On-site Environmental Monitoring Services Australia

Starting up a new project and not sure where to start when it comes to environmental impact compliance?

At SERS, our expert environmental consultants can develop a comprehensive and complete Environmental Management Plan. These plans are tailored specifically for your site and will help you effectively manage the environmental issues of your project from planning through to delivery.

Environmental management plans describe how an action might impact on the natural environment in which it occurs and set out clear commitments from the person taking the action on how those impacts will be avoided, minimised and managed so that they are environmentally acceptable.

A strong environmental management plan identifies the important assets and the potential impacts of the development of the surrounding area. The plan will also describe management techniques and outcomes to avoid or mitigate impacts on the environment and measure environmental performance.

SERS environmental management plans are tailored to meet our clients environmental approval requirements, with detailed specifications and procedures covering site requirements, necessary licences and approvals.

Contact SERS today to organise your Environmental Management Plan.

Expert Environmental Project Management

With unrivalled and demonstrated experience in managing sustainable developments in the waste recycling, landfill and extractive industries, SERS Environmental Project Managers can manage and coordinate all the environmental aspects of projects such as:

• Regulatory liaison and management;
• Technical expertise and resourcing (people, equipment and materials);
• Project scheduling and delivery;
• Determination of optimum and efficient environmental approval strategies;
• Communicating and presenting project information;
• Environmental risk assessment, mitigation and management;
• Compliance management, sampling, analysis, auditing and reporting;
• Community and key stakeholder consultation;
• Managing and reporting on the environmental scope, aspects and budget; and
• Environmental close out and handover.

With offices in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin, our expert consultants can develop custom environmental management plans for any site in Australia.

Regulations

Regulatory decision making bodies who assess the environmental impacts arising from the implementation of a project often require the development of Environmental Management Plans in support of a planning or an environmental approval application.

With our established relationships with these bodies, SERS can provide our clients with cost effective, timely and environmentally acceptable plans and approvals.

Applications

At SERS, our highly trained Environmental Consultants have the unique capability and expertise to devise both your EMP and to prepare and lodge all your necessary applications.

We will work with the client to ensure requirements are met and understood by all parties. We will create detailed monitoring plans, record the locations of equipment, the duration of the project, trigger levels and criteria which must be adhered to during the works. (Static monitors for long durations, Class 1 Noise Monitors).

Environmental Noise and Vibration Management Plans often need to be submitted to the Planning Department for demolition works, which is a service which SERS can also provide.

Compliance

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) establishes a strong framework for protection of the environment and the conservation of biodiversity. It includes a broad range of enforcement mechanisms for managing suspected or identified instances of non-compliance and for reviewing the compliance of referred projects.

The Australian Government’s approach to maximising compliance with the EPBC Act is outlined in the Department’s EPBC Act Compliance and Enforcement Policy. This approach includes proactive compliance measures, as well as a range of enforcement mechanisms to address non-compliance.

The Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy is responsible for a range of regulatory functions under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Under the EPBC Act an approval is required from the Minister for any proposed action likely to have a significant impact on a matter protected by the EPBC Act.

The Minister, or his delegate, approves the taking of the action by signing an instrument of decision. Many approval decisions include a requirement for the approval holder to prepare and submit for approval by the Minster, environmental management plans.

School Environmental Management Plans

A School Environment Management Plan (SEMP) is a form that sets out the school community’s plan regarding environmental management and education. It is used as an agreement to work together across the whole school.

Putting a SEMP in place should be the school’s first step to preventing asbestos, noise, dust and vibration damage. A SEMP plan can help schools, parents, and children in a variety of ways.

SERS specialist environmental consultants provide a full range of dust monitoring services including air testing and monitoring for airborne dust.

Our dust monitoring services also include a detailed analysis of dust particles generated from different activities such as mining, drilling, tunnelling, bulk earthworks and other industrial processes. Monitoring is carried out in accordance with the relevant industry standards and regulations.

Environments such as construction sites are especially prone to health risks from airborne dust. A dust control strategy is necessary to minimise risk to all personnel and ensure conditions are safe.

Our dust monitoring programs are designed to:

Assess air quality;
Identify site generated dust;
Quantify the amount of dust; and
Determine appropriate management methods
Establishment of a program for dust control;
Continuous monitoring of airborne particles; and
Implementation to control dust exposure.
Contact SERS today for your dust monitoring services.

Data and Strategy
Dust monitoring services are backed up with a full environmental consultancy that deals in regulatory compliance. The data procured is then used to develop and implement the most appropriate dust control strategy.

Monitoring System Installations
Our specialists are able to install complete systems to meet client specifications and regulatory standards. Remote data systems installed give real time alerts and warnings to clients 24 hours a day.

Equipment Servicing
Equipment servicing including maintenance and repairs are completed in-house. There are no additional servicing charges for any of our equipment.

Dust Health Risks

Employers have a legal obligation to ensure safe working environments for all employees. Conditions must meet regulatory standards which are present across different industries from construction to mining. The prevention of occupational diseases continues to remain a top priority as new regulations are instituted.

One concern is health risks related to excessive exposure to dust. This continues to be an issue particularly for industries such as construction and mining. Inhaling dust particles over a long period of time contributes to lung disorders and other diseases. Particles from 0.001 to 0.1mm pose serious health concerns for the respiratory system. Precautions must be taken to ensure working conditions are safe for all personnel.

According to occupational safety procedures, assessing air quality is critical to prevent and minimise hazards in the working environment. Dust monitoring is conducted to measure and assess the concentration of airborne dust in the environment. Tests should only be carried out by qualified specialists with the appropriate equipment.

The information gathered during the air sampling process is essential to create an effective dust control strategy.

Environments such as construction sites are especially prone to health risks from airborne dust. A dust control strategy is necessary to minimise risk to all personnel and ensure conditions are safe. It also requires:

• Establishment of a program for dust control;
• Continuous monitoring of airborne particles; and
• Implementation to control dust exposure.

Reporting and Analysis

Results from the air testing and dust monitoring are reported back to clients meeting all regulatory standards. Our self managed systems are capable of measuring 3 particle sizes of dust in real time including PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. All units have their own power source and do not require mains power.

Our team are able to move monitoring equipment on a two hours’ notice within the Perth metropolitan area. The data downloaded from the units can be set at intervals according to client requirements. One fixed charge is made per billing cycle with absolutely no hidden fees or service charges.

SERS currently services subdivision sites with complete coordination between consultancy services and data procured under one service stream. Using our services ultimately helps your organisation save valuable time and money throughout the monitoring process. We offer highly competitive rates for a wide range of environmental projects.

Dust Sampling

Airborne dust can be sampled through static or personal means with personal dust sampling as the preferred approach. This approach quantifies dust concentration levels for a standard eight hour shift. Static sampling is performed to verify results from personal sampling.

SERS offers personal dusting monitoring. This service complements our hygiene monitoring capabilities in which we monitor for silica, perhaps the most harmful dust in mines. Harmfulness increases with the percentage of silica contained in the dust.

Our personnel routinely perform air testing and monitoring for airborne dust contained in the environment.

Regulation

SERS provides a full range of environmental services including air testing and monitoring for airborne dust. Our services also include a detailed analysis of dust particles generated from different activities such as mining, drilling, tunnelling, bulk earthworks and other industrial processes. Monitoring is carried out in accordance with the relevant industry standards and regulations.

SERS offers extensive Noise Monitoring services, including measuring noise levels and workers’ noise exposures. Our expert environmental consultants can identify any areas on your work site where excessive noise may be affecting your employees.

Our equipment consists of Class 1 Noise Monitors, both static and handheld. All equipment is externally calibrated every two years, serviced internally every year, and all units are calibrated using an acoustic calibrator prior to deployment on site. Acoustic calibrators are also externally calibrated every two years.

Contact SERS today for your noise monitoring services.

Noise Assessment Reports for mine-site compliance to Department of Mines and Petroleum (WA) standards
A Department of Mines and Petroleum Licensed Noise Officer will attend site and record a representative sample for each of the occupations onsite. The most at risk members of staff will be identified with recommendations provided to guarantee that the current level of hearing protection is adequate. The process includes the inspection of all areas for appropriate levels of warning signage, proposing new sound controlling barriers or usage of different equipment to perform the same task. This must be carried out within 12 months of operations and on a five-yearly basis if at risk occupations are onsite.

Noise Assessment Reports for compliance in the commercial sector to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards
A Noise Officer will attend site and record a representative sample for each of the occupations onsite. The most at risk members of staff will be identified with recommendations provided to guarantee that the current level of hearing protection is adequate. The process includes the inspection of all areas for appropriate levels of warning signage, proposing new sound controlling barriers or usage of different equipment to perform the same task.

Personal Noise Dosimetry

Personal noise dosimetry is carried out using a wearable Class 2 Noise Sensor (Casella D-Badge). This device is programmed prior to placing on a person and is tamperproof. Noise dosimetry is carried out with the aim of evaluating the average exposure of a worker over the period of a full shift, every five years.

Nuisance Noise Assessment (Residential Sector)

SERS can provide nuisance noise assessment services for the residential market. These assessments can be used for the purposes of reporting an offender to the City/Shire with an independent report, or helping the home owner prove that they are compliant with the regulations.

Nuisance Noise Assessment reports are extremely helpful in determining the cause of the noise, the likelihood of recurrence and ensuring that purchased products comply with their stated noise output i.e. air conditioning units.

Compliance

Our equipment consists of Class 1 Noise Monitors, both static and handheld. All equipment is externally calibrated every two years, serviced internally every year, and all units are calibrated using an acoustic calibrator prior to deployment onsite. Acoustic calibrators are also externally calibrated every two years.

SERS performs extensive water testing and water quality testing analysis. Water testing and analysis are critical to assess water supply, quality and in constructing a plan to address possible risks. The services we offer include a full range of water testing services, including monitoring, sampling, and analysis to determine the quality levels of surface and groundwater. Our specialist environmental consultants conduct all water testing in accordance with health and safety regulations across Australia.

Growing populations are putting increasing pressure on water utilities to ensure supplies are safe. A detailed water analysis allows utilities and treatment centres to plan for the future accordingly.

Routine water testing is necessary to identify any potential issues as quality drastically changes all year round, and the results gathered from these tests are essential to maintain water quality and make future plans based on the information.

SERS works extensively with clients across different industries including the mining and resources sector. Backed by extensive experience in water management solutions, our specialists are able to assess situations from minor spills for risk mitigation to bulk waterway surveys. We work according to client specifications for the services we provide including water management and remediation solutions.

Water Quality Testing

SERS offer comprehensive water testing, analysis and monitoring services.

What does quality testing include?

• Field sampling: We use specialised equipment and conduct all sampling according to strict procedures. We offer this service throughout Australia.
• Laboratory analysis: All samples collected in the field go through extensive testing in NATA accredited laboratories.
• Hydrometric services: We provide monitoring of the hydrological cycle including water quality and flow characteristics.
• Data analysis: We conduct comprehensive analysis of the water samples collected in our laboratories. We carefully assess quality and a number of other factors.
• Detailed reporting: Results from our analysis are then compiled into reports with all the relevant information.
  Our services play an important role to safeguard water supplies by detecting chemical compounds. Visual inspection alone is not sufficient to accurately identify chemical changes as more comprehensive testing is required. Our specialists use high precision equipment and techniques to deliver detailed reports.

Water Monitoring and Analysis
Following the collection of water samples, our professional water testing provides detailed analysis on the following:

pH
Salinity
Chloride
Sodium
Hardness
Electrical conductivity
Saturation index
Absorption ratio
Contamination testing to National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPM)

Water Testing Company Regulations
All work including data analysis and reporting are carried out in laboratories accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). Our specialist environmental consultants follow strict regulations in accordance to standards set by the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Water.

We also provide include ongoing water quality monitoring for regulatory compliance and environmental requirements. Our qualified environmental scientists and trained technicians handle these services in accordance to health regulations. Strict quality control procedures are put in place at all times.

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Water Monitoring Systems
SERS expert environmental consultants utilise the latest high-tech water monitoring systems to accurately collect, sample, monitor and analyse the water on your site. With thorough water testing at our NATA accredited labs all over Australia, our water monitoring systems are able to offer the highest degree of certainty in analysis.

Groundwater Testing
Groundwater testing is a core part of any successful water monitoring plan. Often including well monitoring and groundwater discovery, groundwater testing is performed with regular consultation with the client in order to meet all obligations and requirements.

Bore Water Monitoring
Bore water monitoring can be vital in ensuring the health and safety of your site. If your site draws water from bores, especially older installations, SERS recommends regular reviews and analysis of your bore. In the case of a compromised bore, SERS can advise and conduct a reinstallation of your bore water system and monitoring wells.

Keep your work site safe, minimise downtime and increase productivity by including Vibration Monitoring as a part of your environmental management plan!

Vibration Monitoring is a core component of condition monitoring for any and all heavy machinery used in commercial and industrial environments.

Heavy machinery used in commercial and industrial environments must go through routine testing to identify any major issues. Condition monitoring is a major aspect of predictive maintenance and involves measuring aspects such as vibrations. The process ensures safe operation of heavy machinery.

SERS have eight mobile vibration monitoring systems available to deliver detailed vibration analysis for your worksite.

Our specialist Environmental Consultants can install complete systems, provide servicing to our equipment at no additional charge, and install remote data systems to gather real-time alerts and warnings.

Contact SERS today for your vibration monitoring services.
vibration monitoring system

Why is Vibration Monitoring Important?

• Schedule maintenance for machinery
• Ensure safe operation for personnel
• Prevent machinery failure
• Extend machinery lifespan
• Minimise downtime
• Increase productivity

Machinery that is not monitored on a regular basis is more likely to lead to failure. Vibration monitoring services are typically used for rotating equipment such as pumps, electrical motors, and combustion engines. Visual inspections are often not sufficient to perform such tests as advanced equipment is needed for a complete analysis.

Vibration monitoring can identify problematic machine faults including misalignment and looseness. A periodic monitoring program assesses the vibration levels over time, giving a more detailed overview at the equipment. It also enables a more accurate assessment of any faults present in the equipment.

Vibration monitoring programs are strongly recommended as a precaution to minimise downtime and prevent unexpected failures. This is accomplished through scheduled maintenance leading to early detection. SERS has extensive experience with providing solutions for a range of machines across different industries.

Mobile Monitoring Services

SERS offers a range of vibration monitoring services that are tailored to meet client specifications and regulatory standards. We have eight mobile vibration monitoring systems available to deliver detailed vibration analysis for commercial and industrial environments. Our available mobile units do not require access to mains power as each is completely self-sufficient.

Our units are used on development sites, demolition sites and road construction works. The units are used to establish and monitor the effects of heavy machinery including piling rigs, rollers, loaders, excavators, rock breakers and heavy vehicles to surrounding sensitive receptors. The units are ideal for monitoring impact to residences, businesses and heritage buildings, and limit our clients liabilities to damage claims

Each unit is equipped with remote telecommunication systems and serviced by our team of specialists. Servicing of our equipment is completed in our in-house facilities at no extra charge. Our services are incredibly flexible with staff readily available to support clients as needed.

Our specialist environmental consultants are available to:

• Install complete systems
• Provide servicing to our equipment at no additional charge
• Install remote data systems to gather real time alerts and warnings

Data from our equipment is downloaded at set intervals established by the client. The data is then backed up with an environmental consultancy that deals extensively with regulatory compliance. Detailed feedback and advice are provided based on the data gathered

Our services are available within the CBD district of Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Darwin, regional areas of Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. Our clients include private developers and a number of ASX 200 listed companies. We offer complete coordination between the data and consultancy services under one stream.

Vibration Analysis

Vibration analysis is one of the most commonly used methods to gather detailed measurements. Vibration levels are then measured against historical baseline values to detect any anomalies and to assess severity. Interpreting the signals is an elaborate process that requires specialised experience.

At SERS, we use state of the art technologies for data procurement and analysis. Examining individual frequencies is a common technique in vibration analysis which can often be used to identify the root cause of any mechanical problems. Examples may include increased signals at specific frequencies.

Comprehensive vibration analysis can be used to detect equipment wear before failure occurs. This gives ample time to schedule maintenance or repair, minimising costly downtime as much as possible.

Frequency analysis is only one aspect of evaluating vibrations. SERS applies a number of techniques and specialised equipment for detailed assessments. Our professionals consider numerous aspects, from the historical trends of vibrations to bearing temperatures and more. Our analysts examine the data for any changes that may indicate an impending failure with the equipment. Larger machines typically employ permanent monitoring systems rather than the use of a handheld device.