Sediment Surveys
From small ponds to large harbours, Exo can offer a multitude of options when it comes to sediment sampling.
Whether your water body is riverine, intertidal or subtidal, we can collect highly accurate data using our state-of-the-art equipment. We can then analyse and process this data or even send off samples to laboratories for further evaluation, depending on what your project may require.
We don’t just set you up a sampling campaign, we look for nature based solutions that are sustainable, cost effective and environmentally friendly.
CASE STUDIES:
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In 2024, Exo Environmental were contracted by civil engineering company CR Reynolds to undertake sediment sampling at Eskside Wharf in Whitby.
CR Reynolds are scheduled to replace the sheet piling at the wharf, which will involve dredging the adjacent sediment. A disposal site for this dredged material has been chosen a few kilometres outside the harbour in the North Sea, but the sediment must first be evaluated for any potential contaminants.
Therefore, in February 2025, a team of 2 headed all the way up to North Yorkshire to carry out this sampling campaign. We used our Piston Sampler to take 5 samples at varying depths from different locations across the site.
These samples were then later delivered to UKAS accredited laboratories at SOCOTEC for further analysis. Upon receiving the results, we provided CR Reynolds with a full breakdown of these outcomes and what they meant for the project going forward.
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In 2025, Exo Environmental were appointed by Maldon District Council to act as dredging consultants and carrying out sediment sampling at Hythe Quay in Maldon.
The quay is home to the last surviving Thames sailing barges, which in years gone by used to be a cornerstone of trade to and from London. Today, they are no longer commercially active but instead act as a popular tourist attraction within the town.
However, the continued build-up of silt along the quay has made access for the barges, as well as other vessels, increasing difficult, hence the need for dredging. But first, the sediment must be analysed for potential contaminants so it can be disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Our team completed the first round of sampling in February, taking 3 samples at different locations at a depth of 1.5m. These extracts were then couriered to UKAS accredited laboratories at SOCOTEC for full analysis.
The results from SOCOTEC meant we needed to return in May to complete a more concentrated sampling survey for specific chemicals and their potential origins. The results from this second visit should then allow the council to identify the next steps necessary for this project.
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In late 2025, Exo were contracted by South East Water and Ennoviga Solar Ltd to carry out a bathymetry survey and take sediment samples at Barcombe Reservoir near Lewes in East Sussex. The reservoir is set to house a series of photovoltaic cells, therefore the surveying campaign aimed not only to advise any potential silt dredging, but also to take sediment samples for its geotechnical and chemical properties to better inform the installation of these solar panels.
After making the fairly long trip down South, the work began with a singlebeam bathymetry survey. We used a Teledyne Odom Echotrac CV100 mounted on a dinghy and followed survey lines from East to West and North to South to collect all the data necessary.
Following on from this, we then used our manual piston sampler to collect sediment from 20 equally distributed points across the reservoir. Sampling at each point followed a strict methodology that included recording GPS coordinates, water depth, sediment depth and any visual observations such as colour, odour, debris, etc.
Upon completion, these samples were then transferred by our team to UKAS accredited laboratories at Eurofins for full analysis. All our findings were then presented to Ennoviga Solar and SEW, informing them on what the next steps for the reservoir may be..