Staff Profile

Background

I worked as a hydrogeologist in the public sector water industry from 1967 to 1991 when I moved into consultancy and have had my own independent consultancy since 1998. I also taught hydrogeology at post-graduate level at UEA from 1992 to 1999 and Manchester from 1998 to 2004.

Roles and Responsibilities

Visiting Professor making an input to the Applied Hydrogeology teaching and research projects.I am also developing the GEOMETRY borehole array at Cockle Park with colleagues from the School.

Qualifications

MSc Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham, 1974
BSc Geology, University of Liverpool, 1967
Fellow of the Geological Society (since 1968)
Chartered Geologist, 1990
Fellow of the Institution of Geologists (from1985 (Member, 1978)
Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, (since 1989)
Chartered Civil Engineer & Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (since 1990)
European Engineer, 1992
European Geologist, 1996

Previous Positions

Principal, Rick Brassington - Consultant Hydrogeologist, Warrington 1998 to date
Technical Director and Head of Hydrogeology, Stanger Science & Environment 1997/1998
Head of Consultancy, Southern Science Ltd 1996/1997
Northern Regional Director, Southern Science Ltd 1993/1996
Managing Director, Hydrotechnica Ltd, Shrewsbury 1991/1992
Regional Water Resources Manager, National Rivers Authority - North West Region, 1988/1991
Hydrogeological Services Manager, North West Water, Warrington 1986/1988
Principal Hydrogeologist North West Water, Warrington 1976/1986

Memberships

Geological Society
Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management,
Institution of Civil Engineers
International Association of Hydrogeologists

Honours and Awards

Whitaker Medal 2019 (Hydrogeological Group, Geological Society)

Geological Society North West Regional Group – Anniversary Presentation, 2002
Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management - Publication Award, 1989
Aberconway Medal (Institution of Geologists), 1987
Founding Fellow Institution of Geologists, 1985

Research Interests

I am interested in most aspects of applied hydrogeology particularly in relation to groundwater resources development and protection. I am currently researching aspects of the Derbyshire thermal groundwater system and yield losses in abstraction wells.

I am heavily involved in the continuing development of the School’s GEOMETRY (Groundwater Engineering Operations Monitoring Evaluation & Testing Laboratory) water well research facility based on the University’s farm at Cockle Park near Morpeth www.ncl.ac.uk/engineering/research/civil/water/geometry. The GEOMETRY group of boreholes focuses on hydrogeological field measurements and data interpretation. It is designed both as a research facility into the use of borehole tests to define the physical parameters of aquifers and on borehole operation and management and to provide a realistic environment for teaching a wide range of borehole-based hydrogeological field tests for the Applied Hydrogeology MSc and diploma courses.

Other Expertise

I have first hand experience of working as a consultant in the commercial sector over the past 20 years.

Esteem Indicators

External examiner PhD Manchester University 2001
External examiner PhD Newcastle University 1996
External examiner PhD Birmingham University 1986
External examiner Lancaster University MSc by research 1979,1982,1984
Vice President Geological Society 1993/1994 and 1994/1995
Chairman Geological Society Governance Working Group 1995/1996
Chairman Geological Society Organization Review Working Group 1994
Chairman of CIWEM Editorial Panel 1992-1994

• Rushton KR, Brassington FC. Pumping from unconfined aquifers of limited saturated thickness with reference to wellpoints and horizontal wells. Hydrogeology Journal 2016, 24(2), 335-348.
• Brassington FC. Interpretation of groundwater data in the vicinity of a long established sandstone quarry. In: 17th Extractive Industry Geology Conference. 2014, Lancashire, UK: Extractive Industry Geology Conferences Ltd.
• Rushton KR, Brassington FC. Hydraulic behaviour and regional impact of a horizontal well in a shallow aquifer: example from the Sefton Coast, northwest England (UK). Hydrogeology Journal 2013, 21(5), 1117-1128.
• Brassington R. Lessons Learned About the Nature of Groundwater Contamination by PAHs: A Case History-Based Discussion. Remediation 2013, 23(1), 103-121.
• Rushton KR, Brassington FC. Significance of hydraulic head gradients within horizontal wells in unconfined aquifers of limited saturated thickness. Journal of Hydrology 2013, 492, 281-289.
• Brassington FC, Taylor R. A comparison of field methods used to define saline-fresh groundwater interfaces at two sites in North West England. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 2012, 45(2), 173-181.
• Brassington FC, Younger PL. A proposed framework for hydrogeological conceptual modelling. Water and Environment Journal 2010, 24(4), 261-273.
• Brassington FC, Whitter JP, Macdonald RA, Dixon J. The potential use of hydrogen peroxide in water well rehabilitation. Water & Ennvironment Journal 2009, 23(1), 69-74.
• Brassington FC. A proposed conceptual model for the genesis of the Derbyshire thermal springs. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 2007, 40(1), 35-46.
• Brassington R. Field Hydrogeology. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 2006.
• Brassington FC, Preene M. A horizontal wellpoint as a low impact water source in a dune sands aquifer. Water and Environment Journal 2004, 18(2), 102-106.
• Brassington FC. Developments since 1974 - bringing the story up to date. In: Mather J.D, ed. 200 Years of British Hydrogeology. London, UK: Geological Society, 2004, pp.363-385.
• Brassington FC. A note on aspects of the Harrogate mineral waters. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 2003, 36(1), 75-83.
• Preene M, Brassington FC. Potential groundwater impacts from civil engineering works. Journal of the Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management 2003, 17, 59-64.
• Brassington FC, Preene M. The design, construction and testing of a horizontal well-point as a water source in a dune sands aquifer. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogelogy 2003, 36(4), 355-366.
• Preene M, Brassington FC. Environmental regulation of groundwater abstraction for dewatering works. Geotechnical Engineering 2001, 149(2), 75-76.
• Brassington R. Alumbramiento de Aguas – guía para le construcción y mantenimiento de suministros de agua privados. Zaragoza, España: Editorial Acribia, 1998.
• Brassington F.C. Measurements of head variations within observation boreholes and their implications for groundwater monitoring. Journal of the Institution of Water and Environmental Management 1992, 6, 91-100.
• Brassington F.C., Lucey P.A. and Peacock A.J. The use of down-hole focused electric logs to investigate saline groundwaters. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology 1992, 25, 343-350.