NOVEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER - "WATCHING OVER THE EARTH"

"The newsletter that brings together regular updates from Aargus offices in Australia, Greece, Lebanon, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Spain and Vietnam"

ENVIRONMENTAL

Service Station changes into mixed retail/residential development.  The former service station in the centre of Drummoyne Shops has been successfully remediated to make way for a large mixed commercial/residential development.  The remedial works involved removal of impacted fill, decommissioning of 5 underground storage tanks, groundwater monitoring and validation of the residual soils remaining. 

Dulwich Hill has been in the lime light recently with its first contaminant capping project through Marrickville Council.  Against council DCP, the large former quarry contained heavily contaminated fill including PAHs and TPHs.  Due to the depth of the fill (>5m), the site development would not have been economically viable but as the site required to be remediated, a capping strategy was chosen.  Aargus contested the strategy with council and successfully demonstrated through groundwater sampling and gas sampling that leachate and fill was able to be contained on site and built upon.  After completion of remedial works, the EPA was able to sign off on the works providing a cheaper alternative to off site disposal and also managing waste via on site containment.

Remediation works are to commence on a former quarry and landfill site in Five Dock.  The remediation project is to be worth around $5m and is proposed to extend the shopping precinct in Five Dock.  The works will incorporate landfill capping, groundwater monitoring, landfill gas monitoring and remedial works of uncontrolled fill material.

Aargus has also conducted a large environmental site assessment as part of a due diligence for the sale of the Allied Mills site in Summer Hill.  The purchaser required to know the potential cost for remedial works and bringing the site back to a suitable land use.  Aargus costed out remedial works that would be involved in future proposed developments allowing the buyer to purchase the site knowing contingent liabilities.

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Brink has undertaken geotechnical investigations for a 21km long proposed below-ground water transfer pipeline in the western rural areas of Wyong. The investigation included the drilling of 46 boreholes using a truck-mounted drill rig and hand auger to depths of between 3m and 6m below ground surface levels through varying soil and rock conditions. It also included in-situ testing of the soil strength and the collection of soil samples for laboratory aggressivity and Atterberg Limit testing. Furthermore, a slope stability assessment was undertaken along the entire route in order to provide recommendations and advice with regards to the design and construction of the proposed pipeline ensuring low risk levels are maintained throughout the life of the project.

Below-ground investigations were undertaken by Brink & Associates as part of the construction of a three-level below ground car park and multi-storey club development in Kogarah. These included six borehole excavations using a truck-mounted drill rig fitted with solid flight augers until TC-bit refusal has been reached. Rock coring was undertaken to depths of about 12m below existing ground surface levels using NMLC Rock Coring techniques. By including point Load Testing at our NATA accredited Laboratory, Brink & Associates provided recommendations and advice with regards to the design and construction of the proposed development.

LABORATORY

Sydney Laboratory is undertaking level 1 works at the highly contaminated site at Rhodes.  Works are being conducted during the Thiess remediation project for Dioxins and pesticide impacted fill material.  Works will continue until the site has been remediated.

Queensland Laboratory has secured a 1.5 year highway project in Ipswich.  The project includes soil and concrete testing for the expansion of the Centennial Highway from Ipswich to Sprigwood.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

National Environmental Manager - The position of National Environmental Manager is available.  The role is to lead our team of environmental scientists/engineers nation wide and the projects that are undertaken.  Your ability as a leader and manager of projects must shine.  You must also have 10 years experience in contaminated land and suitable qualifications.  If you believe that you have what it takes to lead the team, then please forward an email to get a position description for this role.

Senior Scientists (Brisbane Office) - The position of Senior Environmental Scientist is available within the organisation.  Based in Brisbane, the role will evolve and will incorporate project management.  A minimum of 5 years of relevant assessment experience is required.  Approved QLD EPA signatory an advantage.  Qualifications are essential.  Please forward an email to get a position description for these roles

Graduate Scientists/Engineers - The Geotechnical arm Brink & Associates requires a bright enthusiastic Geotechnical Engineer to work out of its Central Coast Office.  Applicants will have the opportunity to become involved in the following:

• Team Environment with an emphasis on meeting client needs while working alongside a team of professionals
• Client interaction
• Training and development (both formal and on the job)
• Real job opportunities to allow you to contribute from day one
• Excellent career opportunities within the Company and throughout the country
• Fieldwork involving, Hand Augering, DCP testing, Logging of Drill rig operations, Collection of soil samples and Data entry

Applicants ideally should be permanent residents of Australia.

If you believe you have the drive to get into the fast moving consulting field, then send your resume to admin@aargus.net for consideration.

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