

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Later draft of Chapter 4 and Appendices, October 2008.

Chapter 4: Design of the Operation and its Restoration

Appendix 4-1: Resource evaluation for aggregates
Appendix 4-2: Principles of design-sand and gravel quarries
Appendix 4-3: Principles of design-hard rock quarries
Appendix 4-4: Slope design
Appendix 4-5: Haulage methods and haul road design
Appendix 4-6: Economic modelling for feasibility studies and business planning

* The Geoffrey Walton Practice is a former name of GWP Consultants LLP.