Overview
Company: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)
Project Location: King Road and Avonmouth Approaches, Bristol Channel, UK
Project Description: Project Support and Client Representation for the in- and out-survey of a dredge disposal site, as part of the wider Hinkley Point C construction works
King Road and Avonmouth Approaches
Location: Portishead/ Bristol Channel, UK
Size: 6km2
Project Scope:
- CEFAS contacted Hydrofix to advise on data quality of a bathymetry dataset after a series of problems had been encountered at the survey site
- Specific environmental conditions including a highly mobile seabed and fluid mud had affected the accuracy and seabed levels to the extent it could undermine the quality and acceptance of the acquired data
- Hydrofix’s involvement was widened when detailed analysis of the data revealed the overall acquisition strategy did not meet specifications. Hydrofix were subsequently tasked to provide full survey management, including reviewing the setup of the vessel, forensic dataset analysis, technical QC of reports issued to CEFAS and provision of onboard representative for the subsequent reshoot of survey data and further works.
Responsibilities and Services Encompassed:
- Provision of onboard client representative during repeat acquisition of pre-dredge survey and during post-dredge survey
- Ensuring onsite QHSE expectations were met and followed
- Reporting technical feedback on raw data, processed data quality and contractor performance
- Reporting technical feedback on processed deliverables and reporting
Project Benefit:
Hydrofix’s detailed technical review identified that the datasets did not meet project specifications due to challenging site conditions including highly mobile seabed and fluid mud issues that could have compromised regulatory approval and caused delays to the Hinkley Point C programme.
Taking a proactive role, Hydrofix deployed an onboard client representative to work collaboratively with the survey contractor. This partnership approach ensured all subsequent deliverables achieved acceptable levels of compliance with CEFAS specifications, successfully addressing the complex environmental challenges.
The project highlights Hydrofix’s ability to deliver rapid technical support, forensic-level quality assessment, and offshore representation under challenging conditions – protecting CEFAS from regulatory risk and keeping their environmental monitoring obligations on track.
