A Farewell to our Founder

February 4, 2025

As 2024 came to a close, we reflected on a truly remarkable year of progress and innovation for the Envireau Water team. But now, our focus turns to what lies ahead in 2025.

Marking our 27th year of operation, the new year brings significant milestones, including the departure of our Chairman and founder, James Dodds.


With nearly 40 years of national and international industry experience, James has built an extraordinary career. From starting his career as a Hydrogeologist in the UK in 1987, establishing what is now Envireau Water in the attic of his home in 1998, to becoming a nationally recognised expert in water management and abstraction licensing, his accomplishments are many.


The fundamental philosophy James established in 1998 was to deliver a high-quality, technically supported, pragmatic consulting service that provided the best possible support and guidance to our clients. This vision has since been the foundation of our success and growth. Who could have imagined that a two-person operation in a single room would flourish into a thriving consultancy with 24 employees and four offices across the UK?


Our Managing Director, Dr Phil Ham, commented: 'James leaves a lasting legacy on the business, the team and the industry for his regulatory tenacity. With a strong senior leadership team in place, Envireau Water will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead, as we evolve with the times and continue to tackle industry challenges head-on. And, of course, this is not goodbye, and we look forward to collaborating with James in the future.'


James' last working day at Envireau Water is 5th February, after which he will continue working with Envireau Water and the wider RSK Group on an Associate basis.

Share

By Rachael Plant July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.
By Rachael Plant July 8, 2025
Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome Rob Pickersgill as our newest member! Rob joined us at the end of June, bringing extensive experience across both hydrology and civil engineering, with a particular focus on hydraulic modelling, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Discharge Impact Assessments. Rob's academic background stems from the University of Nottingham, where he completed a MEng in Engineering, followed by an MSC in Global Urban Development and Planning at the University of Manchester. Rob joins our specialist surface water team and will be based at the RSK Group office in Bristol, providing hydrological services to a range of projects for our diverse client base, primarily within the development sector.
By Rachael Plant June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?
Show More
By Rachael Plant July 10, 2025
We're always excited to see our team grow, and we are thrilled to welcome Hannah to the team. Hannah joined our Scotland office at the end of June to gain some hydrogeological experience alongside completing her university studies, and we look forward to welcoming her officially in September where she will begin her career as a Hydrogeologist. Prior to joining, Hannah completed a BSc in Environmental Sciences at University of Glasgow and is currently working towards completing an MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Strathclyde. During her masters and undergraduate degree, Hannah has participated in various fieldwork activities where she developed an in-depth understanding of applied hydrology, soil analysis and mapping techniques.
By Rachael Plant July 8, 2025
Our team just keeps on growing and we are delighted to welcome Rob Pickersgill as our newest member! Rob joined us at the end of June, bringing extensive experience across both hydrology and civil engineering, with a particular focus on hydraulic modelling, Flood Risk Assessments (FRAs), and Discharge Impact Assessments. Rob's academic background stems from the University of Nottingham, where he completed a MEng in Engineering, followed by an MSC in Global Urban Development and Planning at the University of Manchester. Rob joins our specialist surface water team and will be based at the RSK Group office in Bristol, providing hydrological services to a range of projects for our diverse client base, primarily within the development sector.
By Rachael Plant June 17, 2025
Desertification and drought are two of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Exacerbated by climate change, the devastating effects of both can be felt across the globe, with an estimated 40% of the world's population impacted by water scarcity events. As global temperatures continue to rise, and severe weather events increase, regions across the globe face the potential for increased frequency and severity of droughts, often progressing rapidly and unexpectedly. As of 29th May this year, a drought was officially declared in parts of the UK, having experienced the driest start to Spring in over 130 years. Whilst the recent rainfall at the start of June has helped to stabilise concerns, uncertainty for the months ahead still remain. How is the UK landscape affected by drought?
By Rachael Plant June 12, 2025
Envireau Water is delighted to welcome Tom Onslow to our North Office in Richmond! Tom joined us at the start of the month from Western Australia, where he gained experience working as a Field Hydrogeologist. Prior to this, Tom graduated from Newcastle University with a Master of Earth Science (MEarthSci). Tom is experienced in both field and desk-based activities, including the supervision of water exploration drilling programs, conducting hydrogeological sampling and logging, carrying out pumping tests and analysis and designing and installing groundwater monitoring networks. Tom has also built a strong foundation in technical reporting, having contributed to a wide range of water-related projects, particularly across the mining sector. At Envireau Water, Tom will continue to develop his hydrogeological expertise and provide technical support across a range of sectors both on site and in the office.
Show More