A selection of projects from across Australia, the Maldives,
the United Arab Emirates, and the Galapagos Islands
the United Arab Emirates, and the Galapagos Islands
Australia
City of Gold Coast Long-term Recycled Water Release Project
With the population of the Gold Coast expanding, the Council of the City of Gold Coast identified the need to upgrade existing sewage treatment facilities and the associated infrastructure, including the recycled water release systems that empty treated recycled water into the Broadwater and the Seaway.
Jemma is part of the project management team managing the environmental baseline assessments, impacts assessments, approvals, construction, and ongoing operation of the project. Her role includes:
Jemma is part of the project management team managing the environmental baseline assessments, impacts assessments, approvals, construction, and ongoing operation of the project. Her role includes:
- Managing the ongoing baseline water quality monitoring program through the Broadwater and nearshore coastal areas around South Stradbroke Island and the Spit in conjunction with the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management
- Interpreting and communicating water quality monitoring results to the organisation and project-specific expert scientific panel
- Managing the hydrodynamic assessments and advection-dispersion modelling in conjunction with DHI, and interpreting and communicating the results and finding
- Managing the benthic habitat and marine ecological studies in conjunction with BMT WBM, and interpreting and communicating the findings
- Supporting the project team in obtaining and amending regulatory approvals
- Conducting sediment analysis from geophysics and geotechnical assessments, including bore logs and resistivity data, to inform the dredging and construction phases of the project
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
The City of Gold Coast was honoured to host the Commonwealth Games in 2018. With this came the responsibility to ensure that athletes were kept safe and healthy while competing. The International Triathlon Union has specific requirements for water quality standards during elite triathlon events, and the Council for the City of Gold Coast is currently developing and implementing water quality monitoring programs to track and manage water quality within the ITU parameters.
Jemma conducted extensive data analysis and developed a Bayesian Network Model to support the water quality monitoring program, and to inform potential risks relating to probabilistic relationships and conditional dependencies relating to water quality leading up to and during the Games.
Jemma conducted extensive data analysis and developed a Bayesian Network Model to support the water quality monitoring program, and to inform potential risks relating to probabilistic relationships and conditional dependencies relating to water quality leading up to and during the Games.
Broadwater Parklands Constructed Wetlands Monitoring Program
The Broadwater has dramatically changed as a result of significant urbanisation over the past 30 years. As a result, the habitat dynamics and system structure has been altered, and areas of estuarine wetlands have changed.
The City of Gold Coast constructed an area of mangroves, sea grass and salt marsh as part of the Broadwater Parklands development project, with the intent to re-instate some of the wetland areas lost during urbanisation, and to trial a sustainable urban water filtration system using wetlands.
Jemma is currently designing a comprehensive monitoring and assessment program to determine which establishment methodologies have been most successful, and to analyse the performance of the wetland against numerous scientific parameters related to sediment composition, vegetation health, sustainability, habitat establishment, and reproduction. The intent of the program is to determine whether the methodologies employed during the trial can be replicated in other urbanised estuaries.
The City of Gold Coast constructed an area of mangroves, sea grass and salt marsh as part of the Broadwater Parklands development project, with the intent to re-instate some of the wetland areas lost during urbanisation, and to trial a sustainable urban water filtration system using wetlands.
Jemma is currently designing a comprehensive monitoring and assessment program to determine which establishment methodologies have been most successful, and to analyse the performance of the wetland against numerous scientific parameters related to sediment composition, vegetation health, sustainability, habitat establishment, and reproduction. The intent of the program is to determine whether the methodologies employed during the trial can be replicated in other urbanised estuaries.
Northern Territory Aged Red Mud Rehabilitation and Growing Medium Trials
"Red mud" is a by-product of the aluminium industry, produced during the Bayer process when bauxite ore is processed under heat, pressure and chemical reaction to form alumina, which is then smelted to produce aluminium. Red muds are highly alkaline (often around pH 13 and 14) due to the addition of caustic soda during the Bayer process. At present, there is little potential to reuse or recycle red muds, and for the past 60 years or more, they have been stockpiled in extensive ponds until decommissioning is required.
East Arnhem Land is rich with bauxite, and also one of the most culturally rich and sacred lands in Australia. Mining and refining companies work closely with the local Indigenous communities to determine appropriate approaches to land management, including rehabilitation of the land.
Jemma developed and implemented rehabilitation trials at an aged (over 40 years old) red mud pond in East Arnhem Land that extensively investigated the potential for the aged red mud to retain nutrients and support a sustainable and native vegetation community. Following extensive physical and chemical analysis of the muds, organic materials were sourced from the local area that would provide the necessary nutrients and structure to support vegetation and remediate the muds. The key factors in the mud remediation were neutralisation, reduction of sodium (and dispersivity), and demobilisation of heavy metals. The trials utilised various ratios of gypsum and organic materials to decipher the most effective recipe, and resulted in significant physical and chemical changes in the muds. Species were selected based on those known to tolerate alkaline conditions, as well as those most relevant to the local community, and native to the peninsula. The success of the trials is still being monitored, and will be ongoing for a number of months to determine whether the recipe and methodologies can be applied to other areas of aged red muds.
East Arnhem Land is rich with bauxite, and also one of the most culturally rich and sacred lands in Australia. Mining and refining companies work closely with the local Indigenous communities to determine appropriate approaches to land management, including rehabilitation of the land.
Jemma developed and implemented rehabilitation trials at an aged (over 40 years old) red mud pond in East Arnhem Land that extensively investigated the potential for the aged red mud to retain nutrients and support a sustainable and native vegetation community. Following extensive physical and chemical analysis of the muds, organic materials were sourced from the local area that would provide the necessary nutrients and structure to support vegetation and remediate the muds. The key factors in the mud remediation were neutralisation, reduction of sodium (and dispersivity), and demobilisation of heavy metals. The trials utilised various ratios of gypsum and organic materials to decipher the most effective recipe, and resulted in significant physical and chemical changes in the muds. Species were selected based on those known to tolerate alkaline conditions, as well as those most relevant to the local community, and native to the peninsula. The success of the trials is still being monitored, and will be ongoing for a number of months to determine whether the recipe and methodologies can be applied to other areas of aged red muds.
Central Queensland Coal Mine Landscape Rehabilitation
The coal mining industry is extensive across central Queensland with a network of open cut pits that cover thousands of square kilometres. The mines vary in age, geology, regional ecosystem communities and habitats, catchment locations, and spatial extents, but all require progressive rehabilitation and restoration programs as areas of the mine become available.
Jemma has spent the better part of the past decade developing rehabilitation strategies, rehabilitation monitoring programs, rehabilitation monitoring techniques and protocols, and implementing rehabilitation programs across more than 10 mines in the Bowen and Surat Basins of central Queensland. From landform analysis using LiDAR and digital elevation modelling, to on-ground soil and erosion assessment and analysis; flora and fauna habitat monitoring, to analysing chemical properties of growing media from rehabilitated areas - Jemma has advised and collaborated with five of Australia's major mining companies to determine best-for-catchment environmental outcomes that are achievable within the context of the mining industry.
Jemma has spent the better part of the past decade developing rehabilitation strategies, rehabilitation monitoring programs, rehabilitation monitoring techniques and protocols, and implementing rehabilitation programs across more than 10 mines in the Bowen and Surat Basins of central Queensland. From landform analysis using LiDAR and digital elevation modelling, to on-ground soil and erosion assessment and analysis; flora and fauna habitat monitoring, to analysing chemical properties of growing media from rehabilitated areas - Jemma has advised and collaborated with five of Australia's major mining companies to determine best-for-catchment environmental outcomes that are achievable within the context of the mining industry.
Coal Seam Gas Catchment Rehabilitation and Restoration Strategies
Coal Seam Gas covers an enormous spatial area that can barely be seen on the ground. Well sites generally are no more than a hectare in size, and they are connected to centralised node infrastructure by a network of subterranean gathering pipelines and access tracks. This presents complex land management issues when conducting rehabilitation and restoration of the environment in areas that have been cleared for wells or infrastructure corridors.
Jemma has developed and implemented extensive rehabilitation strategies and monitoring programs for the CSG industry that integrate catchment management principles to restoration of spatially extensive and diverse disturbed environments.
Jemma has developed and implemented extensive rehabilitation strategies and monitoring programs for the CSG industry that integrate catchment management principles to restoration of spatially extensive and diverse disturbed environments.
Brine Dam Rehabilitation and Stabilisation
Water extracted for use in the resources industry often becomes a waste product that cannot be safely discharged to the environment. In such cases, it is stored in brine ponds and dams that, historically, were clay lined. With changes to legislation and permitting conditions in Queensland a few years ago, many industry operators were required to decommission older, now non-compliant, dams and replace them with engineered and fully lined alternatives. This resulted in the need to decommission and rehabilitate numerous aged dams that were surrounded by salt-impacted soils.
Jemma worked with industry to develop and implement rehabilitation methodologies, specifications, and strategies for decommissioning the dams, remediating and stabilising the soils, managing erosion, and re-establishing vegetation representative of the local ecological communities.
Jemma worked with industry to develop and implement rehabilitation methodologies, specifications, and strategies for decommissioning the dams, remediating and stabilising the soils, managing erosion, and re-establishing vegetation representative of the local ecological communities.
Hay Point Coastal Sediment Budget Model
The Queensland coast is home to a highly dynamic coastal sediment system that is influenced by some of the world's greatest ecological and geomorphological features - including the Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island. Furthermore, Queensland economy is dependent on the ability to export agricultural and resources industry products from numerous ports stretching from Cairns to Brisbane. Ports on Queensland's coastline require extensive maintenance to ensure navigability and safety is maintained. Part of the maintenance includes dredging and sediment management, which needs to be conducted in a manner that minimises environmental harm and disruption to coastal processes, but enables port and harbour masters to direct vessels in and out of port safely and effectively.
Jemma worked closely with the Port of Hay Point to develop a comprehensive numerical sediment budget model that would increase the overall understanding of sediment sources, sinks and transport in the coastal region surrounding Hay Point and Mackay. The model outputs are being used to refine dredge management plans and scheduling, and provide a deeper understanding of the catchment sediment contribution versus the coastal sediment contribution.
Jemma worked closely with the Port of Hay Point to develop a comprehensive numerical sediment budget model that would increase the overall understanding of sediment sources, sinks and transport in the coastal region surrounding Hay Point and Mackay. The model outputs are being used to refine dredge management plans and scheduling, and provide a deeper understanding of the catchment sediment contribution versus the coastal sediment contribution.
Great Barrier Reef Catchment Sediment Offset Assessment
Development on the Great Barrier Reef coastline is highly sensitive and has the potential to impact marine and coastal ecosystems if not informed by rigorous science. Furthermore, the Great Barrier Reef catchment is extensive and covered over a thousand square kilometres of diverse landscapes that have been developed in parts for agriculture, mining, and urban development.
Understanding the sediment and nutrient contribution from the catchment to the Great Barrier Reef is something that Australia takes seriously, and numerous projects and funding have been implemented to improve the understanding, awareness, and management strategies associated with industry in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment.
Jemma spent a year studying the sediment contributions from the Great Barrier Reef catchment to better understand their influence on water quality (specifically turbidity and suspended solids) on the inner, middle and outer reef. As part of this investigation, the influence of vegetation clearing, erosion and riparian vegetation disruption was also investigated to develop a better understanding as to the impact clearing has on the volume of sediment leaving the catchment, and the volume of fine particle sediments that could be offset from the Great Barrier Reef if erosion and sediment controls, including riparian restoration, were implemented effectively.
Understanding the sediment and nutrient contribution from the catchment to the Great Barrier Reef is something that Australia takes seriously, and numerous projects and funding have been implemented to improve the understanding, awareness, and management strategies associated with industry in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment.
Jemma spent a year studying the sediment contributions from the Great Barrier Reef catchment to better understand their influence on water quality (specifically turbidity and suspended solids) on the inner, middle and outer reef. As part of this investigation, the influence of vegetation clearing, erosion and riparian vegetation disruption was also investigated to develop a better understanding as to the impact clearing has on the volume of sediment leaving the catchment, and the volume of fine particle sediments that could be offset from the Great Barrier Reef if erosion and sediment controls, including riparian restoration, were implemented effectively.
United Arab Emirates
Yas Island Mangrove Restoration
Yas Island is the entertainment precinct in Abu Dhabi and is home to theme parks, water parks, international shopping and food and beverage outlets, and the Formula One Grand Prix circuit. Yas Island is also a sand island and important mangrove habitat for migratory sea birds.
Construction on the island has been ongoing for almost ten years and has involved clearing of native coastal vegetation and reclamation to enable construction to take place.
Jemma worked with developers and local NGOs to assess the coastal zone and mangrove health to determine the impact of construction on mangrove (grey mangrove species) habitats. Some areas of mangrove were showing signs of stress and, in some cases, were experiencing die-back. Restoration and rehabilitation plans were developed and a strategy to manage the impact of construction was implemented to reduce the loss of mangrove habitat on the island going forward.
Construction on the island has been ongoing for almost ten years and has involved clearing of native coastal vegetation and reclamation to enable construction to take place.
Jemma worked with developers and local NGOs to assess the coastal zone and mangrove health to determine the impact of construction on mangrove (grey mangrove species) habitats. Some areas of mangrove were showing signs of stress and, in some cases, were experiencing die-back. Restoration and rehabilitation plans were developed and a strategy to manage the impact of construction was implemented to reduce the loss of mangrove habitat on the island going forward.
Mangrove Propagation Trials - Emirates Marine Environmental Group
Large expanses of the Arabian Gulf coastline within the United Arab Emirates has been developed as part of the development boom during the early 2000's in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The construction of palm-shaped islands has altered the sediment dynamics of the coastline, and ongoing reclamation and clearing works continues to put stress on the coastal geomorphology and ecosystems. The Emirates Marine Environmental Group, established by Major Ali Saqar Sultan Al Suweidi in 1996, has been working to protect, restore and conserve areas of the marine and coastal environment.
Jemma worked with EMEG for three years during her time in the United Arab Emirates, providing support in propagating grey mangrove cuttings and seeds for restoration purposes, trialling re-establishment, and restoring over a kilometre of mangrove habitat along the coastal zone between Abu Dhabi and Dubai Emirates.
Jemma worked with EMEG for three years during her time in the United Arab Emirates, providing support in propagating grey mangrove cuttings and seeds for restoration purposes, trialling re-establishment, and restoring over a kilometre of mangrove habitat along the coastal zone between Abu Dhabi and Dubai Emirates.
Yas Island Waste Management and Recycling Strategy
During the early development of Yas Island, it was noted among the first establishments that an integrated waste management strategy was needed for the island to enable waste to be managed sustainably, effectively, efficiently, and to promote composting and recycling practices island-wide.
Jemma was the Environment Manager for Farah Leisure Parks Management during the construction and commissioning of the company's first operation - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. As one of the first venues on Yas Island, Jemma was responsible for developing and implementing a waste management system for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi that dealt with all waste streams - from hazardous and chemical wastes, to organic food wastes and domestic waste. Jemma was intent on developing a sustainable waste management system that promote the 3Rs - reduce, reuse, recycle. Collaborating with the other occupants of Yas Island was critical for the success of the system, and so the Yas Island Waste Management and Recycling Strategy was born.
Jemma was the Environment Manager for Farah Leisure Parks Management during the construction and commissioning of the company's first operation - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. As one of the first venues on Yas Island, Jemma was responsible for developing and implementing a waste management system for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi that dealt with all waste streams - from hazardous and chemical wastes, to organic food wastes and domestic waste. Jemma was intent on developing a sustainable waste management system that promote the 3Rs - reduce, reuse, recycle. Collaborating with the other occupants of Yas Island was critical for the success of the system, and so the Yas Island Waste Management and Recycling Strategy was born.
Maldives
Island Adaptation - Designing for Coastal Inundation and Erosion
The islands that make up the Maldivian archipelago mostly sit at two to three metres above sea level, which leaves them very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as tidal inundation, extreme weather events, and sea level rise. Many of the islands have been developed for tourism and converted into single resort islands. In many cases, resorts clear vegetation on the coastal fringes to create beaches and access to the ocean for guests. However, clearing vegetation often removes the only natural defence the island has from tidal inundation.
Jemma spent a year studying the impacts of vegetation clearing from island coastal fringes and the potential for coastal vegetation to provide a second line of defence (after coral reefs and ocean floor topography). The study saw Jemma spend two months visiting various resorts in the Maldives and conducting coastal zone assessments to determine the level of clearing, erosion, and existing protection. The study culminated in Jemma's MA (Hons) thesis, which was later published.
Jemma spent a year studying the impacts of vegetation clearing from island coastal fringes and the potential for coastal vegetation to provide a second line of defence (after coral reefs and ocean floor topography). The study saw Jemma spend two months visiting various resorts in the Maldives and conducting coastal zone assessments to determine the level of clearing, erosion, and existing protection. The study culminated in Jemma's MA (Hons) thesis, which was later published.
Coral Translocation and Assisted Growth - Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Environmental Research Station
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Environmental Research Station is positioned in the centre of the Maldivian archipelago. The station was created to provide a centre for marine research within the Maldives and contribute to the resort chain's sustainability commitments. The station conducts turtle and shark breeding programs that rehabilitate and restore injured turtles and sharks, as well as running a breeding program to manage and replenish species numbers in the local area.
In 2007, the research station trialled low voltage electrolysis to facilitate coral growth utilising a wire mesh frame. Jemma was part of the trial and assisted in installing the wire mesh frame at approximately 6 metres depth, and monitoring the growth of calcium and habitation of coral polyps and translocation on the frame. The trials proved successful and were further replicated around the resort island to increase the recolonisation of the reef after the devastating impacts of the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami.
In 2007, the research station trialled low voltage electrolysis to facilitate coral growth utilising a wire mesh frame. Jemma was part of the trial and assisted in installing the wire mesh frame at approximately 6 metres depth, and monitoring the growth of calcium and habitation of coral polyps and translocation on the frame. The trials proved successful and were further replicated around the resort island to increase the recolonisation of the reef after the devastating impacts of the 2005 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Sustainable Tourism - Boardwalk Design Eidhigalhi Kuhli Nature Reserve
The Eidhigalhi Kuhli lake and surrounding coconut palm forest was declared a protected area in 2009 following the ratification of the study and report conducted by Jemma in 2007. Access to the area was previously unrestricted, which resulted in the abuse of the natural environment, including illegal dumping of waste, burning, and coral mining from the ridges surrounding the lake.
Jemma developed a concept master plan for the Eidhigalhi Kuhli area as part of her Master's final major project that included a series of raised boardwalks that reduced the impact visitors had on the natural environment in the area, and directed people to stay on the constructed walkways, and conserve areas of jungle not previously disturbed. The walkways were constructed and opened in 2015, linking the main entrance to the protected area to key fishing and viewing points in the forest.
Jemma developed a concept master plan for the Eidhigalhi Kuhli area as part of her Master's final major project that included a series of raised boardwalks that reduced the impact visitors had on the natural environment in the area, and directed people to stay on the constructed walkways, and conserve areas of jungle not previously disturbed. The walkways were constructed and opened in 2015, linking the main entrance to the protected area to key fishing and viewing points in the forest.
Notional Environmental Impact Assessment - Eidhigalhi Kuhli and Surrounds
Pressure from the tourism industry to develop pristine areas of the Maldives is an ongoing threat to the local environment. Hithadhoo, in Seenu (Addu) Atoll, sits at the most southerly point of the Maldivian archipelago, and as far away from the tourism centre of Male as you can get. In 2007, only one resort existed on the island at Gan - a remnant of bygone days when the British Navy used Gan as a staging post for Indian Ocean operations. Long since departed, the island is a thriving local community of business and fishing that is staunchly independent from the rest of the country.
At the western tip of Hithadhoo Island, the Eidhigalhi Kuhli - a perched fresh water body - is surrounded by relatively undisturbed coconut palm jungle and mangrove habitat that is an important nesting area for local and migratory birds, marine mammals and fisheries, and reptiles. The area has long been used for herbal medicine by the local population, as well as a recreational area for locals to relax and experience nature.
The Eidhigalhi Kuhli area was under constant threat of development, and in 2007 Maavahi (a local environmental NGO) engaged Jemma to conduct a full environmental impact assessment against the notion of proposed development for tourism. The assessment included baseline data collection of marine, coastal and terrestrial environments, including mangroves, reefs, beaches, upperstorey and lowerstorey vegetation, cultural significances, and social land uses. The resultant report recommended the area be designated a protected area and excluded from development by the Government of the Maldives. In 2009, the then Minister of the Environment ratified the report and declared the Eidhigalhi Kuhli area a national protected area.
At the western tip of Hithadhoo Island, the Eidhigalhi Kuhli - a perched fresh water body - is surrounded by relatively undisturbed coconut palm jungle and mangrove habitat that is an important nesting area for local and migratory birds, marine mammals and fisheries, and reptiles. The area has long been used for herbal medicine by the local population, as well as a recreational area for locals to relax and experience nature.
The Eidhigalhi Kuhli area was under constant threat of development, and in 2007 Maavahi (a local environmental NGO) engaged Jemma to conduct a full environmental impact assessment against the notion of proposed development for tourism. The assessment included baseline data collection of marine, coastal and terrestrial environments, including mangroves, reefs, beaches, upperstorey and lowerstorey vegetation, cultural significances, and social land uses. The resultant report recommended the area be designated a protected area and excluded from development by the Government of the Maldives. In 2009, the then Minister of the Environment ratified the report and declared the Eidhigalhi Kuhli area a national protected area.
Galapagos Islands
Jatan Sacha Environmental Education Centre and Native Nursery
Jatan Sacha is an environmental NGO based in Ecuador. The San Cristobal Biological Station was established by Jatan Sacha in response to the rapidly declining health of native vegetation as a direct result of the introduction of exotic and invasive species, and lacking conservation as a result of local poverty. The NGO developed the Station to respond to the introduction of non-native species (plants and insects), estimated at one or two new species introduced to the islands every day, mainly through the importation of food to the islands from mainland Ecuador.
Jemma joined Jatan Sacha on San Cristobal and was part of one of the founding groups that established the biological station in 2005, constructing education facilities, developing the native produce gardens, and educating local farmers on biological controls and hygiene practices to help them propagate native crops and protect them from invasive species.
Jemma joined Jatan Sacha on San Cristobal and was part of one of the founding groups that established the biological station in 2005, constructing education facilities, developing the native produce gardens, and educating local farmers on biological controls and hygiene practices to help them propagate native crops and protect them from invasive species.