Shortlisted for Brownfield Consultancy of the Year
The Environmental Protection Group Ltd (EPG) is a leading geoenvironmental consultancy providing a suite of environmental services essential for brownfield sites. Over the past four years, EPG has expanded from a small team of eight based in a single location with a turnover of under £1m, to a team of 25 operating from three locations and generating over £2.5m in turnover in 2024.
We have a team of industry-leading experts operating within four different sectors:
structural waterproofing
sustainable drainage
geoenvironmental
environmental monitoring
We provide clients with innovative solutions and combine regulatory compliance with ideas and technologies which are beneficial to the redevelopment of brownfield sites. It’s about collaboration.
Our aim is to ensure unnecessary remediation does not take place. This keeps costs low for the client, saving countless tonnes of CO2 and ensures sustainable practices are always the solution. All our decisions are backed by science, and our work with brownfield sites see us employed as a research contractor for national and public sector bodies. Maintaining our position as a leader in the brownfield industry, we undertake our own research which means we can educate the industry alongside bodies such as AGS, CIRIA and CL:AIRE.
Our combined skills and experience in drainage design, ground conditions and land contamination allows us to unlock the potential benefits of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) on brownfield sites and provide clients with the best solutions on any challenging site.
Delivering multiple brownfield schemes and projects
Our size never stops us. We have successfully delivered multiple brownfield development projects across all scales of development. Working closely with clients across local authorities, private developers, and large infrastructure schemes, our projects include:
Guildford Sewage Treatment Works
A complex brownfield redevelopment scheme delivering essential wastewater infrastructure on a former landfill site. The project involved the design, construction, and commissioning of a new sewage treatment works (STW), alongside the installation of a tunnel to divert inlet flows from the existing STW. The site, a disused landfill since the 1980s, contained predominantly domestic “black bag” waste and sits adjacent to sensitive residential receptors.
EPG was engaged to provide continuous ground gas and groundwater monitoring throughout the works. Given the requirement for piling, a key risk identified was the potential for gas migration from the landfill during ground disturbance. In response, a live warning system was installed using eight ground gas monitors with integrated groundwater probes. RAG (Red, Amber, Green) alert thresholds were developed by the consultant and configured to send automatic notifications to site staff in the event of a trigger breach. Red alerts could result in immediate suspension of piling activities, underscoring the importance of accurate, real-time data.
Over the two-year deployment, more than 15 million data points were collected, supporting both site safety and compliance with Environment Agency requirements. The project demonstrated an innovative, data-driven approach to managing risk on challenging brownfield sites.
Data Centre Development, North of England
Previously developed as a power station, coal stocking yard, sewage lagoons and with former underground mine workings and adjacent landfill, this site had a complex history and multiple ground gas a VOC sources. Development with new data centre units required a high-quality development platform including certainty on contamination constraints.
EPG was appointed to conduct a ground gas and VOC monitoring investigation and provide detailed gas risk assessment and a mitigation design. Due to high groundwater levels, traditional monitoring methods weren’t suitable, so we utilised multiple specialist monitoring techniques including flux tests, continuous monitoring, dissolved methane probes.
EPG has provided certainty to the ground gas risk at the development, recommending minimal precautionary protection measures driven by the coal mine gas risk. We were able to discount sources of biogenic gas and VOC from being significant, due to negligible flux, despite high concentrations in the ground.
Supermarket Development, Kent
A brownfield redevelopment scheme transforming a former landfill site into a commercial retail space, with ongoing environmental oversight. The site, which accepted domestic “black bag” waste and is situated over a principal aquifer, remains subject to environmental monitoring agreements with the local authority. It also includes an active gas extraction system.
EPG’s involvement began with a detailed review of historical site data and the recommendation and delivery of further investigation, including continuous groundwater quality and ground gas monitoring. A robust risk assessment was completed, followed by detailed design drawings for the required ground gas mitigation measures.
While the project was initially delayed due to planning restrictions relating to surface water discharge, EPG leveraged internal expertise particularly from the water team to develop a SuDS strategy suitable for contaminated land. This innovative approach enabled progress through planning and demonstrated the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration within EPG.
Ellison Institute of Technology
A complex waterproofing and risk mitigation scheme delivered through integrated in-house expertise.
EPG was appointed to design structural waterproofing for the basement of a state-of-the-art research facility housing sensitive scientific equipment. To provide maximum protection, a triple-layer system was specified using Type A, B, and C waterproofing. Ground investigation data identified volatile organic compounds (VOCs), prompting involvement from EPG’s geoenvironmental team. Their targeted, risk-based approach allowed VOC protection to be limited to isolated areas, significantly reducing the extent and cost of specialist membranes required.
EPG’s Water team was also brought in to assess flood risk due to the site’s proximity to a floodplain. Their input informed the level of protection needed and led to the design of an attenuation tank above the basement podium. Initially a waterproofing-only commission, this project evolved into a cross-disciplinary solution showcasing how EPG’s agility as an SME delivers added value and more robust outcomes for clients.
Inspiring and leading the project team
Our leadership team plays a pivotal role in project success. We cultivate a collaborative approach, ensuring projects benefit from multi-disciplinary expertise. Key leaders include:
_edited.jpg)
Amy Juden
Head of Geoenvironmental
Chartered geologist with 10+ years’ experience in brownfield redevelopment, specialising in contaminated land risk assessment, site investigations, and remediation strategies. Skilled in ground gas, vapour intrusion, and asbestos in soil risk assessments. Passionate about sustainable, science-led, low-carbon remediation and minimising unnecessary work. A committed leader who mentors junior staff and fosters a collaborative, supportive team culture.
.jpg)
Steve Wilson
Technical Director
Steve is a geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineer with over 35 years of experience spanning contaminated land, ground gas and vapours, and SuDS. He has written British Standards and CIRIA guidance, led pioneering research, and develops innovative solutions in ground gas control and water management design. He is a recognised expert witness and supports international projects.
Steve is a recognised guru in both the world of ground gas and SuDS. Now stepped back from day-to-day management at EPG, he is still committed to passing on his unrivalled technical expertise to the rest of the team. Occasionally hard to pin down, but always positive and encouraging in interactions with colleagues. Steve is a maverick who writes, rather than follows the rules, and this attitude and example still underpins our ethos at EPG.
.jpg)
Phil Williams
Director
Phil is a chartered member of CIWEM with over 17 years at EPG, where he has developed deep expertise in sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), blue-green infrastructure, flood risk management, and nutrient neutrality. A recognised leader in the sector, he contributes to national best practice through his work with CIRIA, delivering SuDS training, and as an active member of SusDrain.
He regularly engages in steering groups, co- authors industry guidance and scientific publications, and leads research into innovative approaches to water sustainability. Phil is a problem-solver, driven by the challenge of delivering effective, sustainable solutions to complex environmental issues. As a collaborative and supportive leader, he champions his team, creating space for others to grow, innovate, and succeed helping drive EPG’s continued success and growth.
Leo Phillips
Head of Commercial
Leo is an accomplished geoenvironmental specialist with over a decade of post- graduate experience spanning an array of projects, including national landfill permit compliance contracts and landfill redevelopment, to gas extraction initiatives and wastewater treatment upgrades.
Leo excels in managing teams deployed to high-risk sites, ensuring the safety of personnel and upholding clients’ responsibilities. Now Head of Commercial, Leo drives strategic growth and client development, using his technical expertise to align operational delivery with commercial performance.
Commitment to best practice and industry guidance
EPG is committed to shaping industry best practices through the development of guidance and training initiatives. This has been illustrated within the industry, as well as being recognised by leading awarding bodies including:
-
New Civil Engineer – SME Consulting Firm of the Year finalist 2025 and 2024
-
New Civil Engineer winner – Flood Resilience Innovation Award 2023
-
SusDrain Award winner 2022
-
Brownfield Awards – Best Research, Innovation or Advancement of Science in the Brownfield Sector 2022
EPG is a well known research contractor regularly producing peer-reviewed industry guidance documents. Within the last four years we have been lead authors on the following:
-
CL:AIRE, 2025 Piling and Penetrative Ground Improvement Methods on Land Affected by Contamination: Guidance on Pollution Prevention
-
AGS and BDA, 2025 Managing pressurised gases during drilling
-
SusDrain, 2024, infiltration rates for SuDS: is it time to ditch BRE 365 tests?
-
NHBC NF94, 2023 Hazardous Ground Gas - An essential guide for housebuilders
-
CL:AIRE, 2021 Good Practice for Risk Assessment for Coal Mine Gas Emissions
We also provide our own research publications published on our website:
-
EPG 2023 Groundwater assessment and the design of basement waterproofing
-
EPG 2022 Multiple lines of evidence approach using continuous monitoring data
Following the acquisition of continuous ground gas monitoring services, the team has expanded and now includes software and hardware developers. The service has diversified and further sensors such as radon, groundwater quality, dissolved gases and surface water flow, can all be integrated. The team is currently engaged in the development of data analysis tools and a new product line.
Active participation in industry groups such as CL:AIRE, SoBRA, YCLF, SusDrain, CIRIA and AGS.
Memberships: EPG or its’ employees hold memberships with CL:AIRE, CIRIA, SusDrain, CIWEM, Geological Society, ICE, AVIP, SoBRA, RSC, AGS and is a training provider for CL:AIRE and CIRIA on ground gas design and SuDS.
We have leading roles in SoBRA working groups on ground gas, radon, and VOC vapours.
Amy is a committee member for YCLF (Yorkshire Contaminated Land Forum) helping run events and support initiatives.
All team members regularly attend industry events run by multiple industry organisations.
Events: EPG is often asked to speak at events. Just so far this year (2025) we have:
In January provided full day of training to Welsh Contaminated Land Officers group and a 1 hour webinar to the Home Builders Federation.
In February provided 1 hour SoBRA webinar on mine gas risk assessment and a talk for the National Contaminated Land Officers Group (NCLOG). A bespoke SuDS foundation course was also presented to the EA.
In March we presented on our newly published piling through contaminated ground guidance at the Geological Society.
Also in March we were invited to present the keynote talk at the ALGA gas and vapour symposium, Melbourne Australia. We are also currently planning: a workshop session for the SoBRA summer event, a presentation at a conference on earthworks, a talk at the SE soils conference on piling; and a talk at the PCA annual conference.
This is typically unpaid, fitted in around our day job delivering for clients, as part of our commitment to industry best practice and technical excellence.
Training: Amy Juden and Steve Wilson frequently conduct sold out ground gas training sessions with CL:AIRE on Ground Gas Risk Assessment - more than calculating a GSV, and Good Practice for Risk Assessment for Coal Mine Gas Emissions.
Phil Williams also provides training on SuDS, including a module on Health and Safety in SuDS to CIRIA.
Support, training and progression of staff
As an SME, we utilise industry training resources with training being tailored to each individual team member. We value and encourage our staff, and our leaders take on the responsibility of ensuring everyone has on the job responsibility from day one. Integrating traditional engineering expertise with innovative solutions and a firm focus on protecting the natural environment, we are shaping the future of our sectors and are looking for the next trailblazers who understand our vision. EPG fosters a strong culture of professional development through training and mentoring:
-
Graduate training including CL:AIRE training on brownfield risk assessment and SoBRA webinar participation.
-
We provide regular advanced training in house to ensure all our team are up to date with guidance on monitoring techniques including:
-
Surface gas flux testing
-
Continuous monitoring deployment
-
VOC canister sampling and passive tubes
-
Sub-slab depressurisation and tracer gas tests
-
Groundwater sampling (low-flow, dissolved methane probes, radon testing)
-
Sub-floor void monitoring
-
Our regular commitment every month to an internal 2-hour technical training session, means we are always learning from each other. These sessions are delivered by all members of the team including junior staff, and are recorded and saved for ongoing staff development.
-
January 2025, review of topic for training for the year ahead. Gas protection design case study from retail development on a landfill site. Review of internal process for commercial project management
-
February 2025, radon occurrence, risk and mitigation design by Amy Juden, Head of Geoenvironmental
-
March 2025, coal mine gas risk assessment by Jordan Swales, Senior Consultant
-
April 2025, structural waterproofing design to BS8102 by Ian Price, Associate. Feedback from industry events attended by Sarah Haines (SiLC forum) and Amy Juden (CLG hot topics conference)
-
May 2025, (planned) case study of detailed quantitative risk assessment and remediation design by Steve Wilson, and feedback from industry event attended by Pagen Spooner (AGS annual conference)
Of our nine geoenvironmental consultants, three are chartered, while the remaining six are actively engaged with professional bodies, with three currently working towards chartership with the Geological Society.
Exemplary commitment to health and safety
Previously operating solely as a desk-based consultancy, the expansion into field services has introduced new risk considerations with colleagues working on site. Recognising this shift, the leadership team has prioritised health and safety, with a commitment to achieving ISO 45001 certification in 2025.
Our proactive approach ensures:
-
Rigorous risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
-
Continuous improvement through training and feedback loops.
-
Leadership by example, with spearheading H&S initiatives across the company.
With unrivalled expertise of brownfield sites across the country, EPG is a close-knit team based across the UK, with all team members bringing their own unique set of skills, which when combined makes them unbeatable. An SME business who has grown significantly in recent months, the team of driven, individuals are leading the way for brownfield site developments, educating the industry, internally along the way and combining multidisciplinary skills to produce innovative solutions on brownfield sites.