ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
have staff operating all over the UK, managing hundreds of multiparameter water quality sondes that mostly have to be swapped for recalibration on a monthly basis,” Matt explains. “We have therefore developed a highly efficient process in which large numbers of sondes can be cleaned, serviced and calibrated as quickly and as effectively as possible. However, such has been the demand for these services that we have invested in this new, much larger facility at Andromeda House in Aldermaston.
The company’s remote water quality monitors, known as ESNETs, were initially developed to meet the requirements of the Environment Agency for continuous river water quality monitoring. However, in recent years ESNETs have become popular with a much wider group of organisations, all of which are seeking to enhance the protection of UK rivers.
Looking forward, the demand for ESNET systems is set to grow further: in compliance with the Environment Act 2021; to provide monitoring data for the baseline, construction and operation phases of development, and as water and sewerage undertakers find new ways to exploit the benefits of real-time multiparameter water quality data - in final effluent for example.
Summarising the investment justification for Andromeda House, Matt says: “Accurate continuous water quality data is extremely important for many different stakeholders
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including regulators, water companies, farmers, consultants, engineers, researchers and members of the public such as wild water swimmers, anglers and paddle boarders. However, reliable measurements can only be achieved if the monitors are maintained and calibrated correctly, so
Meteor is making the necessary investments in staff, training, equipment, vehicles and a highly efficient calibration and service laboratory. The development of the new Aldermaston facility means that we will be able to meet the demand for remote water quality monitoring for many years to come.”
Beavers, Brixx and biodiversity at Rushden Lakes
The Rushden Lakes project in Northamptonshire combines innovative urban infrastructure with landmark environmental rejuvenation. Phase One, which first opened to the public in 2017, saw the integration of sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) and nature- base solutions (NbS). With the reintroduction of long-absent beavers in March 2025, this development sets a high standard for sustainable urban design and wildlife conservation.
Innovative infrastructure
The Rushden Lakes Retail Development, spanning 400,000 sq ft and bordering the Nene Valley Wetlands, was designed with
| July 2025 |
draintraderltd.com
nature at its core. Over 200 trees, from 13 different species, were incorporated into the landscape, with their survival and growth assisted by ACO StormBrixx HD geocellular crates as tree pits. Engineered with 95% porosity, these crates prevent soil compaction and allow unrestricted root expansion even in high-traffic urban environments.
In addition to providing structural support, the StormBrixx system forms an integral part of the project’s SuDS, providing attenuation for surface water runoff while keeping the surrounding soil from becoming compacted.
“Our StormBrixx HD system’s exceptional geocellular design not only safeguards tree
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