Trenchless technology provides an environmental and cost-effective solution to your underground project.
EPS Trenchless Installations advocates this revolutionary approach, offering a range of innovative solutions that remove the need for disruptive excavations. By leveraging state-of-the-art techniques such as Moling and Directional Drilling, EPS Trenchless Installations delivers efficient and cost-effective alternatives for laying and repairing underground utilities.
Impact Moling is a way of installing new pipes, cables and ducts under the ground without the need to dig continuous trenches. Instead, pits are dug at intervals in the ground and the mole is lowered inside.
The mole then tunnels through the earth, from the first pit through to the destination pit leaving a clear narrow tunnel large enough for the required utility to be pulled through.
The mole in reality is a steel pneumatic cylinder, with compressed air that hammers through the soil creating a bore hole for the new pipe to be laid. This massively reduces installation time, disturbance to the surface and the cost.
Originally designed for installing small-diameter pipes, Moling excels in navigating through compressible soils over short distances. Our Moling services effortlessly replace damaged or old pipes or install new lines, electric cables, gas pipes and ducting.
Moling is used for;
Moling is employable in a range of locations. It is an incredibly versatile and non-invasive method for use in environmentally sensitive areas such as SSSIs, and under roads, existing structures, congested areas, railways, waterways, and much more.
INSTALLATION RATES
dependent on the required diameter and the ground conditions
distances
(perfect ground conditions required)
ACCURACY
ground dependent
Our impact moling services are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for many underground installation projects. Instead of digging trenches to lay pipes, ducts, and cables, EPS Trenchless Installations apply a technique called moling.
Select your installation type and pinpoint your exact start and end locations on our interactive map to get started!
Saffron Walden is a picturesque market town located in the Uttlesford district of Essex. Known for its rich history, charming architecture, and proximity to beautiful countryside, Saffron Walden is a popular destination for residents and visitors. The town is steeped in history and offers a mix of medieval, Tudor, and Georgian influences. The remains of Saffron Walden Castle are another key historical feature of the town. Originally built in the 11th century, the castle was established after the Norman Conquest of England. Today, only the earthworks of the motte and bailey castle remain, but it provides a beautiful park and open space for visitors. Saffron Walden is about 12 miles south of Cambridge and 43 miles northeast of London. It benefits from a rural setting while remaining well-connected to major cities. The town is surrounded by scenic countryside, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Saffron Walden’s town centre has retained much of its historic charm, with narrow streets, cobbled walkways, and a mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Market Place hosts a regular market, which is a central point for the town’s activities. Visitors can enjoy local produce, antiques, and crafts while exploring the town. Saffron Walden Museum, is one of the oldest in the country and houses a variety of exhibits covering local history, archaeology, and natural history. It provides insights into the town’s past, including its Roman and medieval heritage.Bridge End Gardens are a hidden gem, offering a peaceful retreat with beautiful flower displays, ornamental ponds, and a maze.
Retail in Saffron Walden is largely based on local independent shops, boutiques, cafes, and artisanal goods. The town is known for its charming atmosphere, with a mix of modern shops and traditional businesses. While saffron is no longer widely cultivated, Saffron Walden still sits in an agricultural region. The surrounding rural areas are used for farming, particularly growing crops like cereals, vegetables, and fruit. There are also some dairy farms and small-scale food producers. Saffron Walden is a popular commuter town for those working in London and Cambridge, with good rail links and road access to both cities. Many professionals choose to live in Saffron Walden for its peaceful rural setting while enjoying convenient access to larger towns. Many small businesses and startups are based in Saffron Walden, often in fields such as consultancy, creative industries, and technology. The town’s proximity to Cambridge, a tech and innovation centre, means there is a growing network of entrepreneurial activity in the region.
Saffron Walden is well-connected by road, with the M11 motorway providing quick access to London and Cambridge. The town has a bus network that links it to neighbouring towns and villages. While the town doesn’t have its own railway station, nearby stations such as Audley End and Saffron Walden Parkway offer train services to London and Cambridge.
Ground conditions in Saffron Walden, can vary. For directional drilling, understanding the ground conditions is essential as they directly influence the equipment, drilling methods, and potential challenges faced during drilling activities. Saffron Walden is situated on a mix of geological formations, including areas with clay, sand, and gravel deposits. These formations can significantly affect the ease of drilling. Areas with significant clay content can be challenging for directional drilling because clay can be prone to swelling and shrinkage depending on moisture levels. Additionally, clay may cause borehole collapse or make it difficult to maintain the required direction of the borehole. Sandy and gravelly soils are often more stable and easier to drill through, but they can be more prone to erosion and require more careful management of drilling fluids.Much of the region, including parts of Saffron Walden, is made up of glacial till (unsorted sediment left by glaciers), which can contain a mix of small and large particles. This can lead to highly variable ground conditions and potentially difficult drilling environments. In some areas of Saffron Walden, the depth to solid bedrock (such as limestone, chalk, or sandstone) can vary. Harder rocks can make directional drilling more difficult and require more powerful drilling equipment. These hard layers may also increase costs and drilling time as more specialised tools.
Groundwater can be a significant factor in Saffron Walden, particularly in low-lying areas or near river valleys. High groundwater levels may result in challenges with flooding, causing boreholes to collapse or become unstable. Managing groundwater may require additional techniques, where groundwater is pumped out of the borehole to maintain stability during drilling. For some parts of the town, especially near river basins or wetlands, groundwater levels may fluctuate depending on the time of year, which could further complicate drilling projects.
The stability of the soil can vary across Saffron Walden, with certain areas having more compacted soils (often found in areas with long-term agricultural activity), while others may have softer, more unconsolidated soils (such as those found near rivers or floodplains). Unconsolidated soils (e.g., loose sands or silts) can pose problems for directional drilling as they may lead to difficulties in maintaining the direction of the borehole. This may require specialized equipment to stabilize the wellbore and prevent issues like collapsing boreholes or misalignment during drilling.
In the more developed parts of Saffron Walden, such as the town centre, directional drilling may be used to avoid disruptions to surface-level infrastructure like roads, buildings, and utilities. However, this may require more advanced techniques for precise monitoring and control, given the proximity of existing services. In the more rural, agricultural areas surrounding Saffron Walden, the ground conditions may be more stable, and directional drilling can be easier. However, even in these areas, challenges like groundwater and varying soil composition can affect the drilling process. In urban or areas of Saffron Walden, careful mapping of existing utilities and infrastructure is vital. Using techniques like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) or detailed utility surveys can help ensure that the drilling operation avoids damaging existing services.
EPS provide underground utility installation that is fast, efficient and environmentally friendly.
Using Moling and Directional Drilling technology, our streamlined process requires minimal space which avoids unnecessary disruption and inconvenience.
There is no need for extensive surface cutting or digging long trenches. ‘No-dig’ techniques are very adaptable to various soil conditions and protected locations.
This technique provides accurate utility installation, which also protects wildlife and any ecologically sensitive locations. It is an incredibly cost-effective method of replacing old utility systems or installing new utilities.
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