By Dr David Tully, Contaminated Land Solutions Pty Ltd
Towards the end of 2024, ALGA’s Australasian Sustainable Remediation Forum (SuRF-ANZ) Specialist Interest Group conducted a survey among ALGA members regarding the adoption of sustainable management practices in their daily work. SuRF-UK, a sister organisation of SuRF-ANZ, defines sustainable management practices as “relatively simple, common sense actions that can be implemented at any stage in a land contamination management project to improve its environmental, social, and/or economic performance.” These practices were developed from Best Management Practices (BMPs) first promoted by the US EPA approximately fifteen years ago.
Survey Respondents
The survey is still open and the majority of survey respondents so far have been consultants, but the respondents have also included contractors, property/asset owners, a supplier/service provider, and a regulator.
Adoption of Sustainable Management Practices
Based on the survey responses, various sustainable management practices are being adopted in the assessment, remediation, and management of contaminated sites:
- Minimising waste production and disposal: Nearly 70% of respondents follow this approach.
- Optimising recycling and re-use of materials and equipment: Over 50% of respondents implement this practice.
- Using energy-efficient equipment: Over 40% of respondents adopt this practice.
- Minimising water use and/or recycling water.
- Minimising the use of fossil fuels.
- Using biodegradable materials when possible.
Constraints in Adopting Sustainable Practices
Several constraints were identified in adopting sustainable management practices:
- Budget limitations: Nearly 50% of respondents cited this as a constraint.
- Belief that they wouldn’t be following best practice.
- Additional time required to plan and execute.
- Clients potentially not being on board.
- Lack of company backing and insufficient training or resources.
- Unavailability of sustainable options.
- Circular economy awareness.
- Lack of knowledge about sustainable alternatives.
- Role limitations in environmental auditing.
Support for Sustainable Practices
The vast majority of respondents support ALGA and SuRF-ANZ in promoting and advocating for sustainable management practices and climate change mitigation in contaminated site management. ALGA and SuRF-ANZ are seeking more input from members on how to render day-to-day work more sustainable, including, but not limited to:
- Products, materials, and equipment that could reduce consumption and waste generation.
- Reducing the carbon footprint of procedures and practices.
- Minimizing constraints to the adoption of sustainable management practices.
- Amendments to guidelines and standards to reduce economic, social, and environmental impacts while protecting human health and ecosystems.
Members are encouraged to share their thoughts by completing the survey (Sustainable Management Practices Questionnaire Survey) or contacting David Tully (Co Chair, SuRF-ANZ) directly (david.tully@contaminatedlandsolutions.com.au).
This article was submitted as a SuRF ANZ Specialist Interest group Initiative.
