David Nowell (Letters, 23 March) suggests that the Environment Agency should put pressure on the British Geological Survey (BGS) to improve the quality of geological mapping. Mr Nowell will be pleased to hear that there is no need for them to do this as the BGS is already working with the Environment Agency to update our geological maps in areas where groundwater resources are vulnerable to over-abstraction and/or pollution.
As new data and new requirements arise, we recognise that in some areas the existing geological interpretations become out of date. A case in point is the area to the north of Holderness (referred to in Mr Nowell’s letter), where modern imagery highlights geological structures that would not have been apparent during the original 1800s survey. This is an area important for groundwater and we are currently working with the Environment Agency to improve the geological understanding of the area to help the better management and protection of water resources. In fact, our geologists are currently “in the field” re-mapping this area.
We are also undertaking work in many other parts of England, from Northumberland to Kent, to improve our geological maps and create geological models for groundwater and engineering applications, and to understand new risks such as those from “fracking”. By working in partnership with organisations like the Environment Agency, we are prioritising our work to ensure that it delivers best value and multiple benefits to the country.
Prof Rob Ward Director of groundwater science, British Geological Survey
Jon Ford Chief geologist England, British Geological Survey
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