Bob Harris – Head of National Groundwater and contaminated Land Centre, Environment Agency

I have worked within the UK water industry for the whole of my career. After obtaining a first degree in Chemistry and Geology, I took an MSc in Organic Geochemistry. At the time (1972), pollution was just becoming popular and my dissertation looked at the uptake of heavy metals from sewage works effluent in the sedimented organic matter of a river. Luckily, during a time of job scarcity, this helped me obtain a post within the water industry, firstly as a water supply chemist with a small water board and then as commissioning chemist for a big water treatment works in Severn-Trent Regional Water Authority. Seeing an opportunity to specialise in groundwater pollution and its prevention, I took it, since the job related more to my background and interests. I have subsequently worked in this area for the rest of my career.

I think my progression to my current role as Head of the Environment Agency’s National Groundwater and Contaminated Land Centre (NGWCLC) has been achieved by a combination of being in the right place at the right time and an ability to apply on-site experience to the wider context within research and policy. The NGWCLC is an expert group providing a focus for those both within and outside the EA on all associated technical aspects relating to groundwater resources management, including its quality and protection, and contaminated land and groundwater remediation. The Centre has a large programme of applied R&D and technical guidance development with a budget of around £3 million per annum. The work programme is highly focused on the needs of practitioners both in a national and site specific role.

I try to share experience and practice wherever possible and am an active participant on many national and international groups relating to groundwater, waste disposal and contaminated land issues. Spreading the message internationally and gaining ideas from others still gives me a buzz in a professional area that is exciting in its possibilities.

Return to Case Studies