Contaminated sediments - what is the problem?
This event will provide an insight into the current state of knowledge and research with respect to contaminated sediments and their impact on the environment and in particular water quality.
When
20 April 2016 (10.00 - 16.50)
Background
Sediments play multiple roles in the environment; they may be a habitat, a resource and could carry contaminants. Contaminated sediments have the potential to pose a risk to human health, the environment and to impact commercial, recreational and navigational uses of waterways.
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) aimed to achieve a “good status” of all European Water Bodies by 2015 and according to the UK Government website only 27% of English Water Bodies have achieved this. Whilst the WFD does not specifically address sediment, it does acknowledge that sediment may contribute to the overall water quality by indicating that Environmental Quality Standards may be set for sediments (as well as water and biota). Certain contaminants such DDT, Tributyltin compounds, mercury compounds, heavy metals and radioactive particles are often found in sediment and may contribute to water bodies not reaching the required “good status” criteria.
Whilst the volume of contaminants entering our rivers has generally decreased over time, historic contaminated sediments often remain. These sediments can later emerge
as a result of movement caused by flooding, dredging, the introduction of new structures, or from other marine or river infrastructure activities to the detriment of the environment.
Why attend?
- consider the extent of contaminated sediments in the UK;
- describe applicability of the liability regime and polluter pays principles;
- highlight methods for managing liability;
- examine how to deal with different site conditions and issues through real case study examples;
- showcase good practice
Programme
10.00 Registration and refreshments
10.30 Chair’s introduction
10.45 Overview of Defra Sediments project work and some early inferences on work completed to date
Jonathan Atkinson, Environment Agency
11.05 Diffused contamination of coastal sediments from historic landfills -
the implications of extreme climate incidents
Kate Spencer, Queen Mary University of London, UK
11.25 Environmental liability and the applicability of the polluter pays principle to
contaminated sediments
Joanne Holbrook, Fieldfisher
11.45 Networking break with refreshments
12.05 Managing Liability - Insurance and insurance recovery
Mathew Hussey, Arthur J. Gallagher, and Hilary Allen, The Fiscal Incentives Group.
12.35 Q&A and panel discussion
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Predicting erosion for coastal landfill sites – a consultant’s experience
Mike Walkden, WSP Group
14.20 Environmental Monitoring of a deepwater project
Kevin Black, Partrac Ltd
14.40 What CIRIA can do /is doing
Joanne Kwan, CIRIA
15.00 Q&A and panel discussion
15.20 Networking break with refreshments
15.40 Case study 1 – Dealing with sediments in the canals
Karen Jackson, Canal and River Trust
16.00 Case study 2– Dealing with contaminated sediments in estuarine and
inland waterways
Claire Greenwood & Bill Gush, Land & Water
16.20 Q&A and panel discussion
16.50 Close
Who should attend?
Clients, contractors, consultants, port authorities, dredging companies, canals owners, regulators.
When
20 April 2016
10.00 - 16.50
Where
CIRIA Offices, Griffin Court
15 Long Lane, London
EC1A 9PN
Fees
Free for LACL and BRMF members
£250+ VAT for non members
Booking
If you are unable to book online contact Patrick Williams on 020 7549 3300. Your completed booking form can be returned by post or email to Patrick Williams.