Hydrogeology deals with the occurrence, movement, and transport of water beneath the Earth’s surface and, as such, it perfectly complements the geotechnical and environmental services provided by SOMGEG. Apart from providing drinking water, hydrogeology studies are routinely conducted as part of development applications to assist in identifying the relationship between groundwater and natural environmental features, and to assist in the determination of potential constraints to construction.

Developments proposed for private water supply and sewage disposal services require hydrogeology and environmental studies to ensure that no unacceptable impacts occur to the groundwater resource, and that a sufficient quantity of good quality potable water is available.

SOMGEG provides an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA). This is a process of determining and evaluating the risks of environmental impacts of a project at an early stage of planning. The ESIA sets out the measures that may be undertaken to counter the negative environmental effects or reduce them within acceptable levels. Some of these services are listed below:

•  Hydrogeological drilling and supervision of boreholes for both residential and commercial use.
• Geophysical investigations and interpretation to delineate aquifers and contaminated zones.
• Geological logging of drill cuttings and core samples.
• Drilling, Installation and monitoring of boreholes determine pollution levels and well deterioration solutions.
•  Hydraulic pumping tests (long term and short term).
•  Rehabilitation of existing wells.
• Design of local, regional ground water resource management plans.
• Environmental Assessment of physical, biological and human environments.
• Environmental Assessment of project impacts on the environment and identification of mitigation measures.
• Environmental monitoring and follow-up programs.