ACLCA Monthly Meeting – Online Presentation hosted by Stantec – Wednesday 13th of September 2023
The September monthly ACLCA meeting will be hosted by Stantec and will be an online presentation provided by Shaun Chambers and Kieran Brocx on the ‘Use of Drones to Support Mine Closure Execution’.
Please see below for more information on our presenters for the September member presentation and an overview of their presentation.
Shaun Chambers – Shaun is a Civil and Environmental Engineer with 4 years’ experience within the industry. Shaun has experience working in urban development, stormwater design, environmental engineering and road engineering. Shaun’s current role is an Environmental Engineer at Stantec’s Perth office however, he is currently placed full time at Argyle Diamond Mine working within the contaminated sites closure team.
Kieran Brocx – Kieran is an experienced multidisciplinary Environmental Scientist with a demonstrated history of working in environmental research and the environmental consulting industry. Kieran has experience working in marine and coastal science, contaminated sites, drone services and research and development roles. Kieran has passion for finding technical solutions to environmental problems using modern science and technology. Kieran’s current role is as an Environmental Scientist and RPAS (drone) Pilot at Stantec’s Perth office, placed full time at Argyle Diamond Mine working within the contaminated sites closure team.
Presentation Overview
Drones are increasingly being used in the field of environmental remediation to assess and monitor contaminated sites. By using drones equipped with cameras and sensors, environmental scientists and engineers can safely and efficiently collect data and monitor the health of contaminated sites without putting themselves or others at risk.
Stantec are currently implementing the use of drones for the Argyle Diamond Mine Closure project for several monitoring activities, including:
- Survey:
- Pre- and post-remediation surveys to track volume of known contaminated material
- Post-landfill capping surveys to ensure adequate protection from contaminated material
- Water sampling:
- Profiling of pit lakes to determine depth, water quality parameters and collection samples to assess contamination analytes
- Inspection of high risk and/or remote areas:
- Locating Goo-Wer-Inj (Cypress Pine) Trees as part of Native Title Claim for traditional owners
- Ongoing monitoring of mine landfills
- Weekly drone aerials to assess volume and waste types within landfills to ensure DWER license requirements are met
- Seeding large areas:
- Placement of seeds across large areas for native vegetation regrowth, following final earthwork land formation and placement of growth media
- Livestock herding post remediation:
- Herding livestock to prevent trampling and consumption of saplings in newly vegetated areas, when identified during weekly flights over fenced areas where infield planting has taken place
Overall, drones are proving to be a valuable tool for environmental professionals, by providing a safe and efficient way to assess, collect data and monitor contaminated sites. As drone technology continues to advance, innovative use of drones in contaminated sites will likely expand in the future.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 13th of September 2023
Time: 12:30pm.
Join via Teams meeting link sent to member companies via email
CPD points apply.