Partrac is a dynamic environmental consultancy specialising in marine & freshwater monitoring. We are the world’s leading provider of particle and sediment tracing technology.
Partrac has a growing reputation for delivering high-quality science-based solutions to complex engineering and environmental projects. We provide project design, field monitoring and reporting and consultancy services.
We service a broad client base, including port authorities, dredging companies, local councils, environmental agencies, regulatory bodies and environmental consultants worldwide.
We undertake environmental monitoring studies worldwide, on land, in rivers, estuaries and the seas.
Partrac’s experience in the field of marine science, sediment transport and sediment stability enables us to assess a wide range of contemporary sediment management issues.
In addition, we understand the industry issues facing our clients, such as technical problems and regulatory obligations. We provide support for their environmental planning, licensing and operations for a variety of projects, including:
Our consultancy services are complemented by a full range of environmental monitoring, sampling and analysis services. We deliver comprehensive solutions, helping our clients to progress and manage their environmental impact.
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
Partrac provide expertise in particle tracing. We use a range of novel particle analogues (tracers) encoded with our 'Dual Signature Tag' (DST). These are used in conjunction with traditional field measurement techniques to determine the pathways and rates of particle transport through the environment.
Uniquely labelled tracer particles are introduced into the study area e.g. on land, in rivers, estuaries or the sea and their spatial distribution is monitored through time. This technique is a powerful complementary tool for visualising the transport pathways of a variety of particles, ranging from contaminated sediments to urban particulates and dredge spoil material.
Partrac have extensive expertise of terrestrial, freshwater and marine sediments and provide a range of technologies and services to monitor and analyse the principal environmental factors driving the transport pathway of sediments.
Using bespoke field equipment including our unique particle tracing technology, we provide data on sediment stability, sediment erosion thresholds, sediment transport, deposition and scour rates and a range of laboratory services for the measurement of sediment properties (e.g. particle size, shape and density).
Sediment transport in rivers, estuaries and the sea can give rise to a plethora of sediment management issues including unwarranted siltation, navigation channel depth reduction, water quality impairment and habitat degradation. If these sediments are contaminated, then there are even greater sediment management challenges, including risks to ecosystems and to human health. Knowledge of seabed or riverbed stability is central to understanding the impacts of sediment transport.
Sediment Stability
With over 20 years of experience in sediment stability measurement and analysis, Partrac offers tailored solutions to sediment stability problems. Combining desk studies and data mining with innovative field measurement systems, we promote an integrated approach to sediment stability assessment.
Partrac are perfectly placed to provide consultancy and analysis services in support of understanding the displacement of sediments, whether due to natural events or anthropogenic influences.
Partrac provide detailed information on the erosion potential of sediments and are able to determine where this material is likely to be transported and ultimately deposited, whether on land, freshwater or at sensitive marine sites
We also provide support to the engineering industry investigating the seabed scour potential for particular areas. Using our custom designed benthic flume technologies, we rapidly assess seabed areas to determine the most stable locations to install structures (for example windfarm piles and in support of cable laying operations).
Following installation, we can provide real-time remote monitoring of changes in bed level (i.e. scour assessment), to determine the level of scour occurring due to tidal and/ or river currents. Partrac routinely monitor sediment deposition and scour during dredging operations, identifying bed level changes to mm scale accuracy.
Partrac undertake a range of services associated with the monitoring of dredging operations in the coastal zone, ports and harbours, estuaries and inland waterways.
Dredging technology aims to minimise the quantity of disturbed sediment entering the water column. However, a plume of disturbed material often exists around s dredge site which, if not managed effectively, is available for redistribution within the water body. This sediment may then be transported with the ambient water currents (tidal and/or riverine) to sensitive sites within the area or further afield. For instance, it may settle on shell fish beds or impact a sensitive area of biodiversity e.g. maerl or sea grass beds. Dredge monitoring therefore is often a requirement of dredge licences, especially where there are contaminated sediments or environmentally sensitive areas nearby.
Partrac provide tailored monitoring solutions to marinas, ports and harbours, the dredging industry, regulators, and the aggregate extractions industry, offering cost effective surveys with high-quality data acquisition.
Partrac undertake environmental monitoring studies on land, in rivers, estuaries and the coastal seas. Much of our work is associated with assisting clients in the management of sediments in the environment, through provision of high quality environmental data acquisition.
We undertake comprehensive monitoring programmes in order to assess and determine the effectiveness of our clients’ marine, environmental and sediment management activities. Our monitoring programmes include site assessment and survey, equipment provision and deployment, field support, sampling, data acquisition and interpretation.
Partrac’s laboratory specialises in the analysis of physical and hydraulic properties of sediments and environmental particles. In addition, we provide a full range of chemical and biological analyses for environmental samples.
We advise clients on environmental sampling design and sampling methods, and offer a complete service including sample collection, sample analysis, data interpretation and reporting.