The Environment Agency’s guidance requires a Hydrogeological Impact Assessment (HIA) to support applications for groundwater abstraction licences. The purpose of the assessment is to identify and quantify potential impacts on groundwater resources, existing water users, rivers, wetlands, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, water quality and other environmental receptors, and to develop appropriate mitigation measures where required.
At H Fraser Consulting Ltd (HFCL), our team of independent hydrogeologists hold the necessary professional accreditations recognised by the Environment Agency to prepare your HIA.
The guidance adopts a risk-based, tiered approach, requiring applicants to:
- Establish local water resource availability and environmental status.
- Develop a robust conceptual hydrogeological model.
- Undertake water feature surveys and identify sensitive receptors.
- Assess potential impacts on groundwater levels, flows and water quality.
- Evaluate risks to existing abstractions, rivers, wetlands and protected sites.
- Propose mitigation measures where impacts may occur.
- Present findings in a structured, evidence-based report to support licensing decisions.
The Environment Agency emphasises that a HIA is a specialist technical exercise and should be undertaken by appropriately qualified hydrogeological professionals. Suitable accreditations include:
- Chartered Geologist (CGeol)
- Chartered Scientist (CSci)
- Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management Chartered Professional specialising in hydrogeology
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
How We Can Help
We are an independent professional environmental consultancy with specialist hydrogeological expertise and extensive experience preparing Hydrogeological Impact Assessments for abstraction licensing, planning applications, quarry dewatering schemes, infrastructure projects and environmental permitting requirements.
Our hydrogeologists and hydrologists hold the professional accreditations recognised by the Environment Agency to prepare a HIA, including:
- Chartered Geologist (CGeol)
- Chartered Scientist (CSci)
- Chartered Water and Environmental Manager (MCIWEM/CIWEM Chartered status)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)
For more information, please consult the latest Environment Agency Guidance published Published on 13 March 2025 – Preparing a hydrogeological impact assessment – GOV.UK.
The H Fraser Consulting Team can provide the full range of services required to support a compliant HIA, including conceptual hydrogeological modelling, groundwater investigations, pumping test design and interpretation, groundwater and surface water impact assessments, numerical modelling, risk assessment and mitigation strategy development, ensuring your application is supported by robust technical evidence and regulatory best practice. Please contact us to enquire or email info@hfraserconsulting.co.uk / call 01743 352 797.
