EPG expands environmental expertise through acquisition of Hafren Water

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

Myth: Every ground investigation on brownfield land has to include gas monitoring

Not all brownfield sites require gas monitoring. The decision should be based on a robust preliminary risk assessment and Conceptual Site Model. Whilst on some sites it’s absolutely required – unnecessary monitoring can waste time, resources, and carbon.

Gas monitoring in natural superficial deposits often leads to elevated CO2, which doesn’t pose a risk of hazardous emissions but is often misinterpreted.  If wells are installed in Alluvium, the likelihood is that they become flooded and any data is not representative – i.e. useless!

If the only viable source is urban Made Ground, are you better off doing organic carbon testing on the soil? (see CL:AIRE RB17)

Or installing a groundwater monitoring well and collecting gas monitoring data from it, just because it’s present? Perhaps gas monitoring for a road or rail schemes, where there is no receptor? We see this kind of thing all the time, and it’s frustrating.

Follow this golden rule: Gas monitoring should only ever be in the gas source (in the unsaturated zone) or in a permeable (unsaturated) pathway between the source and the receptor. If you are doing anything else, STOP. (More on monitoring well response zones coming up on the MythBusters!)

What do you think? How often do you design out gas monitoring from your site investigation?

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

SuDS rain garden and planter which were installed at Estcourt School, designed by EPG and installed by Group company, Carrick Construction

How EPG can support your application:

• Assistance in Securing Match Funding: Securing the required 50% match funding may be a challenge for some applicants. However, third-party contributors, such as local water companies, are eligible sources. EPG can support your case by modelling sewer networks alongside surface water flooding scenarios to demonstrate the potential reduction in flows to the public sewer system. This can help justify a financial contribution from the water company.
• Flood Evidence and Performance Standards: The application requires primary or secondary evidence of surface water flooding (e.g., photos or media reports). EPG can strengthen your application by interpreting Environment Agency flood risk maps and undertaking hydraulic modelling to substantiate your evidence. We can also determine and validate the required level of protection the proposed SuDS features will deliver through performance calculations.
• Demonstrating Project Readiness: Applicants should show that their project is significantly progressed and ready for delivery. EPG can prepare necessary technical reports, calculations, and drawings to support this. We can also assist with surveys, data modelling, final design work, and tender preparation, although these additional services may incur costs that are not covered by the funding.

Key Deadlines:

• Applications must be submitted by 09:00 AM on Monday, 20 October 2025.
• The window for submitting questions or seeking clarification closes at 5:00 PM on Friday, 8 August 2025. We strongly recommend beginning the application process as soon as possible to allow ample time for queries and technical preparations.

Together, we can deliver SuDS that not only meet technical standards but also bring lasting flood alleviation and environmental benefits to your area.

The gov.uk website details all requirements on eligibility and suitability Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Schools 2026/27 – GOV-UK Find a grant. Once reviewed, EPG would be delighted to talk to you about supporting your application. Please email enquiries@epg-ltd.co.uk or call 01274 565131.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hafren Water, a respected environmental consultancy specialising in hydrology and hydrogeology services.

This acquisition marks another exciting milestone in EPG’s continued growth, with Hafren Water’s hydrogeology expertise complementing EPG’s existing services and strengths with the ability to deliver integrated water and geoenvironmental management solutions across the UK and beyond.

Hafren Water brings a highly skilled team of specialists with extensive experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Their technical excellence will further enhance EPG’s elite capabilities, enabling the development of groundwater and piling works risk assessments in addition to risk assessments for infiltration systems on high-risk sites, providing guidance from inception to completion of a project.

The acquisition introduces new clients and sector opportunities for EPG, especially within the quarrying industry, where Hafren Water has built a strong reputation.

Hafren Water will continue to operate under its well-respected brand, maintaining its base in Shrewsbury, and will work closely with EPG to share knowledge, expertise, and to continue delivering excellence for clients. The two businesses are committed to long-term collaboration, stability, and sustainable business development for both brands.

“We’re delighted to welcome Hafren Water into the EPG family,” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG. “Their hydrology and hydrogeology expertise will significantly strengthen our services and help us deliver even greater value to our clients. This acquisition is about long-term growth and building strong foundations for the future.”

“Joining EPG allows us to build on our existing strengths while collaborating to expand our capabilities and reach,” added Chris Leake, Director of Hafren Water. “We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for our clients, our people, and the wider industry.”

EPG looks forward to a successful partnership with Hafren Water, expanding its ability to deliver innovative, sustainable, and technically robust environmental solutions.

Engineering expertise is expanding at the Environmental Protection Group

The team at EPG goes from strength-to-strength with the appointment of a leading and ambitious individual to bolster the current expertise.

George Grant, an award-winning engineer with a passion for innovative design, joins the team as Principal Engineer for the water team. George will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered effectively and to the highest standard and will continue to build and maintain relationships with existing and new clients.

George commented, “It’s great to be part of a company dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable solutions. I’m delighted to be working alongside a team of talented individuals who are really making a difference within the UK, and internationally, with first-class designs and a fresh, collaborative approach.”

With over six years’ experience developing SuDS, George’s background expands beyond water with a multi-disciplinary skillset.

Phil Williams, Director of EPG said, “George comes to us with experience in different sectors, from highways and earthworks, to masterplanning and concept design. His understanding of engineering will make him an excellent asset to the team.”

EPG continues to push the boundaries of water engineering and natural flood management projects and leads the way in providing innovative and niche solutions. EPG is one to watch for 2025 as it combines service delivery with industry training and guidance.

Engineering expertise is expanding at the Environmental Protection Group

The team at EPG goes from strength-to-strength with the appointment of a leading and ambitious individual to bolster the current expertise.

George Grant, an award-winning engineer with a passion for innovative design, joins the team as Principal Engineer for the water team. George will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered effectively and to the highest standard and will continue to build and maintain relationships with existing and new clients.

George commented, “It’s great to be part of a company dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable solutions. I’m delighted to be working alongside a team of talented individuals who are really making a difference within the UK, and internationally, with first-class designs and a fresh, collaborative approach.”

With over six years’ experience developing SuDS, George’s background expands beyond water with a multi-disciplinary skillset.

Phil Williams, Director of EPG said, “George comes to us with experience in different sectors, from highways and earthworks, to masterplanning and concept design. His understanding of engineering will make him an excellent asset to the team.”

EPG continues to push the boundaries of water engineering and natural flood management projects and leads the way in providing innovative and niche solutions. EPG is one to watch for 2025 as it combines service delivery with industry training and guidance.

Offering unrivalled expertise across a range of environmental engineering disciplines, the Environmental Protection Group (EPG) is excited to announce its move to a new office location at The Innovation Centre Sci-Tech in Daresbury, Warrington.

The move comes as part of the company’s continued growth and commitment to enhancing productivity, collaboration, and the overall work environment for its team. Other EPG colleagues remain based at a combination of Bingley and Basildon offices, as well as remotely.

“Our new office offers a spacious and modern environment, equipped with facilities and grounds to support our team’s overall wellbeing and puts us alongside some fabulous, like-minded businesses” said Phil Williams, Director of EPG.

“This relocation marks a significant milestone in our journey as we expand our business and continue to provide exceptional service to our clients.”

As part of their ambitious growth plans, EPG has appointed Damian Watkin as an Associate in the geoenvironmental team. Damian comes with a wealth of industry knowledge and will be managing the delivery of geoenvironmental investigation and assessment projects. He will be maintaining key client relationships and mentoring the team, to continue to bring an unparalleled service offering in the industry.

EPG looks forward to continued growth and building stronger relationships with clients and partners in this new, dynamic environment.

SuDS in schools – is conventional drainage alone a thing of the past?

Extreme flooding across the UK is something that people are experiencing with increasing regularity, and schools and education authorities are looking for cost effective, long-term solutions which can keep children safe, and avoid closures from these weather events.

Sustainable drainage systems, commonly known as SuDS, are designed to slow the flow of water and mimic nature’s defences.  Unlike conventional drainage which directs water underground, SuDS keep the water on the surface and manage water where it falls.  Future generations will need to look practically at how water is managed in urban and rural environments, as conventional drainage is creaking under the pressure of increased rainfall associated with climate change and increased urbanisation. SuDS address these issues through blue green design and provide a positive solution in combating climate change.

From recent storm events, schools have been forced to close due to extreme conditions and with having aging infrastructure in place to combat the quantity of water on site.

Funding is available to schools through the DfE website to encourage retrofit SuDS on sites which is recognised as a highly effective way of reducing surface water flooding following the PIT review and Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Natural disasters, flooding and the climate is part of the school curriculum and schools are taking responsibility for their own water management.

What are the benefits of SuDS in schools?

• Landscape legibility and enhance education opportunities

This is where pupils learn to read the landscape they’re observing and understand the flow of water.  SuDS bring the curriculum to life by bringing water and biodiversity into the centre of the school and educate pupils so that they have a clear understanding of where the water is meant to go, banishing any misconceptions and raising awareness within the whole community.

• Holistic sustainability

Following the management train approach as demonstrated in the SuDS manual promotes the incorporation of source control techniques to collect, treat, store and control runoff prior to discharge, and improve the biodiversity in the area.  By having a space for plants, this creates a nicer environment and helps bring down the temperature in the area.  Planters and rain gardens bring the water cycle to life, as a reservoir is available for the plants to drink, and with the correct soil allows the plants to access water without the need for hosepipes, saving costs as well as creating a sustainable environment.

Blue green approaches encourage evapotranspiration and mitigates against the urban heat island effect.

• Maintenance

When water is kept on the surface, we know when it is at its capacity. The visible nature of SuDS means that it is apparent when it needs an outlet, avoiding unexpected problems.  Maintaining SuDS is routine work and involves clearing leaves, pruning plants and is a great way to involving pupils. It is hugely beneficial and educational, and less costly to manage.

Phil Williams, Director at the Environmental Protection Group stated, “We have been working alongside schools for over 15 years implementing sustainable drainage designs across the UK, both new and retrofit.  The joy it brings to the community is something we’re always thrilled to see, and if we can continue to mitigate the impact of flooding with natural flood management, we should start to see positive changes for our environment.”

The technicalities – how using the right suppliers gets you the right results

Simpler stakeholder engagement

Stakeholder engagement and good consultation is the key to avoiding misconceptions and banishing myths surrounding SuDS.  The opportunity to incorporate SuDS in a project should be met with excitement. For planners, architects and engineers, it is their job to communicate and showcase how this vision will become a reality. Dealing with one stakeholder allows for a smooth, simple scheme delivery.

Collaboration

Co-design between landscape architects, SuDS designers, engineers and the schools is important to ensure engagement in the project and understanding.  For the very best results, landscape architects need to work in harmony with engineers and then the contractors.  With landscape architects working on the aesthetics and visuals alongside the school, the engineers are left to determine the flow rates and quantification of the impact the SuDS features will have for funders and authorities.

Safety

Safety considerations for any project is vital, however it’s important to recognise that for most of the time, SuDS feature will have no water in them, and when raining, only hold a small amount of water, usually between 100ml-300ml. This means no danger for pupils and simply becomes a learning aid.  SuDS also work at removing pollutants and sediment from a water flow, all powered by nature.

Take a look at the video below to see how a school in Estcourt School in Hull put this into practice.

The Environmental Protection Group (EPG) co-authored the SuDS manual and is passionate about designing projects which can enrich people’s lives and their surrounding environments for the future.  The introduction of SuDS in an area brings enhanced biodiversity, amenity, improves water quality and reduces water quantity. Conventional drainage can’t provide amenity or biodiversity to any area so sustainable measures should be implemented where possible.

Let’s design with nature in mind.