Hydrological Surveys and Assessments in Argyll & Bute, Highland and throughout Scotland

At TransTech, we offer a range of hydrological risk assessments and survey services for clients in Argyll & Bute, the Highlands, and across Scotland. Whether you’re looking for a hydrological assessment report to support planning applications, manage resource abstraction, or assess potential flood risks, our experienced team can provide clear, actionable insights. From the initial site survey to the final compliance documentation, we deliver tailored solutions to meet your needs.

Why Hydrological Assessments Matter

Hydrological surveys and assessments vary in the level of detail required because the reasons for the request often differ.

TransTech can calculate all aspects of watercourse flow for all scenarios from extreme drought conditions to extreme flows. This often includes the predicted effects of climate change to address regulatory or other concerns.

Supporting Distilleries, Fish Farms and Hydro-Schemes

The hydrological survey and assessment work is conducted for a variety of abstraction proposals including distilleries, fish farms and hydro-schemes. This determines the available flow during drought low flow scenarios for which compliance with SEPA criteria for the subject watercourse is compulsory.

Supporting Forestry Developments

Very frequently we are commissioned to assess potential effects of tree planting and/or access road creation on the hydrology in their locality. In particular, this work investigates how woodland creation may affect an existing private water supply and its water quality.

For an existing supply we determine the predicted low flows at a burn supply’s intake and/or the lowest yield from a spring or borehole supply’s intake (as this presents the worst-case scenario i.e. during periods of prolonged drought). This involves catchment mapping and appropriate low flow/yield calculation methods for the water supply, which encompasses evapotranspiration from the catchment’s existing vegetative landcover.

The calculations are then performed again for the specific areas occupied by the proposed conifer and/or broadleaf planting to determine, post woodland creation at tree maturity (again the required worst-case), the volume of water available to the subject private water supplies. Post sensitivity analysis, the daily available low flow volumes are then compared with daily demand from the properties on the supply to determine whether they will be impacted as a result of tree root uptake and evapotranspiration from the forest's canopy.

Importantly, the report also details the buffer zones required by Scottish Forestry, sediment mitigation (if required) and assessment of any other potential effects of the proposal on a private water supply’s water quality to ensure it won’t be impacted.

Supporting Wind Farm Developments

For a wind farm proposal any impact from its construction, including access needs to be assessed. This work predominantly involves risk assessment and potential impact on private water supply flow routes.

Abstraction License Applications

For some of the projects we work on there is a requirement for an abstraction licence. For these we often carry out all aspects of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR) Licence application process on behalf of the applicant. From gathering the necessary data to preparing and submitting documentation, we ensure that all regulatory requirements are met effectively and efficiently.

Why Choose TransTech?

At TransTech, we specialise in providing bespoke hydrological assessments tailored to your project’s needs. With over 19 years of experience, we’ve worked with clients across Scotland, from large-scale developments in the Highlands to smaller projects in Argyll & Bute and beyond. Our dedicated team is on hand to deliver solutions that work for your specific objectives.

Whether you’re planning a new development or need help applying for an abstraction licence, our experts provide practical guidance and comprehensive support to bring your project to fruition.

Contact Us Today

If you’d like to discuss your hydrological risk assessment requirements or learn more about our services, please contact us. Our team is happy to provide advice and outline the best solutions for your project.

Whether you need a hydrological assessment report, support with a licence application, or expert consultation for resource management, TransTech is here to help.

Get in touch today to speak with one of our experienced environmental consultants. Initial enquires should be directed to garret@transtechltd.com, 07810 746470.