This module provides an introduction to engineering solutions to problems of pollution and waste in the geo-environment. By understanding the nature of such problems, the properties of soils and groundwater and the management of risk, you will learn how to confront and manage environmental challenges with worldwide impact including contaminated land and geological waste disposal. 

• LO1: Evaluate and assess risks arising from waste and pollution in the geoenvironment. 

• LO2: Know how soil biology and chemistry impacts waste and contamination behaviour in the ground, and use this to justify solutions to environmental problems. 

• LO3: Know the basic processes of contaminant transport in groundwater, and use this to examine contaminant flows in the geoenvironment. 

• LO4: Articulate the processes and technologies used to dispose of waste in the geoenvironment and critically assess options for, and generate, simple designs related to these facilities. 

• LO5: Articulate the causes of and solutions to contaminated or poor quality land and critically assess options for, and generate, simple designs related to the management of such land.  

The module will be delivered through on-campus face-to-face classes using in-depth case studies of real geo-environmental challenges to illustrate and practice the techniques introduced alongside in short lectures and example questions. The use of case studies is preparation for the examination for this module, which takes the form of questions on a case study.  

Independent and critical thinking -  You will need to: 

• use your critical judgement to identify appropriate methods and analyse complex problems within the domain of environmental geotechnics. 

• demonstrate intellectual curiosity in engaging with the complex ideas and principles underpinning environmental geotechnics. 

Within this module you will develop the following subject specific skills: 

• Geoenvironmental risk assessment 

• Analyse the geotechnical behaviour of wastes and similar materials 

• Analyse the behaviour and transport of chemicals in the ground 

• Apply engineering knowledge to providing outline design of waste disposal facilities 

• Apply engineering knowledge to provide outline design of site investigation and treatment of contaminated sites 

• Critical analysis of real-life challenges and their solutions 

The module is assessed through an examination, which takes the form of questions on a case study / case studies, mimicking the case study-based learning in class (LO 1-5). 

Additional formative assessment is provided through quizzes and tutorials throughout the course. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

There is the potential for re-assessment in this module which may result in a 100% examination during the August Resit period. The format of the re-assessment is the same as the original assessment. 

Opportunities for re-assessment are only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

Hazards and risk management: 

• Chemical hazards 

• Pathways and exposure 

• Health and other impacts 

• Assessment of risks from chemical pollution 

Soil and waste behaviour: 

• Basic soil biology and chemistry 

• Assessing poor quality foundation material and implementing ground improvement 

• Governing equations for moisture flow in saturated and unsaturated soils 

• Contaminant transport (advection, diffusion, hydrodynamic dispersion) 

Waste Disposal and Contaminated Land: 

• Site investigation - for waste disposal facilities and contaminated sites 

• Landfill design 

• Industrial waste disposal facilities, including nuclear waste 

• Containment of pollution 

• Remediation of pollution 

• Reclamation of derelict land