Catchment Restoration and Freshwater Sciences Local knowledge, global expertise CATCHMENT RESTORATION AND FRESHWATER SCIENCES Contents

3 Understanding the challenge 4 The reality of catchment process restoration 7 Design with water 9 Our approch 10 Natural flood management 12 Natural drought management 14 Digital water 16 River and wetland restoration 17 Morphological surveys 18 Advisory services 20 Water Framework Directive compliance assessment 21 Fish passes 22 Covered waterways 24 Aquatic ecology 25 Environmental flows 26 Ecosystem services 28 Our core team 30 About Arup

2 CATCHMENT RESTORATION AND FRESHWATER SCIENCES Understanding the challenge River basin systems have encountered much historic damage and now face an uncertain future due to the impacts of climate change and population growth. Extreme events such as flooding and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, whilst an ever-growing demand for water is putting additional strain on resources and ecosystems.

Land has been drained and deforested, rivers have OUR SERVICES been straightened and canalised. This alteration of - Advisory natural processes has reduced system sustainability, - Baseline surveys causing habitat degradation, increased flood and - Bespoke morphological surveys drought risk, and ultimately poor social, economic and environmental conditions. - Covered waterways - Climate change adaptation and catchment planning A robust, scientific understanding of the interactions between water, sediment, nutrients and ecology - Ecosystem services within a river basin is required in order to develop - Environmental monitoring sustainable solutions that can repair and improve - Environmental flow studies degraded systems. When done successfully the - Environmental Impact Assessment environmental, social and economic potential of catchment ecosystem services can be realised. - Fish passage feasibility and design - Fluvial geomorphology Our team of specialists have successfully delivered a wide variety of river basin and river channel - Fluvial audit restoration projects across the globe. By thinking - Freshwater ecology holistically, and at the river basin scale, we are - Geospatial Analysis able to deliver innovative solutions that deliver - Hydropower multiple benefits and optimise sustainability. - River restoration feasibility and design - Survey App Development - Webmapping and Storymaps - Wetland restoration feasibility and design - WFD compliance assessments - WFD mitigation investigations

LOCH ARD The Trossachs National Park, Scotland

3 C A T C H M E N T PROCESS RESTORATION Approaches and drivers to process restoration, THE REALITY OF By thinking across scales and relevant potential funding sources. TREGARON CATCHMENT PROCESS RESTORATION and about the associated types F L O O D of process improvement it is ALLEVIATION Restoring catchment processes SCHEME possible to formulate an idea can seem like overwhelmingly Using geomorphological of what might be realistically assessment to provide difficult task due to the myriad achievable in damaged improved ecological of challenges and constraints habitat alongside flood catchments before planning alleviation. that can be exacerbated by restoration initiatives. technical complexities. However, by considering restorative Additionally, by understanding actions iteratively and within the the scale and nature of context of the wider catchment interventions, it is possible system, it is possible to achieve to make links to various potential more sustainable process states. funding sources that could enable In reality, it would be near process restoration. impossible to restore an entire These notions link to Arup’s catchment back to its pre- “design with water” approach modified state, but it is useful that aims to seek common to use this hypothetical ‘reference ground between stakeholders condition’ as a target to aim for. and then to formulate a Each catchment initiative clear business case to move is unique, and is associated with opportunities from concept its own set of motives, objectives through to implementation. and ‘language’. Consequently, these factors can result in S C A L E S O F a complex scenario that is PROCESS difficult to unravel. RESTORATION Providing climate change resilience across all catchment scales.

4 5 Renewable energy from water Reduced water Improved agricultural demand practices and local food production Protection of critical CATCHMENT RESTORATION AND FRESHWATER SCIENCES infrastructure

River restoration Exemplar campus/ Design with water business park The water cycle is influenced by global systems and small-scale local action, but is best understood at a catchment scale. Catchments are bio-regions based on natural systems which usually transcend political, economic and socio-cultural boundaries. Water managers have long thought and planned at catchment scale, but their actions have not always been fully integrated with other urban systems. Historically, this has led to a disjointed approach which does not maximise the project’s full potential. Water management improves public realm Successful re-integration of catchment-scale water management with and microclimate urban planning and design requires close collaboration between various organisations including government, local authorities, environmental High quality energy and water efficient regulators, infrastructure providers, local communities and other buildings stakeholders. By aligning with key stakeholders, and supporting a variety of socio-economic and environmental drivers, actions taken Upper catchment to protect and enhance the water cycle can deliver much richer benefits. management

Water-resilient infrastructure

Water sensitive urban extension with decentralised supply/ treatment Water cycle informs sustainable spatial planning and land use

Extended asset Flood-resilient life for existing development infrastructure Coastal defence protecting settlements Integrated buildings and landscape retrofit PLA Y CE OM & C for water and energy N OM CO M efficiency E U N IT Y Multifunctional green grid incorporates water E R C L management U I T M L A U T C I E

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C & quality Dynamic natural coast provides habitat and amenity

6 7 Our approach Successful catchment management and the restoration of healthy and sustainable processes requires a holistic understanding of complex catchment systems, and human and environmental needs. The principles of hydrology, landscape processes, fluvial geomorphology and aquatic ecosystems are key components of this understanding. Across an extensive portfolio of projects, Arup has used robust catchment science to develop sustainable solutions that work with natural processes, repair environmental damage and leave a lasting legacy.

PROJECT PLANNING DESIGN We provide advice and design support Our team of experts regularly deliver outline during the planning stages of a wide range and detailed designs for a range of catchment of projects. Projects range from large-scale process specific developments. These include natural flood management schemes, more natural flood management schemes, river conventional hard flood alleviation schemes, restoration and fish pass design through new reservoirs, fish bypass channels and to fish friendly culverts, wetland creation multi-use site developments to small reach and restoration, and river diversions. based river restoration and weir removal schemes. We also provide WFD compliance DELIVERY assessments, mitigation advice and input to We offer an on-site presence during Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). construction providing support to clients and contractors through on-site ecological, Our teams provide effective project support geomorphological and engineering at the early stages of hydropower planning supervision and developing methods projects in order to develop environmental for post-project monitoring and appraisal. flow studies that are specific to local needs across the flow regime.

FEASIBILITY During project feasibility stages we work to gain an understanding of the current and historical catchment, and site. We conduct extensive hydrological and geomorphological assessments and ecological surveys to inform a process restoration strategy. Graphic visualisations play a key role at this stage of a project.

RIVER SURVEYS Conducting baseline geomorphological surveys in Scotland.

9 Natural flood management Arup’s highly qualified team of catchment scientists and engineers are skilled at undertaking assessments, feasibility studies and design work for natural flood management schemes across a range of different catchment types in the both the UK and Europe.

SHEFFIELD NATURAL FLOOD INTEGRATED CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT (NFM) MANAGEMENT (ICM) INTRODUCTORY COURSE Arup has developed a modelling tool for assessing NFM and other storage Arup, supported by other project partners, features in the and Porter offered a series of one-day introductory Brook catchments, which both drain into courses on NFM with access to online the City of Sheffield. The model is part resources and pre-course webinars. The of the project appraisals for flood risk course equipped delegates with an overview mitigation in Sheffield and has been used of ICM and an awareness of the design, to assess the location and size of NFM planning and engagement activities required storage features required to achieve for its effective implementation. Delegates desired flow rates further downstream. left with a toolkit of implementation The modelling was directly related to the techniques to support their day-to-day role. mapping, which created huge efficiencies VILLAGE BROOK OUTLINE in the feasibility and optioneering process, BUSINESS CASE LUSTRUM BECK, MARAZION MARSH, CORNWALL FLOODPLAIN allowing high level costing of options STOCKTON-ON-TEES Inlet control structure Arup worked in partnership with Arup was commissioned to undertake on a floodplain storage The Lustrum Beck Flood Alleviation to be explored alongside increasing Staffordshire County Council to determine a feasibility study to assess the pond in Middlehope Scheme (FAS) is a £3 million flood Burn, Weardale (Client: catchment storage. the feasibility of options to reduce flood flows potential of using natural flood defence scheme that aims to reduce the Environment Agency). into the village whilst mitigating the impact management and sediment traps to NFM risk of flooding to over 150 properties upon, and incorporating aspirations of, the mitigate deposition of silt for pollution Arup has modelled the extent to which in Stockton. Arup has undertaken local community. Hydrological, hydraulic control in Marazion Marsh. The marsh NFM can reduce peak flows in a highly geotechnical surveys, detailed design and economic modelling was used to inform is a designated site of special scientific constrained, tidally influenced, and slow drawings and construction design a five-case model outline business case. interest (SSSI) and a special protection percolating catchment by combining an management documentations. The A hybrid solution of both NFM and area (SPA) which is currently at risk integrated catchment study with the latest second phase of the scheme involved traditional measures was highlighted due to the large volumes of silt and rainfall-runoff model. NFM opportunities the design of NFM to raise the standard as the preferred option and added to the nutrient deposits resulting from arable were then mapped using an evaluation of protection from 1:75 to 1:100 year medium-term Region Plan by the EA. and horticultural activities. Drawing on matrix, prioritising sites based on ecosystem by temporarily storing floodwater results from the desk study assessment, service provision, costs and maintenance throughout the catchment without site visits and expert judgement; of NFM and impacts to existing land cover exceeding impoundment restrictions a number of sediment ponds and for Hull City Council. A weighted scoring of the Reservoir Act or compromising other attenuation features have been system enabled the impact on the hydrograph Great Crested Newt habitat. The proposed. The outputs will be used by and overall benefits of NFM to be effectively scheme is the first of its kind in the the Environment Agency to inform the assessed and prioritized depending on UK to receive Flood Defence Grant selection of options and support land- funding streams being exploited. in Aid funding for NFM features. owner engagement.

10 11 Arup’s catchment scientists Natural drought are working in arid regions management to improve the sustainable management of water resources using a combination Water scarcity affects 40% of the global of scientific and traditional population, largely in rural, poverty stricken areas of Asia and Sub Saharan approaches. Africa. Anthropogenic interference with the hydrological regime in these areas has resulted in linked poverty and ecosystem harm, with communities unable to sustain a productive landscape and reliable income.

Arup’s catchment scientists are working in arid regions to improve the sustainable management of water resources using a combination of scientific and traditional approaches. This work is helping to improve linked environmental and social processes, natural capital value and is alleviating poverty.

TRADITIONAL ENGINEERING A johad in rural Rajasthan, India.

WATERUP provide a perennial and reliable to guide the implementation DROUGHT In cooperation with The Flow source of clean water from local of similar interventions MANAGEMENT Partnership, Arup is helping to wells for drinking, bathing and and catchment management Retention of monsoon water positively impacts tackle Sustainable Development irrigation purposes. This has principles around the world. communities and the local increased food production and Goal 6 – clean water and The digitally enabled, language- environment. greatly improved the health sanitation through the production neutral educational materials of the local population. of language neutral, universally have been tested in La Guajira, accessible educational materials The WaterUp team have Colombia to ensure their on catchment management. analysed, mapped and modelled applicability across contrasting Working with rural communities these approaches using Arup geographies and cultures. A site in Rajasthan, India, traditional developed mobile GIS tools and has also been identified to build rainwater harvesting features hydrological models to replicate a new feature with the local have been studied, mapped the work and create a new and communities in La Guajira. and recorded. Hand-built and maintain an existing rainwater The educational materials will maintained by villagers, these harvesting feature. This data then be published through the features capture and store and footage of the process of Water School online platform monsoon rainfall to enable construction has been used to as a free and globally available infiltration. The result is produce language neutral, free resource. recharged aquifers which and accessible educational tools

12 13 Digital water Adopting a data-driven digital approach is increasingly important in providing a comprehensive understanding of the water environment and the challenges that it faces.

Our teams have been exploring new, WEBMAPPING FOR STAKEHOLDER innovative approaches to tackle a ENGAGEMENT STUDY range of catchment science issues, Our team of data scientists have used including the use of geospatial survey web-mapping to facilitate meaningful apps and interactive web-mapping. stakeholder engagement on projects Our approach utilises the latest in GIS, with multi-faceted and complex modelling and coding technologies issues. Through data visualisation to provide our clients with a singular we can bring information to life, to source of data and computational communicate insights and tell stories, analysis through digitised catchments. and allow a wide range of stakeholders The digital services we offer are ever to understand and interact with data. evolving to the demands and needs of This eliminates the need for extensive both our clients and the environment paper mapping and inefficient post- to streamline processes and provide consultation digitisation of data, holistic, modern solutions. providing a single source of truth and allowing stakeholders to input their WEARDALE NFM own data in a straightforward manner. Following the successful implementation of a nationally important NFM demonstrator in UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF to determine the most feasible locations NATURAL FLOOD MANAGEMENT NFM Weardale, 100km2 of the steep, WITH MACHINE LEARNING for storage-based flood mitigation. moorland catchment was analysed The tool is designed to provide the Suitable NFM intervention Our catchment and digital scientists locations identified at for NFM potential. Using advanced fewest NFM features required to Weardale using catchment have developed cutting-edge deep catchment modelling and “blackbox” achieve the target total storage volume. modelling and “blackbox” learning techniques to produce high optimisation algorithms, optimisation algorithms, GIS and The tool can be further extended to resolution land use maps to increase GIS and FME analysis. FME analysis, locations suitable include other variables; for example, resilience to climatic and seasonal for NFM features were identified. length and height of feature which extremes. The tool develops risk maps to The proposed locations and feature also directly impacts overall cost. identify levels of resilience to high flows, types were optimised to maximise As a next step in the generative NFM droughts and climate change across potential storage in the form of runoff scheme process, the optimal dam river catchments. It can also be used to attenuation or floodplain storage locations and extents can be converted monitor and make recommendations on equating to over 90,000m3 of storage into a suitable geographical coordinate landscape-scale biodiversity or habitat spanning 43km2. Arup developed five system and loaded into GIS for corridors, and other ecosystem services. standard designs of different NFM visualisation and mapping purposes. This innovative solution won first prize features and the suitability of each Furthermore, the resulting storage at the Digital Transformation Awards design at each location was specified volume from the optimal dams can be (DTA) Grand Final in 2019. using advanced spatial analysis. input to an Arup designed aggregate OPTIMISATION ANALYSIS storage model to estimate the effect of FOR STORAGE-BASED FLOOD the dams on the downstream catchment STAKEHOLDER MITIGATION hydrograph. ENGAGEMENT Arup has developed a tool that Geospatial portal using analyses topographic data (e.g. LiDAR) data visualisations for use in stakeholder workshops. and surface water runoff pathways

14 15 River and wetland restoration W E T L A N D RESTORATION Arup’s accomplished team of fluvial geomorphologists, aquatic Ricknall Carrs concept design visualisation ecologists and catchment specialists have extensive experience based on proposed river and wetland restoration of designing and delivering river restoration projects across techniques along the the UK and beyond. Our approach utilises designs that work in watercourse. harmony with natural processes in order to improve the ecological statuses of water bodies.

AFFINITY WATER FRAMEWORK Arup, in partnership with Salix, GREAT NORTH FEN COOMBE MILL was appointed to Affinity Water’s framework (AWF) to deliver a river Arup have been commissioned by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust commissioned restoration programme driven by the Brightwater Landscape Partnership Arup to undertake the detailed design WFD requirements. The project focusses to provide detailed design for river for their proposed river restoration on water bodies within Affinity Water’s and wetland restoration at Bishop’s works at Coombe Mill on the Upper area of action which fail to meet “good” Fen and Woodham Fen, and feasibility Avon. The scheme involves changing ecological status due to morphological and concept design for Ricknall the flow apportionment between modifications and abstractions. Carrs and Cocker Beck. The Water the mill leat (main channel) and the Environment team are supporting the original, more natural channel. The The schemes within this framework BWLP, Durham Wildlife Trust and restoration supported stream habitats aimed to achieve a “good” status for Environment Agency objectives and provided good fish passages for these water bodies. As part of the AWF, to implement actions to restore salmon and other fish species. To aid work on the River Mimram at Tewin priority habitats in the Skerne the design, hydraulic modelling was Water was undertaken to remove an catchment, whilst ensuring that undertaken. existing weir and narrow a channel, future resilience is provided with restoring the natural chalk stream a wider range of solutions focussed RIDGEWAY WETLANDS processes, improving fish passage and on restoring natural processes, such Alongside Arup’s work with Highways enhance habitat diversity. Additionally, as reinstatement of historical channels to dual the A30 between remeandering works, habitat creation and improvement of floodplain Chiverton and Carland Cross, and bank re-profiling was completed for connectivity and mosaic wetland the catchment team is delivering the Upper Lea at The Moor, improving habitats. The schemes fall within wider environmental enhancements across habitats and morphological diversity. initiatives by the BWLP supporting Cornwall to reduce detrimental effects enhancement of and access to the local associated with the road scheme. River YWS PILOT INVESTIGATIONS heritage and natural, built and farmed restoration techniques being employed Arup and Salix worked in close landscape around the River Skerne, include field-corner ponds, scrapes and collaboration to deliver two river to inspire the current and future the placement of large woody debris restoration pilot schemes, addressing communities. in channels. The interventions will be low flow impacts resulting from implemented across three catchments impoundments. The objectives of the to reduce flood risk and improve water projects were to establish the technical quality and biodiversity. feasibility, economic cost and benefits of generic mitigation measures on heavily modified water bodies and Our team of specialists have successfully HABITAT to test the extent that river restoration RESTORATION generated solutions for a variety of can be used to mitigate the negative River Mimram channel river basin and river channel restoration impacts of artificially reduced flows. narrowing and habitat restoration works. projects by understanding system needs.

16 17 MORPHOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT SYSTEM Morphological surveys (MIMAS) DEVELOPMENT Arup has a strong background in SEPA MORPHOLOGICAL SURVEYS Arup have been working with conducting morphological surveys, Arup has conducted detailed SEPA in recent years to help to including geomorphological dynamics morphological surveys of over develop their MImAS tool so assessments, fluvial audits, habitat 5500km of rivers in Scotland with that it has an improved technical mapping and Morphological Impact sub-consultants. State-of-the-art basis and functionality. This Assessment System (MImAS) surveys. survey techniques were used to deliver project has involved a series of These services and skills are being the largest set of fluvial surveys ever complex technical tasks related used on a range of schemes, including undertaken within one project. These to geomorphological science, standalone projects and as part of surveys confirmed the classification all of which then feed into analysis for delivery on projects such of water bodies currently failing to different aspects of the system. as river restoration and fish passage meet the requirements of the WFD The final output of the project feasibility and design. and identified the reasons for the failure is a standalone tool that allows and the likely mitigation required. users to undertake various types YWS FLOW TRIALS HABITAT of calculations and assessments MAPPING A purpose developed mobile GIS application was used to capture survey that will allow better planning, The project comprised a bespoke outputs in the field for direct download and an improved appreciation of fluvial audit and habitat mapping onto a server, with data compatible waterbody status and potential walkthrough survey of rivers with SEPA’s MImAS. impacts. downstream of Yorkshire Water Services reservoirs, where ADVICE ON ACORN BANK FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT the introduction or modification CATCHMENTS Advisory of compensation flows is being We offer high value Commissioned by the National advice on digital systems, trialled to ensure WFD compliance. catchment planning, services Trust, Arup undertook a high- Arup undertook an assessment funding and strategy. Arup’s experienced team have level study to consider concept of morphological response, alongside a growing track record on options for weir repair, fish ecological monitoring. To reflect providing high value advice passage improvements, channel the varied behavioural characteristics and support on an extensive enhancement and scour repair and habitat requirements of key target range of projects related to at Acorn Bank Mill Weir, aquatic species at different stages in catchment management and Penrith. Following initial their life-cycle, information on habitat the maximisation of ecosystem inspections and data gathering, reaches was recorded prior to and after services. This work can include analysis and discussion with flow regime changes. Arup conducted support on utilisation and stakeholders, options have been a detailed geomorphological dynamics development of advanced digital outlined and appraised for client assessment involving an appraisal of systems to bring efficiencies, consideration. In addition to flow, sediment and channel morphology advise of funding and engineering considerations, the data. Although further work is planned transactions, input to important proposed options acknowledge to assess long term impacts, initial strategic projects and the design geomorphological and habitat results indicate signs of an early of post project appraisal and constraints and opportunities, positive response within the system. monitoring services. as well as WFD requirements.

MORPHOLOGICAL SURVEYS Conducting morphological impact assessment surveys in rural Scotland.

18 19 Water Framework Directive HIGH SPEED 2 WFD Assessments for linear assets. High Speed compliance assessment 2 viaduct visualisation.

Arup’s Water and The Water and Flood Risk hydromorphology team has Team also provided significant proficient experience delivering input to options appraisals for environmental impact the preliminary design and assessments (EIA) and water production of a mitigation framework directive (WFD) management strategy. compliance and assessments In February 2017, Arup was for a range of schemes. Such appointed by HS2 Ltd as the assessments ensure that potential civil designer and environmental negative impacts of proposed services consultant for the schemes are addressed and that East Midlands to and they comply with environmental YORK CENTRAL FLOOD CHEDDAR RESERVOIR 2, York section of Phase 2b and regulations. ALLEVIATION SCHEME SOMERSET are currently undertaking Arup was commissioned by Arup completed the options Arup undertook a HIGH SPEED 2 the Environmental Impact Network Rail and Homes England to prepare a Water appraisal, design and WFD Geomorphological and WFD Arup, in partnership with ERM, Assessment for this section. The WFD compliance assessment Framework Directive (WFD) Assessment for the Skipton Assessment for the proposed was appointed as the civil compliance assessment for the Flood Alleviation Scheme in Cheddar Reservoir 2 scheme. engineering and environmental will also form a part of this assessment. Arup was also York Central Development. North West Yorkshire. The assessment included a services consultants for the characterisation of the baseline awarded the Environmental This involved a screening As part of the WFD Assessment Phase 2a section of the route geomorphological condition Overview Consultant role for assessment to identify the WFD for this scheme, Arup undertook (West Midlands to Crewe) of the various watercourses the whole of the Phase 2b scheme water bodies potentially affected baseline fluvial geomorphological responsible for ensuring the affected by the proposed works and are responsible for quality and a scoping assessment to surveys of the Eller Beck and sustainable design of the project and a detailed evaluation of the assuring and compiling the identify the potential impacts Waller Hill watercourses affected and its associated infrastructure. potential impacts of the scheme, WFD compliance assessment of the proposed Development by the scheme, in order to inform A full Environmental Impact including effects on flow regime for the entire Phase 2b route. on the current status and status impact assessment and scheme Assessment was undertaken and aquatic habitat features. objectives of the relevant water design. including the production of the bodies. Relevant mitigation route-wide WFD compliance Mitigation was identified to was recommended to address assessment. This has included The catchment science team ensure that the proposed works the identified impacts in order conducting stakeholder assessed the viability of options would not deteriorate the current to ensure that the scheme would engagement with relevant parties to help achieve future Heavily WFD status of the water bodies be compliant with the objectives such as the Environment Agency, Modified Water Body mitigation or stop them from achieving good of the WFD. local authorities and water measures by conducting a status in the future. This included companies. preliminary assessment of the localised river restoration works technical feasibility and cost- and measures to ensure that Arup has used robust catchment science effectiveness of opening-up culverts beneath two proposed to develop sustainable solutions that work a section of existing culvert. flood storage reservoirs were Although this was deemed designed appropriately to reduce with natural processes, repair environmental unviable, other feasible measures impacts on fish passage and damage and leave a lasting legacy. were identified during this sediment transfer. process, including improving culvert channel beds and invasive species removal.

20 21 Fish passes Covered waterways Arup’s expertise in delivering feasibility assessments and designs of fish pass structures has led to tangible Historically, many rivers have The scope also includes investigation improvements to fish passages and wider infrastructure been built over to allow for urban into the thousands of culverts under development and hide what had existing infrastructure that cannot be schemes, throughout the UK and internationally. become unsightly open sewers. deculverted. Solutions here involve However, with a growing appreciation lighting and other techniques, as a CORRIE BURN AND CREAMERY LEEDS FLOOD ALLEVIATION of the ecosystem services and retro-fit solution until they become WEIR FISH PASS FEASIBILITY SCHEME landscape value provided by possible to open up fully in future ASSESSMENT Working for Leeds City Council, rivers, as well as opportunities generations. The Rivers and Fisheries Trust of Arup oversaw the replacement of two to unblock channels and prevent , SHEFFIELD Scotland appointed Arup to conduct historical masonry weirs with new flooding, there is a growing trend Arup developed the options for various a feasibility study for fish pass mechanical features. The mechanical to uncover these rivers. Arup’s team river restoration projects, including improvements at two sites in Scotland weirs are lowered in advance of a of urban water management specialists the daylighting of 50 m of redundant – Dumfries and Speyside. In order to major flood to reduce flood risk but have won awards for their work on culverts in Sheffield city centre and identify site constraints and potential the award-winning design has also had deculverting projects to daylight an accompanying ‘pocket park’ on the opportunities, Arup undertook initial an ecological benefit. The inclusion of ‘lost streams’. They have extensive river bank. The resulting restoration site inspections and surveys at each fish passes, along with the creation of experience of covering watercourses project improved biodiversity and location. A series of feasible options new fish spawning habitats and diverse in a way that retains the connectivity basin connectivity, resulting in the were then assessed and put forward to flow conditions, has resulted in salmon and diversity of aquatic ecosystems re-emergence of brown trout and the client, including cost planning for being spotted in the city centre for the without increasing flood risk. reducing flood risk. The development implementation. first time in over 200 years. COVERED WATERWAYS BELOW appeal of the whole area has been INFRASTRUCTURE RODLEY FISH BY-PASS CHANNEL boosted, as people are able to relax by the river and even go for a paddle. To improve fish passage on the River Arup are investigating how naturally Aire, Yorkshire Water Services functioning rivers can be retained enlisted Arup to design a fish pass beneath national critical infrastructure at Rodley Weir. Arup conducted the where diversions are not possible. feasibility and design and provided We have researched how natural and/ site supervision of this viable and or artificial lighting can be utilised sustainable naturalised fish pass. in covered rivers, supplying the The natural channel, similar to that energy needed for plants and animals of an upland stream, incorporates to thrive. Our team are leading the a meandering layout to maximise way on thinking around sustainable the biodiversity potential of the covered waterways and are actively development. The project was conducting research on their design and completed in September 2013 effectiveness on small-scale local sites and recent results show that fish through to nationally important, critical are successfully migrating upstream infrastructure projects. with a number of trout being tagged as part of the Post Project Monitoring.

RODLEY WEIR FISH PASSAGE Improving fish passage along the by PORTER BROOK creating a fish by-pass Daylighted streams offer channel around Rodley Weir. a range of benefits.

22 23 Aquatic ecology Arup is able to provide a suite of freshwater ecology services from technical surveying and WFD assessment through to planning, habitat design and project management. Our breadth and variety of skills combined with our commitment to a co-ordinated cross discipline approach mean we can add value and efficiency to projects, providing a cost effective source of integrated ecological advice and expertise.

GOUTHWAITE SSSI FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME (FAS) Arup were commissioned by Yorkshire Water to investigate the Arup were commissioned by relative efficacy of control methods Sheffield City Council to undertake for the invasive non-native species, a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal New Zealand Pigmyweed Crassula (PEA) of the River Loxley to support helmsii, which occupies large areas the planning application for the of Gouthwaite Reservoir SSSI. proposed FAS. Following a detailed literature review, Arup designed and implemented a Given the potential risk to freshwater multi-year field trial to test the relative habitats, a freshwater ecologist joined efficacy of traditional (glyphosate- the survey team and undertook fish MASTERPLAN SHANG QIN HUAI via topographic remodelling, habitat mapping and protected species A visualisation of the based herbicide) and innovative (hot Arup’s UK team of ecologists guidance on planting, and scoping surveys. Eco-wetland Masterplan water and hot foam) control methods. Design in Shang Qin worked closely with water designing aquatic habitats Haui, China, intended engineers and landscape architects to attract target fauna species. The trial methodology, which was The precise location, extent, condition to enhance biodiversity to develop ecohydrological The team also produced a method developed with Natural England, and juxtaposition of aquatic habitats and provide water quality improvements. 2 strategies, a pollution control statement to prevent pollution consisted of twelve 100m test plots were mapped, including sensitive strategy and an eco-wetland impacts during construction. and was designed to test both the habitats such as juvenile lamprey and masterplan design. Services treatment success of each method salmonid spawning gravels. This data Arup’s work resulted in a robust provided aimed to improve water and the practicality of scaling the informed the EIA and WFD assessment masterplan landscape, resilient quality, enhance biodiversity and methods for long-term treatment and fed into the construction and to future flood events and other alleviate flooding over an 11km2 of the entire site. operation phase mitigation design. climate change impacts. The area of Yangtze River floodplain strategies also incorporated As a result of this successful trial, to the south of Nanjing city, recommendations for sustainable Arup identified herbicide treatment restoring waterways to a more agriculture, eco-tourism and local as the only feasible method for large natural state, reducing pollution community involvement to ensure scale management at the site. Hot foam inputs and improving water long-term sustained environmental and hot water treatments were also quality. improvements. shown to be effective control methods, but, were considered to be impractical The strategies developed were for the site and posed a greater grounded in baseline surveys and biosecurity risk due to the complex included options for ecological equipment required for application enhancement of man-made that would need to be cleaned to watercourses and wetlands, avoid spreading Crassula between sites. pollution control measures

24 25 Environmental flows The definition of appropriate This involves consideration of YWS PILOT INVESTIGATIONS environmental flow regimes catchment hydrology, dynamic Arup and Salix worked in close through hydropower schemes geomorphology, ecology and collaboration to deliver two and water storage reservoirs anthropogenic uses including river restoration pilot schemes, is a key part of mitigation. culture and heritage all in addressing low flow impacts Insufficient (magnitude and the context of a changing resulting from impoundments. variability) environmental climate and population. The objectives of the projects flows can be detrimental to Monitoring and the potential were to establish the technical the environment, specifically for adaptive management are feasibility, economic cost and for the effected morphology, key considerations to account benefits of generic mitigation ecology and society. Arup’s work for uncertainty, and to reduce measures on heavily modified planning new reservoirs, such environmental risk in general. water bodies and to test the as those at Cheddar near We take a holistic and extent that river restoration can Bristol and Havant Thicket in system-focused approach to be used to mitigate the negative Portsmouth, and in advising environmental flow definition, impacts of artificially reduced on hydropower projects across meaning that environmental flows. the UK and Europe has involved flow regimes can be tailored detailed consideration of how to the specificity and complexity these adverse impacts can be of any given location to provide mitigated. more sustainable forms of The design of environmental resource management and flow regimes should be unique reduce environmental harm for each specific water resources as far as is reasonably possible. Ecosystem services ECOSYSTEM SERVICES or hydropower development. In the last two years we have The Monetary Value of Catchment There is a political and social will Natural landscapes offer Suitable environmental flow worked on environmental a host of ecosystem Restoration Natural capital and to recognise and value the benefits regime development and flow related projects at services with social, ecosystem service provision have human society derives from ecosystem economical and prescription needs to be informed approximately 25 locations become prominent features of services. This is likely to be formalised environmental benefit. by thoroughly understanding in the UK and abroad. policy and guidance documents in within the planning application the nature of the proposals, recent years. This is a response by process through environmental the dynamics of the catchment government and business organisations impact assessments. Arup undertakes system affected and the needs to the growing acceptance that there catchment management work with the of downstream receptors. are negative feedbacks associated view to delivering and enhancing a with the exploitation of the natural wide range of ecosystem services. environment. Arup’s services include Further research is being considered identifying the policies driving for an ecosystem services analysis ecosystem services assessments, tool which could be incorporated investigating the potential to monetise into a cost benefit analysis. This will ecosystem services and exploring how enable monetisation to translate into the catchment management offering non-equivalent values associated with can deliver ecosystem services. different ecosystem services into a single, comparable metric. Using this metric, the entire ecosystem services impact of different options for a single project could be evaluated and the option offering the highest ‘monetary value’ identified. HYDROPOWER FEASIBILITY Environmental flows surveys in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia.

26 27 CATCHMENT RESTORATION AND FRESHWATER SCIENCES Our core team

Dr Alex Nicholson Dr Adam Prof Alastair Anna Lavelle Annie Moore Dr Chris Mellor Katie Atkinson Dr Lizzie Gardner Laura Foden Louise Bingham Martyn Tattersall Matthew Brennan Broadhead Driver

Chris Procter Cat Dixon Daniel Newton Dan Bevan Donald Daly Dr David Mathew Sanders Mike Jones Dr Miguel Piedra Miquel Vinyals Dr Oana Dr Paul Quinn Hetherington Paton Standavid

David Wilkes Daniel Aspden Elizabeth Willows Felicia Rhodes Hannah Robson Henry Snell Dr Rhodri Thomas Ruth Green Sian Leake Simon Flemming Dr Sally German Tom Styles

Dr Irantzu India Rayner Jack Bellingham Jo Nelson Justin Abbott Jodie Hall Tom House Tom Wardley Tasmin Chisnall Will McBain Lexartza-Artza

28 29 CATCHMENT RESTORATION AND FRESHWATER SCIENCES About Arup

Arup is a firm of designers, engineers and business consultants providing a diverse range of professional services to clients. The firm is the creative and inspirational force behind many of the world’s most innovative and sustainable planning, building and infrastructure projects. We believe that talented people and collaborative working relationships form the basis of successful project delivery. By sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues across the globe, our local teams can draw upon a wide range of specialist skills. Through bringing together an unrivalled range of technical, design, creative and management expertise we create real value for our clients. We are a wholly independent organisation owned in trust, giving us the reedom to work on some of the most challenging projects in the world. We have more than 15,000 staff working in 96 offices in more than 38 countries. Arup’s multidisciplinary approach means that any given project may involve people from any or all of the sectors Arup are proud partners or regions in which we operate. Our fundamental aim is to bring of the 2020 UK River Prize. together the best professionals to meet our clients’ needs.

30 31 We shape a better world

CONTACT David Hetherington Associate Central Square Forth Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3PL United Kingdom e: [email protected] t: +44 (0) 191 261 6080

Sally German Associate Admiral House 78 East Street Leeds LS9 8EE United Kingdom e: [email protected] t: +44 (0) 113 237 8131

www.arup.com

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