Flood hazard mapping in Sweden

With changing weather patterns potentially leading to sea-level rise, more frequent storms and intense rainfall events, this work is an area of growing interest to local authorities. In Sweden, WSP has carried out Flood Hazard Mapping for Södertälje and Nynäshamn municipalities. The projects included assessing possible damage to the drainage systems, and analysing cost-effective mitigating measures. The results have been integrated into social and emergency planning.

River health monitoring in South Africa

We undertook river health monitoring below the Metallica Chemical site in KwaZulu-Natal. The work involved using the South African Scoring System 5 bio-assessment technique. We prepared a baseline study to establish current conditions and to identify appropriate monitoring locations and will assess any changes in ecosystem health during site remediation works.

Water quality and marine ecology in the Seychelles

We undertook terrestrial and marine ecology studies for a luxury resort development on the Seychelles. It includes 60 hectares of reclaimed land and another 60 reclaimed from the sea. We provided pre-construction baseline water quality reports for the surrounding oceanic environment, identified mitigatory actions for aspects which would be impacted, and designed rehabilitation and monitoring programmes for the marine ecology.

Ground and lagoon water monitoring programme in South Africa

For Barloworld Group we provide quarterly environmental monitoring for a remediated and re-developed wood treatment facility at the luxury marina development situated on Thesen Islands. We are responsible for the ongoing monitoring of the ground and lagoon water and sediments to ensure the integrity of the remedial measures.

Water efficiency for Australian households

To conserve water the 'Help Us Help The Earth' campaign was launched. The first challenge to Australian households was to reduce their water usage by 10%. Using our expertise in sustainability and water conservation combined with our leading edge technologies we produced an online water efficiency tool. Read more

Water treatment for Masdar the world’s first zero carbon city

Masdar will be the world's first zero-carbon zero-waste city. WSP were commissioned by the architects Foster + Partners to develop the sustainable infrastructure strategies for the detailed masterplan of the city. This included developing strategies for the drainage and treatment of water and sewage, waste management, and the distribution of power and energy.

Water efficiency in Dubai’s buildings

We have developed a framework to help Dubai improve the efficiency of its building stock. This will result in a new Green Building Regulatory System. Water resource efficiency is a key component of this and, amongst other things, we are developing specifications to reduce potable water use in buildings and cooling systems and minimise use through irrigation and recover water for appropriate secondary uses.

Impact assessment for special conservation area in the UK

We prepared a water quality and resources impact assessment for SITA UK for an application for a waste treatment plant located near a designated Special Area of Conservation. This, with our flood risk assessment, drainage strategy and mitigation measures demonstrated that any risk of impact would be eliminated or minimised.

Hydrogeological assessment for a marina in the UK

We assessed the potential for contaminated groundwater to be mobilised as part of the excavation works for the Little Venice Country Park and Marina on the River Medway. This together with our flood risk assessment and environmental impact assessment demonstrated there would be no pollution and that the development would improve the Medways flood storage capacity whilst protecting local ecology.