Science, Technology and Engineering

Environmental Geoscience

Graduates

Darren Bennetts

Senior Consultant, Peter J Ramsay and Associates

I began my university career studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science in 1998 at La Trobe University. During my course I majored in earth science, chemistry and soil science. I subsequently completed my honours in Earth Science under Dr. John Webb investigating the hydrogeology of a catchment significantly affected by salinity in Western Victoria (Willaura). My honours project was performed in conjunction with the Willaura Landcare Group and the Department of Primary Industries, which gave me important contact with industry. My honours year also allowed me to utilise many of the skills I had developed in my undergraduate studies in a practical sense.

Following the completion of my honours year, I commenced a PhD project. This essentially continued the theme of my honours research across a wider area of Western Victoria, known as the Hamilton basalt plains. The study involved appraising the geology, hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry and hydrology of the basalt plains, in order to conceptualise and quantify the extent of the groundwater flow systems influencing groundwater, surface water and soil salinisation in the study area. The study was predominantly performed on a regional scale, however two localised site specific studies were also performed in order to investigate the problem at a finer scale. The concepts developed from the study were then used to develop the most appropriate management strategies to combat salinisation in the area. The PhD project was performed in conjunction with the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.

Completing a PhD was an extremely fulfilling and enjoyable process. During the course I was lucky enough to be able to travel, present my work at various conferences, publish several journal papers and make a contribution to our understanding of salinisation in the Australian environment. I completed my PhD in February 2005.

Upon leaving La Trobe I began working for an environmental consulting company located in Melbourne as a hydrogeologist/environmental scientist. The work is multidisciplinary and utilises many of the skills I developed during my university studies, in particular training in geology, chemistry and soil science. We predominantly work on contaminated sites performing environmental audits, site assessments and remediation. This often involves conducting soil and groundwater assessments and advising on the suitability of a site for a proposed land use, or advising companies on how to improve their environmental objectives.

I have had the opportunity to work on many high profile developments, providing specialist advice in areas of groundwater contaminant modelling, soil vapour transport and human health risk assessment. Many of the projects I work on are very detailed in nature and are very rewarding to be involved in. Since we perform environmental audit, we have strong links with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), which involves regular liaison and consultation. Whilst most of the work is scientific, I also have exposure to facets of environment policy, management and law.

My background of a Bachelor of Environmental Science has enabled me to work in many exciting areas of environmental science, which is a rapidly evolving and rewarding work sector. There are many opportunities to travel and experience a wide range of disciplines in a range of environments.