Earth Environmental & Geotechnical –
South East

Earth Environmental and Geotechnical South East England.

We have local offices based in Maidstone and Norwich providing a full range of geotechnical and environmental consultancy services across, Norfolk, Kent, Sussex, and all areas of  South East England.

This region covers an area that is demanding in its varied geology and legacy of its industrial heritage.

The area is diverse with coastal strips – North and East Kent to The White Cliffs and Folkestone. The North Downs and Greensand Ridge from Farnham in Surrey to the coast at Dover and the flat areas of Romney Marsh.

The Norfolk Coast has a diverse landscape and geological features. From chalk downs of Ringstead Common to the coastal heathland of Winterton Dunes, or the sandstone bluffs of Sandringham Warren. The geotechnical and geological challenges of construction in these areas can propose some interesting considerations. There are no less than 20 different soil types. From the valleys of the Cromer Ridge with the mud flats of The Wash. There are springs and salt marshes, active dunes and fossil dunes, mudslides and glacial moraines so having a detailed understanding of ground conditions is essential when constructing infrastructure or developments.

The environmental challenges presented by the geology in the south of England include the Kent Coalfield, a large surface coal resource area stretching eastwards from Canterbury into the Channel. This area contains abandoned surface mines and small, isolated spots marked as Development High Risk Areas.

The recent updates to the radon potential maps produced by UKHSA and BGS, have seen areas of the south east move to higher radon risk ratings with some bands of elevated radon potential at the maximum 30%. Notable areas at potential risk include Folkestone, along the South coast from Worthing to Brighton and inland areas such as Sevenoaks and Maidstone.

Radon surveys and Radon Monitoring in these areas is an essential part of risk assessment for property owners, property developers, employers and the public sector (including schools and education providers).

In terms of mineral resources, the South East region, particularly Kent, is renowned for high purity chalk, while a wide range of other resources include limestone, various types of sand, and brick clay. High purity chalk stretches westwards, across Surrey, as does a band of brick clay.

There are areas of outstanding natural beauty, and special scientific interest, across the region, plus the additional challenges of coastal erosion and flooding. All of which need careful consideration and appropriate risk assessment to ensure planning permission, construction and project completion are all successful.

A successful new development or expansion starts with a detailed Phase 1 Desk Study followed by a clear understanding of ground conditions and appropriate Site Investigation and Risk Assessments.

The South East has some of the highest number of new build developments in the country, with numerous  infrastructure, residential, commercial, industrial and renewable energy developments. Over the next 20 years, Kent will experience unprecedented growth that will bring over 100,000 new homes and many new jobs to the County.

If you are planning any development or require any Geotechnical or Human Health Risk Assessments, then our team at the Earth Environmental and Geotechnical South East Regional Office has the knowledge and expertise required.