THE SUB-SURFACE ENVIRONMENT: GROUNDWATER & CONTAMINATED LAND

The Sector
Groundwater and soils are both environmental resources that require protection and remediation when polluted. Groundwater provides one third of the UK’s drinking water supply but is vulnerable to pollution from surface activities because it is out of sight and therefore often out of mind. Contamination can come from any activity on the land surface and the quantities of chemicals involved can be very small. The main focus of this sector is on the abstraction of groundwater and its impact, prevention of pollution to groundwater and the rehabilitation of previously polluted groundwater. Knowledge of groundwater aquifers and sub-surface systems is valuable and often expensive to attain.  Much of the research, therefore, is done in the field and usually results in new discoveries of how the sub-surface system works. 

Sector Profile
Legislation has played a major factor in this sector’s growth and has increased the need for sub-surface environmental specialists. The focus has shifted from a primarily voluntary approach to a regulated, scientifically fuelled industry. A significant proportion of revenue comes from contaminated land projects and projects concerning the below-ground environment such as water pollution. This pattern is reflected in the expertise of employees. Those with appropriate postgraduate degrees will find it very easy to obtain jobs since demand has outstripped supply.

Issues and Trends
Groundwater is likely to take more of a front seat in environmental issues in the future. The introduction of the European Water Framework Directive emphasises the need to ensure that we are more integrated in our approach towards future water management.  Many of the UK’s rivers pass through groundwater systems, which implies the need for proper management against pollution. The contaminated land legislation is very new and the UK is still trying to understand the extent of the problem and the scale of intervention needed. Contaminated land is set to continue at a high profile and the UK has as much of a legacy as most developed countries to address. The investigation of contaminated land sites will remain a variable market which is very dependant on the economy and the need for redevelopment in many areas.