Bob Symons serves as the Regional Technical Manager for Eurofins Environment Testing Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand, where he oversees contaminants of emerging concern and contributes to the PFAS global peer group.

Holding a Ph.D. in Environmental Analytical Chemistry from La Trobe University and an undergraduate degree from Victoria University in Melbourne, Bob brings a wealth of academic expertise to his role. He has previously served as a member of the NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia) Life Sciences Accreditation Advisory Committee and currently acts as a Technical Assessor for ISO/IEC 17025 as well as a committee member of ALGA's special interest group on Emerging Contaminants.

Bob's research pursuits have primarily focused on the analysis of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), encompassing dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs, PBDEs, PPCPs, and PFAS, employing advanced mass spectrometric techniques. Notably, he has played a pivotal role in pioneering commercial microplastics analytical methodologies within Australia, underscoring his commitment to advancing environmental testing capabilities.

In this episode you’ll learn about emerging contaminants such as microplastics and PFAS. Shonelle and Bob also discuss rising concerns surrounding environmental waste from pharmaceuticals and personal care products, as well as the safe disposal of electronics, including smartphones, lithium-ion batteries, and electric vehicle batteries.

Bob shares his advice to those working in local council to ask lots of questions when working to manage contaminated land, and where needed to employ the help of laboratories like Eurofins Emerging Contaminants Laboratory or the Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants at the University of Melbourne.

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Are you a local NSW council member looking for more resources like this?

You are invited to join the Local Government NSW Contaminated Land Network!

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) hosts a free, online network for council staff on the topic of contaminated land. The network includes an online forum for collaboration, information sharing and announcements about contaminated land regulation, guidance and training opportunities. Monthly meetings are held on themes that were set by the network participants, with presentations from regulators, technical experts, and case studies by councils.

Since the contaminated land network commenced in December 2023, more than 50% of NSW councils have joined, with over 200 participants. Feedback shows that councils are benefitting greatly from the network meetings and discussion on the platform, and we are pleased to invite you to join us.

To join the network, please use this link: https://lgsa.wufoo.com/forms/w1rf0os910rxyl6/

The contaminated land network forms part of a project called “Councils Managing Contaminated Land Together” funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) to support capacity building and informed decision-making by those involved in contaminated land management in councils.

We hope to see you on the network soon!

Emerging Contaminants, Microplastics, and PFAS with Dr Bob Symons

Today on Beyond The Green Line, Shonelle Gleeson-Willey talks with Osprey Orielle Lake.

Founder and executive director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), Osprey works internationally with grassroots, BIPOC and Indigenous leaders, policymakers, and diverse coalitions to build climate justice, resilient communities, and a just transition to a decentralized, democratized clean-energy future.

She sits on the executive committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature and on the steering committee for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Osprey’s writing about climate justice, relationships with nature, women in leadership, and other topics has been featured in The Guardian, Earth Island Journal, The Ecologist, Ms. Magazine and many other publications.

In this episode Osprey shares her experience in advocating for change alongside diverse communities. She discusses some of the root causes of the climate crisis, and why we need to seek systemic change in order to see a real difference.

You’ll hear about the pivotal role women play in decreasing carbon emissions and bringing about lasting change, as well as the importance of indigenous rights and how earth centred cultures may hold the key to healing ecosystems and living harmoniously with the land.

Learn more about Osprey and read her latest book ‘The Story Is In Our Bones: How Worldviews And Climate Justice Can Remake A World In Crisis’ at https://ospreyoriellelake.earth/

The Knowledge of Earth-Centered Cultures, the Key to Tackling Climate Change

In this episode, Shonelle chats with two special guests, Dr Danielle Toase and Dr Lange Jorstad.

Danielle Toase is an Environmental Manager, with a BSc in environmental science and PhD in environmental geochemistry. She has over 10 years experience across the fields of environmental research, regulation, remediation contracting, consulting and corporate environmental management.

Danielle has worked at multiple complex PFAS contamination since 2016, particularly at aviation sites or sites where multiple sources of PFAS exist. Her interests surround PFAS fingerprinting, source delineation, remediation technologies and the circular economy. Danielle is also an active member of ALGA, having recently been appointed to the Board of Directors and is an honorary research associate at Macquarie University.

Lange Jorstad is a Principal Hydrogeologist at Geosyntec Consultants, with a BSc in geological sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a PhD in contaminant hydrogeology from UNSW. He has over 20 years’ experience as a consulting hydrogeologist, specialising in contaminant fate and transport and environmental geochemistry.

Lange is a NSW EPA accredited Site Auditor and Certified Environmental Practitioner – Site Contamination Specialist, is an active member of the ALGA groundwater fate and transport special interest group, and provides university lectures on groundwater, contamination and sustainable remediation. He has provided consulting and auditing services for PFAS-contaminated properties for government and industry clients since 2015, including local development sites, fuel terminals, landfills, and airports.

You’ll hear how they got started in their respective fields, including Danielle’s PhD studies in Antarctica focused on chemical fixation of heavy metals in legacy landfills using orthophosphate and silica reagents.

Lange shares advice for local councils investigating landfills as a contamination source, and the evolution of groundwater remediation from pump and treat to in situ technologies, and Danielle discusses the purpose of PFAS fingerprinting and why it’s important especially in complex hydrogeology and sites with multiple potential sources of PFAS.

Groundwater Contamination with Dr Danielle Toase and Dr Lange Jorstad 

On today’s episode of Beyond the Green Line, Shonelle Gleeson-Willey talks with Trent Romer, author of the books ‘This is Our Home: A Sustainability Story to Help You Start Your Own Eco-Friendly Journey’ and ‘Finding Sustainability: The Personal and Professional Journey of a Plastic Bag Manufacturer’.

Trent is a 3rd generation co-owner of his family’s business Clear View Bag Co., Inc founded in 1961 by his grandfather.

In this episode he talks about what inspired him to turn to more sustainable options. Trent knew the changes he made needed to be good for the business and good for the planet. 

He shares the changes his company made, such as reducing waste, hosting educational events for employees, and implementing the company vision of ‘Healthy Planet. Healthy People. Healthy Company’.

Trent offers a number of ways consumers can make a real impact, and reminds businesses to keep in mind the cost of inaction.

Trent’s latest book ‘This Is Our Home: A Sustainability Story to Help You Start Your Own Eco-Friendly Journey’ is written for people who want to move in a sustainable direction, but feel overwhelmed, wondering 'How do I begin my journey and what do I do after I start?'.

Progress is better than perfection, and Trent hopes to inspire those he reaches that we can each make choices, no matter how small, that move us in the right direction.

Learn more about Trent’s work and buy his books:

https://trentromer.com/

From Plastic Bags to Sustainable Packaging: Lessons Learned From Business Owner and Author Trent Romer

In this special episode of Beyond The Green Line, Shonelle Gleeson-Willey is delighted to announce that Moss Environmental has merged with OzEnvironmental Pty Ltd, a like-minded boutique rural consultancy.

OzEnvironmental, under the direction of Adjunct Professor Warwick Giblin, has operated since 2011 in the discipline of environmental and social impact management. It has built a formidable reputation acting for rural councils and landholders on energy and mining projects across Australia, including NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

With this merger, Moss Environmental propels itself into new dimensions of service excellence. Our environment and heritage service offerings are expanding, and our capabilities in the realm of environmental impact assessment, including community impact and stakeholder engagement, are taking a giant leap forward.

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Becoming aware of a large project in the approvals process in their area can lead to much uncertainty and distress. A local council may become aware of a proposed development through the planning portal or from the developer themselves.

The vast majority of current renewable energy projects, for example, will be determined at a state level because they fall into the category of state significant development or Critical State Significant Infrastructure. That's why it's so important that council understands their role in the approval process and makes their voice heard through well researched submissions and negotiations during the development of the voluntary planning agreement.

Landowners can become aware of pending development plans through a variety of different avenues, including a letter that's been posted, a social media post, or a knock on the door.

Often, people will experience physical and mental wellness challenges because of resulting worry. They begin to wonder what will happen to their piece of paradise, whether they will receive compensation, and how they will retain a voice in the daunting power dynamic of dealing with developers.

Warwick encourages people in this situation to rally community, build a support network, and utilize professional advice from an environmental practitioner who is familiar with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and the assessment and determination process.

In this episode you’ll hear Shonelle and Warwick share stories about their mutual desire to see communication between developers and affected communities be more balanced. Too often, meetings seem to involve developers telling communities how the process will go, and Warwick believes a change in this dynamic will only happen when developers are truly convinced that it’s in their best interests to take the voices of the community into account, even in the early planning stages.

If you're interested to know more about the expanded services now offered by Moss Environmental, please visit our website at www.mossenviro.com.au [http://www.mossenviro.com.au/]

Helping Communities Maintain a Voice During the Renewable Energy Boom with Warwick Giblin

Sarah Mansfield is an environment and planning lawyer based in Sydney with more than 14 years experience. 

Sarah has extensive transactional, litigation and advisory experience. She advises and acts for government authorities, land owners, developers and financial institutions on matters related to contaminated land, pollution, waste, vegetation and planning and environmental approvals. 

In this episode, Sarah and Shonelle discuss the numerous types of legal issues commonly addressed in regards to contaminated land management (from large scale commercial and industrial sites to smaller scale residential types) as well as the differences between site remediation via the CLM Act, POEO Act, and the EP&A Act.

You'll also hear their perspective on the new consolidated SEPP and the current deficiencies which haven't yet been amended, as well as some legal difficulties councils should be aware of in terms of doing their due diligence and disclosing all available records of potential relevance to land purchasers.

Thanks so much for listening! 

Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and stay tuned for the next episode of Contamination Station: Safer Environment Together.





Navigating Legal Aspects of Contaminated Land Management with Special Counsel, Sarah Mansfield

Joel Little started his professional environmental career working in wildlife conservation across south eastern Australia. A move back closer to home saw him take up an offer for an Environmental Officer role in a regional NSW Council.  
 
Fast forward over fifteen years and Joel has utilised the exposure to the wide range of situations that local government offered to start his own consultancy business, helping residents, businesses and Councils in dealing with the complex issues surrounding environmental assessment, contaminated land, soil and water management and biodiversity. 
 
In this episode, Joel shares a message to those just starting out in the environmental industry, and reflects on his own career starting out in wildlife conservation, then working with local government, to now operating his own consultancy. 
 
You’ll hear what led Joel to go from “just giving it a year or two” in local government to working with council for nearly fifteen years. 
 
Together, Shonelle and Joel discuss the importance of effective communication skills in the environmental industry, and consider some issues and opportunities in regards to renewable energy, specifically solar and wind farms in Australia. 
 
Thanks for listening! Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and stay tuned for the next episode of Contamination Station: Safer Environment Together. 

 

A Wild Career: Creating Balance Between the Brown and Black of Contaminated Land Management with Joel Little

In this episode Peter Brennan joins Shonelle to share his extensive experience in the environmental industry.

Peter currently works as Coordinator Environmental Services at a local Council in NSW and has previously worked as Senior Program Officer at the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Regional Environmental Program Manager at Hunter Joint Organisation, and Environmental Security Project Officer at Lake Macquarie City Council.

You'll hear Peter and Shonelle share their unique perspectives on what is required to build capacity for better management of contaminated land at the local level.

Thanks so much for listening! 

Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and stay tuned for the next episode of Contamination Station: Safer Environment Together.

Building Capacity for Better Management of Contaminated Land with Peter Brennan

Anna Lundmark is the Director and Principal Consultant at StellaNord Consulting. She is a Certified Site Contamination Specialist under the CEnvP scheme, with 20 years’ experience in contaminated land. 

Prior to starting her own business, she was the Manager for Science and Innovation at Hunter Water, Regional Program Manager for Contaminated Land at Hunter JO, and Principal Environmental Consultant at AECOM.

In this episode, Anna discusses the benefit she's seen first hand in adopting a structured approach to change management, through her training in the PROSCI Change Management course.

Anna also shares the Contaminated Land resources on the Hunter Joint Organisation website which are available for free to any council at www.hunterjo.com.au/projects/regional-contaminated-land-program [https://www.hunterjo.com.au/projects/regional-contaminated-land-program/]

Thanks so much for listening! 

Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and stay tuned for the next episode of Contamination Station: Safer Environment Together.




The Benefit of a Structured Change Management Approach with Anna Lundmark

For the past three years, James Maxwell has served as Environment & Compliance Manager for Moree Plains Shire Council, a rural LGA in northwest NSW.

While James still considers himself to be relatively new to local government, he brings 10 years of environmental consultancy experience into the role, with a focus on development impact assessment, contaminated land management and asbestos assessment.

Since joining Moree Council, James has spearheaded the integrated management of a large and growing number of burnt, derelict and asbestos-containing properties within the Shire, working cross agency and with the community. 

James joins us in this episode to share his direct experience, and a powerful perspective shift of viewing contaminated land as an issue at the community level, and not just as a 'problem to be solved'.

You'll hear insight into the impact a lack of technical expertise can have in rural areas, what it takes to deal with asbestos issues in dilapidated properties that have been left unmanaged, and why we must consider contaminated land, especially asbestos issues, as a human and community issue. 

Thanks for listening! Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast, and stay tuned for the next episode of Contamination Station: Safer Environment Together.




Contaminated Land as a Human Issue with James Maxwell

The only podcast hooking you up for a virtual coffee date with some of the leading change-makers, industry experts and everyday activists in environmental sciences. Hosted by Shonelle Gleeson-Willey and her team of earth-advocates at Moss Environmental, we crack down on big topics like sustainability and conservation and break them into bite-sized chunks of inspiration and actionable steps that you can use to unleash the eco-warrior inside you. So invite your friends, pull up a chair, and get ready for inspiration, ideas, insights, and real-life stories beyond the green line we balance along.

Beyond The Green Line

Contamination Station: Safer Environment Together is an EPA initiative to gather learnings from the management of contaminated land at the local level. Whether you're working in the field of contaminated land, or simply interested in protecting the environment, you'll find this podcast to be a wealth of information and resources to help us all come together to create a safer environment together.

Hosted by Shonelle Gleeson-Willey,  environment and sustainability expert, educator, speaker and CEO of Moss Environmental. You'll hear from experts across a kaleidoscope of backgrounds, experience and knowledge in the field of contaminated land.

So put your headphones in, grab a cup of coffee, and tune in for some insightful stories.



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