Ecospan Environmental staff have over thirty five years experience in modelling the aquatic environment. This has included developing models for many of the UK estuaries e.g. the Tees BELPLUME model. The company offers full 3-dimensional modelling for estuaries, coastal areas, rivers, canals and lakes . The modelling can allow for varying tidal conditions, salinity stratification, temperature effects and the influence of winds from varying directions.
Modelling work is usually supported by field data collection (Hydrographic Surveys) to provide the basic information for building the model (e.g. water depths, tidal elevations) and to provide data for validation of the model (e.g. tidal flow measurements, plume measurements with dye tracer or a parameter such as temperature).
Applications
Hydrographic modelling is an integral part of many environmental impact assessments. Typical applications include:
Modelling of potential spill scenarios (e.g. for COMAH) and ecological impact assessments (e.g. MATTE)
Modelling effluent discharges (e.g. for environmental permitting, IPPC)
Thermal plume modelling
Outfall design & initial dilution calculations
DTA risk assessment
Assessment of land reclamation on tidal flows and pollutant dispersion
Sediment plume modelling in support of dredging operations
Deposition modelling in support of fish farming
Flood risk assessment
Capabilities
Prediction of tidal flows.
Transport and dispersion of an effluent plume.
Temperature and salinity predictions.
Interactions between different outfalls.
Initial dilution estimation for outfall diffusers assessed against regulatory requirements.
Prediction of tidal average and maximum concentrations from a discharge.
Estimation of sediment deposition areas and the thickness of settled deposits from dredging operations.
Modelling substances including those that are dense, degradable, adsorb, volatilise or are oily.
Predictions of dissolved oxygen levels.
Spill, continuous or intermittent discharges.
Effects of winds & river inputs.
Flood risk assessment modelling for rivers and floodplains; 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional approaches. Incorporating the influence of tributaries, bridges, weirs, culverts, sluices, storage areas, split channels, tidal influences and other hydraulic features
