Sustainable Development
The coastal ecosystem is characterised by complex, physical relationships between tidal processes and river catchments that drain into this environment.
These ecosystems often have high ecological values for freshwater and marine species and also provide exceptional recreational opportunities for
surrounding communities.
The sustainable development of coastal areas has been a significant issue in Australia for many years and will be extensively tested as a result of expected sea level rises, increases in recreational activities and the need for upgraded port and harbour infrastructure to service mining and other commercial sectors.
Upstream uses such as agriculture and sewerage treatment plants can also have significant impacts on the coastal environment.
E3 personnel can provide a full range of environmental services from the scoping and planning phases of a project through to detailed environmental investigations, approval acquisition and environmental management during construction/implementation phases of the project.
Our services include:
- Acid Sulfate Soils identification and assessment;
- Advice on Commonwealth and State (NSW and Queensland) approvals, processes and planning and legislative requirements;
- Aquatic and Terrestrial Flora and Fauna investigations;
- Cultural Heritage matters;
- Development and implementation of EMPs.
- Development and implementation of water quality monitoring programs;
- Dredging strategies including Sea Dumping Permits and designing sediment analysis programs to address National Assessment Guidelines for Dredging applications;
- Groundwater investigation and assessment;
- Implementation of sediment analysis programs and interpretation of results;
- Statutory and Land Use Planning;
- Visual impact assessment.
The E3 team includes project managers, environmental scientists and environmental planners with extensive experience in coastal assessment and planning. Our experience encompasses a wide range of infrastructure projects including transport corridors to and from ports, seawalls, marinas, capital and maintenance dredging programs, and port and harbour extensions at sites throughout Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Acid Sulphate Soil Management
Acid sulphate soils (ASS) are the common name given to soils containing iron sulphides. These soils, which occur predominantly on coastal lowlands, may upon disturbance produce toxic quantities of acid and heavy metals leading to contamination of land and water ways along with degradation of structures. The effective management of ASS can significantly reduce the risks to construction programs and budgets when encountering potential ASS soils.
To assist our clients to assess and manage these issues, E3 employs some of Australia’s leading specialists who can develop sustainable solutions based on sound science and pragmatic engineering.
Some of our core capabilities in this area include:
- Assessment and determination of acid sulphate potential of waste rock, tailing sand soils;
- Excavation, treatment, disposal or reuse plans and advice;
- Groundwater removal and management strategies;
- Groundwater treatment and disposal strategies;
- Modeling and development of soil management and treatment strategies; and
- Monitoring and remediation strategy advice.
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