AEA has devised a survey to better understand your environmental audit priorities, needs and view as an industry professional. We want to know what’s most important to you and any potential improvements with the current audit system and how this fits within your organisation. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey and have your say. Your feedback is invaluable. Click here to add your input. This survey is confidential and all details and results relating to the survey will not include details of the submitting company or individuals.
Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) have permeated products globally for decades. Being man-made there is no natural bacteria that will degrade the compound. They are pervasive and are very soluble – so once it rains or during a fire it will impact local surface water bodies and groundwater. The main industries that have potential PFC presence may include airports, aviation facilities, firefighting/training facilities, chrome plating, manufacturing, wastewater storage, and landfills. PFC exposure brings into the public numerous, very sensitive concerns about its effect on humans and disabilities that are incurred. This has sparked concern and interest in regulatory authorities. Recent guidance has indicated that specific practices should be employed on sites being assessed for PFCs. It is imperative that guidance is followed and AEA auditors provide confidence that the process implemented on site is consistent with the most recent guidance. Read more…
AEA staff and their families joined EP Risk Management for an enjoyable and relaxing camping experience in the ‘Valley of a Thousand Hills’ in Victoria at the weekend. It was complete with a bonfire, BBQ and bonhomie, and was a great opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and each other’s company. Enjoyed by all; no doubt this will become a seasonal ritual for a bit of fun and bonding.
The South Australian EPA is closely involved in improvements to SA’s planning strategy through the assessment of potential environmental issues associated with development. EPA has prepared position statements and guidelines to help local government planners, developers, consultants, and the community to better understand the EPA’s position on air quality, noise, radiation, waste, wastewater, and water quality in the context of the state’s planning system. These position statements and guidelines assist those preparing planning documents to understand how the environment can be safeguarded within planning strategy and policy guidelines documents. EPA’s planning staff can be contacted to discuss the EPA’s expectations on environmental protection for any proposed planning policy matter or development. AEA also supports these improvements and are keen to assist developers and planners to understand these updates, and how it may affect their projects, once announced and implemented. The full story is available here.
AEA’s talented expert winemaker, Phil Hitchcock, treated clients and friends to a Christmas special by gifting his very own prestigious Hunter Valley wine. To top it off, the bottling was done by AEA staff at our yearly get together, and it looks like it’s gone down a treat! As one happy recipient put it “Please let your colleagues know how much we enjoyed this wine celebrating a family event with enough people to do the big bottle justice.”
In 2015, Jean-Paul Pearce was successful in his application for appointment as an environmental auditor (contaminated land) in Victoria and a contaminated land auditor in Queensland, building upon his 2012 accreditation in South Australia. Jean-Paul has over 15 years’ experience in the industry and continues to be a valued AEA employee since commencing in 2014. On behalf of all the AEA team, huge congratulations to Jean-Paul on the further recognition of his skills!
AEA staff from around Australia joined Phil Hitchock, expert winemaker, on his farm and winery in Hunter Valley for the second year in a row! Arriving Friday night, staff kicked off the weekend with a delicious barbeque on the farm followed by a wine sensory challenge where staff were expected to put all their senses to the test. Following a night filled with many laughs and maybe too many beers, on the Saturday morning staff enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading over to Phil’s winery to assist him in bottling and labelling his Pinot Noir. In the afternoon, AEA staff visited some local wineries and a brewery in Maitland before ending the night with a good old fashioned game of cricket. The highlight of the trip was (once again) taste testing the Pinot Noir! A special thanks to Phil and Scarlett for organising yet another enjoyable and memorable trip!
AEA’s very own Phil Hitchcock is well on his way to becoming one of Australia’s leading winemakers. His latest batch of Cabernet Sauvignon was made in the Hunter Valley with grapes from the Hilltops region. Hilltop grapes Phil made the wine using old world techniques (minimal intervention/additions) so that the ‘sense of place’ of the vineyard shines through. Grape pulp following juice extraction Phil describes his creation: “The aroma is dominated by lifted blackcurrants with undertones of chocolate and coffee. The dark berries carry through to the palate where the strong tannins provide the backbone. Matured in 50% French Oak and should age for at least 6 – 8 years.” Just excuse us while we have a glass or five.
AEA is excited to announce that Peter Alderson will be joining our office in Perth. An accredited auditor in Western Australia with over 23 years’ experience in the industry, Peter has a rich and diverse work history. You can find out more about Peter here.
It’s been a busy few months for the Adelaide office who now welcome Jean-Paul Pearce onboard! Jean-Paul is an accredited auditor in South Australia and the President of the South Australian ACLCA. With over 14 years’ experience, the addition of Jean-Paul establishes the Adelaide office as South Australia’s leading environmental auditing business. Click here to read more about Jean-Paul.