The big flood of February 28, 2022, was devastating to the Lismore and Northern Rivers communities. In some instances, our natural disaster allows opportunity to emerge that has a lasting impact on not just our flood recovery but future recoveries throughout Australia.

That was the case recently, when the region’s top engineers and engineering projects were named at the 2023 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards - People & Projects Newcastle, held at the Newcastle Club. 

The Newcastle Project of the Year was Biological Leachate Remediation produced by ENV Solutions (ENV) T/A ENV Remediation Services and ENV Services NSW Public Works - Department of Regional NSW.

After flood waters damaged the East Lismore tip and sewage plant, leading to 20 million litres of polluted water, the NSW Public Works team took charge to handle the repairs. They got help from ENV, a company skilled in environmental fixes, to produce a temporary way to clean this water.

ENV used a method they called Biological Leachate Remediation (BLR). This method used a mix of techniques to clean the water, removing things like metals and harmful chemicals.

ENV's approach was not only friendly to the environment but also cost-effective. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has suggested the method could be used in other places and for different water-cleaning tasks.

“The Engineers Australia Excellence Awards celebrate excellence in engineering and remind us of the enormous impact engineers have on our daily lives,” said Helen Link, Engineers Australia GM Newcastle. 

“This recognition gives them a platform to both highlight their groundbreaking work and advocate for the engineering profession, laying a foundation and inspiration for those coming after them. We are not just applauding their achievements, but also setting a standard and vision for the future of engineering.”