Water & Environment Society

About this network

We aim to advance professional knowledge and improve practice in water and environmental aspects of civil engineering by providing a sounding board for members where issues, concerns and problems can be raised and solutions sought.

We also provide our members with a professional and social network for learning and developing potential business opportunities. Members can network with their peers and with representatives from the associated industry groups at events organised by the society.

Who can join?

The Water and Environment Society network is of particular relevance to those working, studying or researching in the water and environmental engineering sector.

However, membership is open to all members of Engineers Ireland.

How to join

If you are already a member of Engineers Ireland, you can join any number of Regions, Divisions and Societies in our Members Area

It is free to join our network, and once you join, you can: 

• Use our discussion forum
• Post comments on articles and blogs
• Join the Contacts Network to locate and send messages to other professionals

Events

Our lectures cover a range of subjects and tend to be project based, based on experiences, problems and lessons learned. We often co-host lectures with the Irish division of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management and the Young Engineers Society.

The majority of our evening lectures are broadcast lives as webcasts on Engineers TV or are available to download as recordings from the website.

These events allow members to make contacts and network with their peers and industry representatives, and contribute to their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

But they aren’t just for engineers – we welcome anyone with a casual interest in water planning or environmental engineering to attend our lectures and seminars.

Chairman

• Ciaran O'Keeffe
• Tobin Consulting Engineers
• Block 10-4
• Blanchardstown Corporate Park 
• Dublin 15
• Tel: 01 8030406
• Mob: 087 2474528
• Email: ciaran.okeeffe@tobin.ie

Secretary

• Dr. John O'Sullivan
• University College Dublin
• College of Engineering
• Newstead Building
• Belfield
• Dublin 4
• Tel: 01 7163213
• Email: jj.osullivan@ucd.ie

Liaison Committee Representative

• Timothy Joyce
• Office of Public Works
• Engineer's Branch
• 17/19 Lower Hatch Street
• Dublin 2
• Tel: 01 6476740
• Mob: 087 2634889
• Email: timothy.joyce@opw.ie

Details of our autumn and winter programme of events will be posted here in September.

Dublin Metering Project

By Lar Spain, Senior Engineer, Water and Drainage Operations, Water Services, Fingal County Council.

January 25th, 2010

Content

•  Background and Drivers
•   Pre-Contract
•   Project Structure
•   Design Phase
•   Construction Phase
•   Performance Testing
•   Maintenance Phase
•   AMR System
•   Fixed Network
•   Conclusions

Download Dublin Metering Project (PDF)

Hydrological Frequency Analysis

By Professor Conleth Cunnane, NUI Galway

June 10, 2009

Content

• Introduction
• Risk, reliability & return period
• Flow series and distributions
• Graphical representation
• At-site frequency analysis examples
• Typical statistic values
• Regional frequency analysis
• Qmed from catchment descriptors

Download Hydrological Frequency Analysis (PDF 263 kb)

How to Read a River

By Tim Joyce OPW, C.Eng

June 3, 2009

Download How to Read a River (PDF 19.0 MB)

Marina Barrage – Design Evolution and Construction of a multi-purpose reservoir in the urban core of Singapore

Presented by Dr. Brendan M. Harley

April 27, 2009

Content

• How did Marina Barrage evolve?
• Singapore integrated approach to flood control and water supply management
• Meeting requirements for the project to be an iconic facility in a truly modern city
• Encouraging public use of the facility, and Incorporating facilities for public education and recreational activities
• Role of a project such as this as a major driver

Download Marina Barrage – Design Evolution and Construction of a multi-purpose reservoir in the urban core of Singapore (PDF 15.4MB)

Holistic approach to catchment flood risk management in Ireland

By Clare Dewar, Principal Engineer, Halcrow Barry

February 11, 2009

Content

• Historical Background (1945-2002)
• New National Flood Policy for Ireland (2004)
• Catchment-based Flood Studies (CFRAM Studies)
• Pilot - Lee CFRAM Study
• National Rollout of CFRAM Studies

Download Holistic Approach to Catchment Flood Risk Management in Ireland (PDF 7.01 MB)

Groundwater Protection Schemes - uses of the spatial data layers

Presented by Monica Lee, Groundwater Section, Geological Survey of Ireland

11 May, 2009

Download Groundwater Protection Schemes - uses of the spatial data layers (PDF 5.28MB)

Guidelines to the Planning System and flood risk management

By Mark Adamson, Office of Public Works

May 11, 2009

Content

• Background
  
• Overview of Guidelines
  
• Flood Risk Assessment

Download Guidelines To The Planning System And Flood Risk Management (PDF 4.02 MB)

Introduction to Hydrology and Hydraulics

Presented by Prof. Michael Bruen, MIEI, C.Eng. UCD Centre for Water Resources Research School of Architecture, Landscape and Civil Engineering, UCD

11 March, 2009

Content

• Purpose of Lecture
• Hydrological cycle
• Hydrological data sources
• Flow duration curves
• Design flood estimation
• Reservoir storage-yield calculations
• Base flow estimation
• Hydrological models

Download Introduction to Hydrology and Hydraulics (PDF 6.87MB)

An Analysis Of A Constructed Wetland For Treating Road Runoff In Ireland

Presented by Neil Higgins, Dublin City Council

14 May, 2007

Content

Constructed wetlands have been widely used and examined for the treatment of sewage, and for urban and agricultural runoff. Moreover, they have recently become a more common feature on road networks as a treatment facility for highway runoff. Despite the increase in popularity there is still relatively little data available on their treatment performance and its relationship with the design parameters.

Download An Analysis Of A Constructed Wetland For Treating Road Runoff In Ireland (PDF 1.01MB)

Cryptosporidium and Other Pathogens in Water

Presented by Paul O’Callaghan M.Sc. & Dr. Hans Gethke

12 February, 2008

Content

Monitoring, Control and Technologies Available for Treatment

Download Cryptosporidium and Other Pathogens in Water (PDF 1.6MB)

Drinking Water Incident Management

Presented by Brian Gallagher, TOBIN Consulting Engineers

1 January, 2008

Content

• Background & Scope
• International Experience
• Irish Experience
• Proposed New Approach – DWIRP
• Importance of Communications
• Support Material

Download Drinking Water Incident Management (PDF 5.8MB)

Membrane Bioreactors- The Irish Experience

Presented By Patrick Buckley Bsc, BBS

17 September, 2007

Content

• Introduction to EPS Bison
• MBR Technology –History & Development
• MBR The Technology
• MBR Applications
• Case Studies
• EPS Bison Clereflo MBR Plants
• Operation & Maintenance
• Capital & Operating Costs
• Conclusions

Download Membrane Bioreactors- The Irish Experience (PDF 884kb)

Odour Control Theory and Practice Wastewater Treatment Plants- Odour Control Policy

Presented by Karen Gallagher, Area Engineer, Fingal Co. Co.

16 April, 2007

Content

• Odour Control Policy
• Why was it prepared?
• What does it cover?
• Existing WWTP
• Expansion of Existing WWTP
• New WWTP

Download Odour Control Theory and Practice Wastewater Treatment Plants- Odour Control Pol (PDF 136kb)

Controlled Recycling of Organic Liquids and Sludges via Clearpower Forestry Systems

Presented by Simon Dick, Nick Ashe

27 March, 2007

Content

• Introduction to the wood energy opportunity, SRC willow recycling systems and Clearpower Ltd.
• Case studies

Download Controlled Recycling of Organic Liquids and Sludges via Clearpower Forestry Syst (PDF 1.2MB)

Environmental Impact Assessment- A Practitioner’s Perspective

Presented by Mott MacDonald Pettit

26th February, 2007

Content

• Part 1 – General Context of Presentation
• Part 2 - Strategic Environmental Assessment
• Part 3 – Environmental Impact Assessment
• Part 4 - Key Experience
• Part 5 – Closing Remarks

Download Environmental Impact Assessment- A Practitioner’s Perspective (PDF 15.5MB)

Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study

Presented by

• Norman Fleming BSc, CEng, MICE, MCIWEM, Hyder Consulting, Project Manager,
• Michael Hand BSc, CEng, MICE, MCIWEM, PH McCarthy, Project Director
• Jerry Grant BSc, CEng, MICE, MCIWEM, RPS-MCOS, Deputy Project Director

16 January, 2007

Content

• Introduction
• Study Objectives
• Existing Drainage Systems
• Methodology for the Study
• Population and Land Use
• Data Collection, Processing and Hydraulic Modelling
• Wastewater Treatment Works
• River and Stormwater Systems
• Strategy Scenarios and Resulting Options
• Proposed Works and Cost Estimate
• Implementation of the Strategic Plan
• Summary and Conclusions

Download Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (PDF 341kb)

An Integrated Constructed Wetland (I.C.W.) in the Tolka Valley Park on the Finglaswood Stream

Presented by John Collins, Dublin City Council

1 January, 2007

Download An Integrated Constructed Wetland (I.C.W.) in the Tolka Valley Park on the Fingl (PDF 2.4MB)

The North Fringe Project - Delivery of Sewer and Water Infrastructure to North Dublin

Presented by Adrian P. Conway, Chartered Engineer, Dublin City Council

20 November, 2006

Content

• North Dublin – A Brief History of Sewer and Water Services
• “The North Fringe”
• The North Fringe / Northern Interceptor Sewer Project
• Dublin City North Fringe Water Supply Scheme - 1999 McCarthy Acer Strategy Report
• The North Fringe Water Supply Scheme
• Review of North Fringe Project 1999 to 2006
• Impact of the Project
• Future Directions in Water and Drainage for Dublin

Download The North Fringe Project - Delivery of Sewer and Water Infrastructure to North D (PDF 1.91MB)

Irish Wave Atlas 2005

Presented by Patrick McCullen, ESB International

1 November, 2006

Download Irish Wave Atlas 2005 (PDF 2.67MB)

Water Abstraction From The River Barrow

Presented by

• Jim Oliver, Nicholas O’Dwyer
• Michael Garrick, Tobin Consulting Engineers

16 October, 2006

Content

• Project Background
• Kildare Water Strategy
• River Barrow
• Resource
• Hydrology
• Consent Procedures
• EIA Requirements
• WAO Requirements
• Summary

Download Water Abstraction From The River Barrow (PDF 2.21MB)

Bathing Water Directive - CIWEM Paper

Presented by Dónal Cronin, DOEHLG

20 February, 2006

Content

The Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC) dates from December 1975 and after 31 years a new directive has replaced it. This presentation refers to a text for the Directive agreed by the Conciliation Committee between the Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission on 30th November 2005.

Download Bathing Water Directive - CIWEM Paper (PDF 168kb)

New Drainage Policies for the Dublin Region

Presented by Padraig Doyle, Chartered Engineer, Deputy Project Engineer, Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study

1 October, 2005

Content

• Introduction to GDSDS
• Study Team
• Deliverables from Study
• Regional Drainage Policies
• Key Issues
• Combined Sewer Overflows
• Impact of Piped System
• New Development – proposed improvements
• Stormwater Control
• River Regime Protection
• Sustainable Drainage Systems
• Climate Change
• Basements - new developments
• Policies - Key Issues

Download New Drainage Policies for the Dublin Region (PDF 1.73MB)

Application of the UK Flood Estimation Handbook pooling group approach to the Munster Blackwater River

Presented by David Price, Manuela Toth, Alison Janes - Jacobs Babtie

Download Application of the UK Flood Estimation Handbook pooling group approach to the Mu (PDF 292kb)

Galway City Wastewater Treatment Plant - Design and Construction Aspects

Presented by

• Mr. M.J. Edger, BSc Eng FIEI FCIWEM - Director P.H. McCarthy & Partners, Consulting Engineers
• Mr. S. Murdock, BEng (Hons) - Associate Director P.H. McCarthy & Partners, Consulting Engineers

7 April 2003

Content

The Galway City Wastewater Treatment Plant was designed to meet the requirements of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and to ensure that the quality of the bathing and shellfish waters in Galway Bay is not compromised by discharges from the plant. The paper describes the design and construction aspects of the plant situated some 900m offshore on Mutton Island. It focuses on the marine, civil and process elements of the project describing the innovative engineering solutions adopted to meet the spatial and environmental constraints determined during the planning stage of the project.

Download Galway City Wastewater Treatment Plant - Design and Construction Aspects (PDF 3.4MB)

GSDP Deficiency Register V5

Download GSDP Deficiency Register V5 (PDF 314kb)

Implementing the Water Framework Directive in the Irish Eastern River Basin District Executing a Revolutionary Policy with Leading Edge Applications

Presented by

• J.R. Earle, Dublin City Council
• S. Blacklocke, CDM Ireland Ltd

Content

The transposition of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) into Irish law is a significant milestone in the development of water resources management policy in Ireland’s river basin districts. Implementation of the WFD in the Eastern River Basin District (ERBD), which harbours the Greater Dublin City area, is particularly challenging in that the ERBD has a relatively high concentration of water-dependent activities – many having both negative impacts on waterbody status while having significantly positive impacts on Ireland’s economic development…

Download Implementing the Water Framework Directive in the Irish Eastern River Basin Dist (PDF 408kb)

Microwave UV Disinfection - An Everlasting Lamp?

Content

“Many of you working in the water and wastewater industry will have observed the emergence of Ultraviolet (UV) technology as a player in the world of disinfection over the past 10-15 years. This article will provide a brief introduction to UV technology and outline a recent advancement in the field: - the generation of UV light using microwave.”

Download Microwave UV Disinfection - An Everlasting Lamp? (PDF 220kb)

Odour control at WWTP’s -Theory and Practice - Odour Monitoring Ireland

Presented by Dr. Brian Sheridan

Content

• Odour (Current situation)
• Causes of odours at WWTP’s
• Odour contributing processes
• Legal framework for odour impact
• Odour measurement
• Odour dispersion modelling
• General contract specifications for DBO projects
• Odour impact assessment on a WWTP
• General odour abatement techniques
• Experiences of Odour Monitoring Ireland
• Conclusions

Download Odour control at WWTP’s- Theory and Practice (PDF 524kb)

Odour Control Theory and Practice - Odours at Swords Wastewater Treatment Plant

Presented by Pat Brannelly, Senior Executive Engineer, Drainage Operations, Fingal County Council

Content

• Case History
• Odour Control Measures
• Bad News in Early 2005
• Prong 1 - Identify immediate problems
• Prong 2 - Public Relations
• Prong 3 - Outside expertise
• Odour Plume – Existing Conditions
• Odour Plume with OMI recommendations
• Odours Aug 05 – Mar 07
• Odour Plume – Existing Conditions

Download Odour Control Theory and Practice - Odours at Swords Wastewater Treatment Plant (PDF 840kb)

The Abstraction and Impoundment Summary

Download The Abstraction and Impoundment Summary (PDF 116kb)