Q What does your role as a senior scientist involve?

I work in the contaminated sites team, which involves wearing a few hats - as well as the odd respirator and Tyvek suit!  

Managing contaminated site assessment and remediation is one facet, where I specialise in asbestos assessment and remediation. I also do hazardous materials surveys and removal supervision as well as clearances inspections and air monitoring. And my last hat is acid sulfate soil management within the land development and infrastructure project space.

Q How did you come to work within the contaminated sites team?

My background is in environmental science. I started working out in the field where I focused on the implementation of sampling and analysis programs for all facets of the business. And over time I started doing more office-based project management and reporting tasks. I’m not sure there is a degree or a qualification for this specialty – it’s one of those positions that utilises your science training and then you adapt and gain experience on the job. 

I like this type of work – I’ve always wanted to be out in the environment and doing science-based projects. Even now as I progress in my career and spend a little more time in the office, I like to keep some field work in the mix, as it allows me to understand onsite activities and create good relationships with relevant contractors.  

Q What’s particularly satisfying about your work?

For the proposed land development work, it’s being out in these brownfield sites – and then coming back later and seeing that space turned into a vibrant community.  

It’s good to know your work provides surety that residents can use those spaces for their intended purpose - living, relaxing, and enjoying life. You can plant a veggie patch in the new housing estate because the land has been tested and any risks have been addressed. 

Sometimes, certain developments have restrictions due to historical use or remedial approaches, like excavations are limited to certain depths or abstraction of groundwater isn’t permitted, but the end result is nonetheless a complete transformation into a usable, relevant space. 

Q Has hazard and contamination management evolved over the years?

The regulations around hazardous material and managing contamination on sites has definitely tightened.  

Our knowledge of contaminants has evolved. And we continue to gather information about legacy contaminants and emerging ones and strengthen our assessments, frameworks and standards. It’s an ongoing process. 

Q Can you think of a particular project that stands out?

Port Coogee was an interesting project. When we did that, I was mainly doing field-based work. It was an interesting project because it was an old industrial area, positioned on prime coastal land.  

There were added complexities with historical market garden use and the proposed marina development. We had to consider the hydraulic gradient of discharging groundwater and what effect nutrient-rich groundwater would have on the development and nearby amenities, namely algal growth within marina infrastructure. 

To manage this a significant diversion drain was installed, which moved the water north allowing discharge to the open ocean, where dispersion and dilution factors could appropriately manage the nutrient-rich waters.  

Elizabeth Quay was another great project to work on. There were several environmental factors for this one that needed to be managed appropriately. Things like silt production, contaminant mobility and disturbance of acid sulfate soils were managed during significant onshore and offshore construction phases. It was a complex and challenging project in a good way.

Q Anything unusual you’ve discovered on a site?

We found some buried whale bones at an old museum site. They had let us know there might be some things buried, but it was still an interesting find. 

We often come across old bottles on sites. You can accumulate a decent collection of historical bottles, with some sites needing security to control unwanted pickers. My favourite bottles are displayed proudly around my house. I always keep my eyes peeled when we are disturbing historical fill materials as you never know when you might find that hidden retirement treasure box!