Aegaea are really pleased to welcome Douglas Swinbanks to the team as our new Principal Flood Risk and Drainage Engineer. Douglas joins us from EnviroCentre in Edinburgh and will be helping Aegaea to expand our offerings in Scotland. We thought this time, we’d let the new joiner introduce themselves, so here’s Doug, by Doug.
I’m a Principal Flood Risk Engineer and Hydrologist based in Edinburgh, and have worked within both the engineering and environmental consultancy sectors since graduating in 2013.
I graduated from Heriot Watt University with a MEng degree in Civil Engineering and have experience working on both small and large scale developments – including delivering flood risk assessments, detailed surface water management plans, river restoration studies and flood defence schemes.
I was involved in the Oban Flood Risk Management Study in Argyll and Bute, which assessed flooding from fluvial, pluvial and coastal sources in the development of a Flood Risk Management plan. The key role, as technical head and project manager, involved taking full responsibility for the development of a 1D-2D fluvial model of the 2 main watercourses through the town, as well as the creation of a comprehensive and effective Surface Water Management Plan. I was also involved in organising and presenting at several stakeholder and public engagement sessions.
I was responsible for the detailed design and delivery of the surface water/SuDS drainage system for the 3000+ home development near Stirling, which at the time was the largest development to be approved in Scotland in a single sitting. My involvement began from the project’s inception, and progressed the outline design right through to a detailed stage which included extensive MicroDrainage modelling of both above and below ground surface water drainage elements for a site in excess of 590 acres. I also provided the relevant maintenance schedules, treatment measures and the overall on-site attenuation storage, all in line with the appropriate guidance and legislation.
Additionally, I have helped a wide range of clients throughout Scotland gain planning approval for small and medium size developments which have required a Flood Risk Assessment, Surface Water Management Plan or Hydrological Assessment, and I would be more than happy to discuss any project with you that requires hydrology assistance.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing rugby (although very much entering my twilight years!) and heading back home to the Isle of Mull on the west coast of Scotland for a day’s fishing.
We welcome Doug to the team and if you want to get in touch about your projects, you can find him on douglas@aegaea.com or the Edinburgh office on 0131 380 7224.
