Projects and Work Examples

An integral approach to regenerating exhausted quarry and mine sites, and holistically enriching both the site and its surrounding community.

Having completed his PhD in 2008 on transforming the Anglesea coal mine into a healthy lake, when the mine actually closed in 2015 Tim was inundated with requests for a copy of his thesis.

Since then the wheels of bureaucracy kicked into motion and in 2019-2020, Tim joined a team at Deakin University to investigate more innovative and insightful options for the mine and power station site.

Regenerating exhausted quarry and mine sites

»   Read Tim's chapter here

The old Warrnambool landfill which operated between 1980's to 1999 holds approx. 700,000 m3 of waste. Built and operated before modern design standard the site provides a number of challenges, the main two being leachate and landfill gas management. Ongoing monitoring and progressive management actions are reducing the risk impact, a new leachate extraction bore was recommended by Tim and has had a positive impact in reducing leachate signals from the landfill. Sourcing solar powered extraction systems were challenging, however solutions were found at an affordable costs to a regional council.

• Leachate extraction bores.
• Groundwater and landfill gas monitoring.
• Passive landfill gas biofilters.
• Annual EPA reporting.
  

Sonic drill rig used to install new leachate bore.

If you haven't heard of Piccini Ponds in Southeast South Australia, you best google it. A famous limestone upwelling and incredibly deep cave diving mecca, the usually crystal-clear water of the ponds has experienced algal problems in recent years. Managers got onto Tim through networks and asked for advice. Having to deal with algae since his first job at the water authority Tim new no quick fix was suitable at the ponds. Rather drawing on practical knowhow Tim suggested physical removal with the right tool for the job, which just happened to be his Hobie 14. The job was a great success with the SA managers sourcing their own small catamaran for ongoing cleaning as the ponds recover slowly.

• Algae harvest.
• Practical know how and finding the right tool for the job.
• People power makes a difference (not documents and meetings).

Algae harvesting using Tim's Hobie 14