Contact: Jonathan Cooper

Our Environment Division focuses on issues which influence catchment dynamics as a whole, such as land use management, environmental change, hydrological and geomorphological processes.

Most catchments are influenced by human activities. These may be associated with changes to the physical environment, such as development of floodplains and coastal areas; construction of dams and bridges, deepening of navigation channels, or with changes in water quality through the use of the aquatic systems as recipients for waste water. If not designed or managed properly, such influences have an adverse impact on the environment and societal well being as well as being unsustainable in the longer term.

The EU Water Framework Directive establishes a framework for community action in the field of water quality to achieve good ecological status for inland surface waters, transitional water and groundwater. In practical terms the Directive will require a wide range of tools for monitoring and classifying waters to assess ecological status, a formalised system of river basin planning and action on diffuse pollution.

The Environment Division uses data, information, models and expert knowledge to conceptualise systems, such as water sensitive habitats, flood defence assets, flood warning systems, or natural attenuation processes. From this understanding our team develop appropriate holistic and sustainable solutions. The team includes a unique blend of planning and management skills, with an appreciation of hydrological and morphological processes, policy and environmental constraints and opportunities.

In developing systems the group uses a range of strategic experience:

• Delivering river basin management systems
• Water sensitive environments
• Catchment flood management plans, including development of policies and measures
• Strategic flood risk management input for local development plans in accordance with planning guidance
• Water resource management including groundwater and surface water abstraction plans
• Design of hydrometric data systems
• Development of risk appraisal systems
• Flood risk management strategies (PAG2)
• Geomorphological impact assessments
• Climatic change scenario development

JBA has extensive expertise in advanced mathematical modelling. Our highly specialist services cover hydraulics and water quality issues in the aquatic environment.

JBA is experienced in simulation and analysis of urban drainage, rivers, lakes, aquifers and reservoirs as well as coastal and marine areas. Studies can involve the examination of flooding, low flow and eutrophication problems, oxygen depletion, the transport and fate of substances dangerous to the environment and geomorphological studies.

Data collection & monitoring
Field data and related services such as topographic survey, including river and coastal, bathymetry and hydrometric data (rainfall, river flow, waves, turbidity, salinity, temperature, fluorescence/tracer, oxygen, etc.).

Computer modelling (1D through to 3D)
Using industry-standard packages such as HEC-RAS, MIKE-11, ISIS, TUFLOW, JFLOW, SSIM & MODFLOW, or taking advantage of our bespoke software development capabilities.

Physical modelling
We can facilitate model testing of hydraulic structures, pumping stations and water treatment systems.

Expert interpretation
Including preliminary assessment of environmental data and monitoring results. Additionally we offer an auditing service for models developed by other organisations and can also provide expert witness statements and proofs of evidence.

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