Embankment Seepage Investigation

Following an inspection under Section 10 of the Reservoirs Act 1975, Yorkshire Water Services Ltd appointed Mott MacDonald Bentley in 2012 to undertake an investigation to address the recommendations made at one of Yorkshire Water’s reservoirs in Holmfirth Valley, in the interests of safety. Subsequent geotechnical investigation indicated groundwater within the clay core and downstream shoulder, suggesting potential seepage could be occurring.

The investigation at Digley has included conventional geotechnical investigation techniques and the use of innovative fibre-optic temperature sensing probes. A number of the investigation technologies have been adapted to allow for remote monitoring of the site and can lead to more cost effective long-term asset management and potential avoidance of expensive remedial measures.