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Regulations, approvals and compliance support

An EPA approval or licence may be required if your business is planning to undertake activities which risk causing harm to the environment or human health

The approvals and licensing processes can appear overwhelming to those unfamiliar with them, including small businesses looking to increase production, industries looking to diversify production, and developments using new technology unidentified in existing guidance documents.

Our experience in environmental management can guide you through these processes, helping you understand what’s required of you throughout the regulatory process. We’ll identify environmental risks you face and provide advice on how these risks can be managed, along with preparing your documentation, liaising with the EPA and managing the approval process. In addition, our engagement specialists can assist you with community consultation.

Risk Management and Monitoring Programs (RMMPs) provide a structured approach to managing and minimising risks associated with activities in alignment with the Victorian EPA’s General Environmental Duty. RMMPs may be a requirement as part of an Operating Licenses. The process for creating a compliant RMMP includes the following steps:

  • Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the environmental context of your activities
  • Describing site activities, including an analysis of inputs and outputs
  • Identifying environmental risks posed by these activities
  • Engaging with key internal and external stakeholders to clarify roles and responsibilities
  • Developing a conceptual site model
  • Creating an environmental risk register
  • Assessing existing operational controls, such as monitoring programs, management plans, training, and incident / emergency response plans.

 

RMCG specialises in creating ‘living’ management plans that meet EPA requirements. These documents are designed for ongoing use and updates, ensuring seamless integration with your existing environmental management systems. Our approach enhances ownership and engagement, making it easier for clients to maintain and update their risk management strategies.

Team

Matt Shanahan

Matt Shanahan

Managing Principal

B.Tech. (Env.)

Matt has been working in the water/irrigation industry for the past 15 years, having spent the last 12 years with RMCG consulting to a range of private and government clients.  Matt has worked extensively in the field of recycled water and organics management, having prepared master plans, land capability assessments, irrigation management plans and environmental management plans for a range of clients.  He is also experienced in the development of works approval applications and undertaking technical assessments involving the management of soils, nutrients and salinity/sodicity.

Anna Kelliher

Anna Kelliher

Principal

BA, BE (Hons), GAICD

Anna is an environmental engineer with 20 years’ experience in water and catchment management. She specialises in recycled water planning, irrigation modernisation, land capability assessment, environmental risk assessment and catchment condition reporting. Anna has experience working with industry, government, farmers and the community, and has developed sound teamwork, communication and project management skills.

Hilary Hall

Hilary Hall

Associate

Churchill Fellow, M.Eng.Sci. (Water & Wastewater Treatment), B.Eng. (Chem.)

Hilary believes in transforming waste to regenerate our environment and nourish our communities. Through considered management and appropriate treatment, wastewater and organic by-products can be used to enhance resource recovery, improve soil health and develop local circular economies. As a process engineer with expertise in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, Hilary’s experience includes strategic planning, concept design, regulatory approvals, contaminant investigations and environmental risk. In 2023 Hilary received a Churchill Fellowship, travelling throughout Europe to investigate biosolids regulation and use. With a background in wastewater operations, Hilary has a strong emphasis on developing strategies and management plans that are practical and site-specific.

Casey O’Toole

Casey O’Toole

Consultant

B.Env.Eng.(Hons), B.Sci.(Marine Science)

Casey is a dedicated environmental professional with extensive experience in waste management, project management, water conservation, and environmental technology for sustainability.

Casey is proficient in auditing practices that enhance operational efficiency to promote a circular economy. Her understanding of the management of waste by-products from industrial processes has allowed Casey to develop innovative solutions that comply with environmental regulations.

Having worked in both the public and private sectors in Australia Casey has successfully managed a variety of environmental projects while building strong relationships with all stakeholders.  Casey is committed to driving impactful environmental initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future.

Natasha Frazer

Natasha Frazer

Consultant

BSc (Chemical Systems)

Natasha has recently joined RMCG and has a degree and experience in Chemical Systems. She has an interest in the agri-food and environmental sectors and has theoretical and practical knowledge in process engineering, sustainability, agriculture and waste management.

Suzanne Roberts

Suzanne Roberts

Consultant

B.App.Sci. (Env.Mgt.)

Suzanne has had experience across a wide variety of projects, from loss assessment to town drainage studies and has experience in data collection, soil analysis, irrigation management, land capability studies, GIS mapping and groundwater analysis.

Samuel Lawson

Samuel Lawson

Senior Consultant

B.Sci. (Chemistry), M.Env.Mgt (ongoing)

Sam is a strategic leader in resource recovery, compliance and illegal waste, with experience in developing waste strategies, securing infrastructure funding and engaging stakeholders to drive circular economy outcomes.

Emily Tee

Emily Tee

Senior Consultant

B.Ag.Sci., Grad.Dip.App.Sci. (Hort), Dip.Bus.

Emily is a multi-skilled professional with experience in design, delivery and review of programs and projects in the environmental and agricultural sectors. She combines excellent strategic thinking skills with a proven ability to problem-solve and effectively communicate with colleagues and stakeholders. Emily has particular skills in relationship building and collaboration with individuals, teams and industry groups to lead and implement change and deliver on outcomes.

Michael Tempest

Michael Tempest

Senior Consultant

B Env

Michael is involved with projects relating to land use planning and environmental assessment and monitoring, including effluent reuse. He is also an Accredited Bushfire Hazard Practitioner.

Gemma Wakefield

Gemma Wakefield

Senior Consultant

B.Eng. (Env)(Hons)

Gemma is an environmental engineer who is passionate about sustainable water management and environmental protection.

She has six years’ experience in the water sector with technical skills in water quality, water resources and groundwater. She has applied her broad range of skills to deliver several large and complex projects relating to the assessment and management of land, groundwater and surface water.

She has planned and delivered environmental assessment projects for a range of public and private clients. She has prepared reports including conceptual site models, drought response plans, technical discussion papers, as well as contributed to other corporate documents e.g. urban water strategy and annual reports.

Gemma has experience working with emerging contaminants, including the assessment and management of PFAS. Gemma has experience scoping, planning and reporting on environmental assessment works according to industry standards. She has working knowledge of environmental regulatory framework.

Gemma has undertaken modelling of water resources, including demand forecasting, drought testing and yield assessments. She has developed and implemented data management processes to improve efficiencies.