Groundwater Capability Framework

Tender description

This tender relates to the establishment of a groundwater capability framework (hereafter ‘the framework’).It is intended for advancement of the Scientific and Technology Readiness Levels (SRL/TRL) of groundwater tools, techniques and workflows commensurate with the needs of the GDF programme. There are 3 Lots under this framework. namely: • Lot 1: Laboratory and field techniques and tools for the collection of hydrogeochemical/hydrogeological geomicrobiological data (e.g. laboratory based geochemical, hydrogeological and mineralogical studies, extending to tool validation in the field). • Lot 2: Conceptual understanding and numerical representation – using hydrogeological and geochemical information to understand a site / setting, including the past and possible future evolution. This may include groundwater model rehearsals . • Lot 3: Provision of expert advice, including peer review, support for hydrogeological workflow development and technical integration. Lot 1: Laboratory and field techniques and tools for the collection of hydrogeochemical/hydrogeological geomicrobiological data Developing and maintaining specialist tools and techniques for collection of groundwater samples and in-situ and laboratory analysis of groundwaters. The nature of tasks may include the following: i. Recovery of pore waters from highly consolidated clays: understanding of existing, and potential development of alternative, approaches to recover porewater from diffusive / low permeability materials, both in the field and laboratory ii. Delivery of specialist analysis for the interpretation of groundwater age / residence time for the full range of rock types which may be expected along the groundwater flow path. This will include high transmissivity, near-surface systems as well as deep, ancient waters. Specifically, stable and/or radioactive isotope analysis and reactive / nonreactive tracers is expected (e.g. 4He, 81Kr, 36Cl, 234U/238U and 14C) iii. Advancing analytical approaches to reduce sample volume requirements, and/or to enhance speed of testing, understanding options for QA/QC / data reporting and control of analytical data iv. Advancing tools for geomicrobiological characterisation v. Interpretation and evaluation of analytical data vi. Experimental work to support definition of reference groundwaters (e.g. water-rock- EBS interaction studies) vii. Development / contribution to laboratory and field manuals, for example for definition of the equipment needs and sampling approaches and techniques viii. Advanced core analysis techniques for hydro-geological/ -geochemical parameterisation ix. Testing of existing specialist down hole tools for shallow and deep groundwater testing appropriate for GDF programme, such as PFL / Chemmac3 for example* x. Development of new down-hole techniques for accurate determination of unstable parameters such as Eh, dissolved oxygen and sulphide. This may involve partnership working for the innovation and development of new tools and techniques to support surface-based and intrusive site investigations xi. Development of novel remote sensing techniques to gather regional hydrogeological information Lot 2: Conceptual understanding and numerical representation – using hydrogeological and geochemical information to understand a site / setting, including the past and possible future evolution. Lot 2 comprises desk-based activities, developing conceptual and numerical models to build understanding of regional and local hydrogeological systems, and how these will evolve following disturbance by GDF construction, during post closure evolution and as a result of external impacts such as future climate change. The nature of tasks may include the following: i. Gathering and QA/QC checks of historical data / ‘dummy’ data, for the development of conceptual hydrogeological models. ii. Development of conceptual hydrogeological models for candidate sites based mainly on pre-existing desk study and, when relevant, new seismic data, to support development of the site descriptive models (SDMs). iii. Development of simple groundwater flow models based upon site conceptualisation, considering variable density flow, in order to support early performance assessments iv. Coupled-process modelling to represent the interaction between components of the system and to understand impacts on regional flow (including rock structure, stresses and mechanical properties, hydrology, thermal gradients, geochemistry (including viscosity and the movement of dense brines), petrology, mineralogy and geomicrobiology v. Reactive transport modelling vi. Predictive (hind/fore-cast) modelling to provide understanding of system evolution, including verification, validation, sensitivity testing and code comparison exercises vii. Consideration of methods for modelling strongly heterolithic, dual-porosoity sedimentary media with low (diffusive) matrix permeability and layer-bound fracture systems. Effective uncertainty management, quantification and communication will be a crucial element of all modelling activities, please refer to RWM (2017) Lot 3: Provision of expert advice, including peer review, support for hydrogeological workflow development and technical integration. Lot 3 provides a call-off resource to support RWM colleagues with the development of internal and external workflows, processes and technical advice / support relating to groundwater relevant to the GDF programme. This is a strategic level lot which will be called upon at pressure points in the GDF, the nature of tasks may include the following: - State of knowledge reviews - Participation in RWM strategic governance such as the Groundwater Review Group - Facilitation and curation of workshops, for example for the elicitation of requirements - Expert review of internal documents, such as technical notes, reports and specifications - Peer review of supply chain led technical work, as required for publication to RWM’s bibliography The number of suppliers qualifying for Lot 3 will not be limited.