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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Beccles Yacht Station and Boat Dyke has silted up over the years due to run off from the main river and the main town drain. The accumulated silt had to be removed to allow for safe navigation as well improve conveyance of the drainage system.

    Exo were appointed to design and manage the desilting works, including site investigations (preliminary ecological survey, bathymetric survey and sediment sampling followed by analysis), licence applications (MMO, EA, BA and NE), facilitate a tender and project manage throughout.

    The project was successfully completed in November 2021, and included dredging under D1 licence (EA), Marine licence (MMO) and Broads Works permit with a bank side long reach excavator. The dredged material was dewatered in temporary lagoons before it was transported to a spreading site under a SR2010 No.4 Landspreading licence (EA). The spread and cultivated dredged material will be sown in as a wildflower meadow to improve biodiversity of the grass swards.