Event type:
Regional Group
Organised by:
Yorkshire Regional Group
Venue:
The Adelphi Pub, Leeds
Event status:
EVENT CLOSED
Water level problems at the Pontefract Hermitage well
Chris Short, water quality consultant, Knaresborough, Yorkshire
The Hermitage well in Pontefract, Yorkshire, is part of a Grade 1 listed mediaeval structure carved by hand into the Newstead Rock sandstone. During construction of a new hospital close to the well, the water level fluctuated widely and stabilised at a significantly higher level than historically, such that the well now has to be pumped continuously to prevent damage. The pumping system is intrusive and the public are no longer able to visit this fascinating site. The talk will describe investigations into the cause, difficulties encountered and proposed remedial action. A sustainable solution has been identified, but with little cooperation from key parties the situation remains unresolved after 10 years.
Photo is of the bottom of the well - back in 2002, before the problems arose.
Chris Short is a chartered chemical engineer who has spent his whole career in the water industry, in a variety of roles with Water Research Centre and Yorkshire Water, and as an independent consultant since 2000. In relation to a number of groundwater quality assessments, especially regarding natural mineral water recognition, he has picked up some knowledge of hydrogeology, but admits to having no qualifications in that area. He does however have a GCSE in Archaeology, which is what led him to the Pontefract Hermitage.
Meet from 6pm, talk from 6:30pm.
Wednesday 8 May 2019: The Adelphi Pub, Leeds.