Waste + Water Management Australia V45.4 Dec 2018/Jan 2019

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WASTE + WATER MANAGEMENT AUSTRALIA DEC 2018/JAN 2019

V45.4

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BUCHER MUNICIPAL

Shining a Spotlight on the Might of Australian Manufacturing

Introducing SPORT Gen 6 Side Loader

Providing savings straight to your bottom line!

Latest in Technology

Improved Productivity

Reduced Maintenance

• Bucher IQ CANBus Control System with 12” Touchscreen, the perfect balance of simplicity and technology

• UG-6 Universal Grab provides improved productivity – picking up 20% more bins per hour

• UG-6 Grab provides up to 25% reduction in parts costs compared to previous bin lifter

• Bucher Hydraulic Oil Tank and Integrated Cooling System – provides longer hydraulic oil and component life

• New compaction paddle design with larger surface area – providing faster hopper clearance

• Integrated Bucher camera system with split screen capabilities for improved safety vision

• Compact tailgate allows for shorter legal wheelbase – provides better manoeuvrability in small streets and cul-de-sacs

• New paddle design – reduces maintenance required in the hopper to remove items wrapped around paddle

• Optional remote access and diagnostics system for preventative maintenance

Customer Support Centre 65-73 Nantilla Road, Clayton North, Vic. 3168 Australia Phone +61 3 9271 6400 Fax +61 3 9271 6480

Customer Service Centre Southern Region (VIC/TAS) Unit 6, 80-84 Fairbank Road, Clayton South, Vic. 3169 Australia Phone +61 3 8558 3600 Fax +61 3 8558 3640

Customer Service Centre Central Region (NSW) Unit 2, 9 Enterprise Place, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164 Australia Phone +61 2 8787 9600 Fax +61 2 8787 9696

Customer Service Centre Western Region (WA,SA,NT) 76 Grey Street, Bassendean, WA 6054 Australia Phone +61 8 9370 7900 Fax +61 8 9370 7998

Customer Service Centre Northern Region (QLD) 50 Buchanan Road, Banyo, QLD 4014 Australia Phone +61 7 3363 6400 Fax +61 7 3363 6499

• The Gen 6 provides up to 35% reduction in maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle

Customer Service Centre Western Victoria 35 Spencer Street, Sunshine, Vic. 3020 Australia Phone +61 3 9314 8928 Fax +61 3 9318 0938

Customer Service Centre Central Region (NSW) (Compactors) 35 Walker Street, South Windsor, NSW 2756 Australia Phone +61 2 4577 3099 Fax +61 2 4577 3022

Customer Service Centre South Australia 4 Newcastle Crescent, Cavan, SA 5094 Australia Phone +61 8 8168 2222 Fax +61 8 8168 2240

refuse@buchermunicipal.com.au www.buchermunicipal.com.au Quality ISO 9001

contents Published by:

Editorial and Publishing Consultants Pty Ltd

ABN 85 007 693 138 PO Box 510, Broadford Victoria 3658 Australia Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Int’l: +61 3 5784 3438 Fax: +61 3 5784 2210 www.epcgroup.com Publisher and Managing Editor Anthony T Schmidt Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Mobile: 0414 788 900 Email: ats@epcgroup.com Business Development Manager Lawrence Whiter Mobile: 0418 543 821 Email: lawrencewhiter@bigpond.com National Advertising Sales Manager Yuri Mamistvalov Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Mobile: 0419 339 865 Email: yuri@epcgroup.com Advertising Sales - SA Jodie Gaffney - AmAgo Mobile: 0439 749 993 Email: jodie@amago.com.au Advertising Sales - WA Licia Salomone - OKeeffe Media Mobile: 0412 080 600 Email: licia@okm.com.au Graphic Design Annette Epifanidis Mobile: 0416 087 412

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Copyright ©2018 - EPC Media Group

CIRCULATION 6,215 Registered by Australia Post Publication No. 100001890

ISSN 1838-7098

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Editor's Column

4

Industry News

Dec 2018/Jan 2019 Volume 45 Number 4

10 Cover Feature: Bucher Municipal SPORT Gen 6 Launch

4

14 Food Waste 18

National Precast Feature

20 Innovative Solutions 22 Product Focus: Aussie Pumps 24 Fleet Maintenance

18

26 Focus on Water 29 Wastewater Treatment 30 Product Focus: Mobile Smart Sinks™ 32 Climate Change

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34 Renewable Energy 38 Special Report: Crisis in the Classroom 40 Case Study: SWAN Systems Irrigation Software

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42 Electric Vehicles

About the Cover Building on the long and successful history of its industryleading SPORT (Single Person Operated Refuse Truck) side-loader collection vehicle, Bucher Municipal’s Australian designed and built SPORT Gen 6 not only looks set to become the new benchmark in refuse collection vehicle performance, productivity and efficiency, it’s also delivering a valuable boost for Australian manufacturing and providing major export opportunities.

Turn to Page 10 for the full story.

EDITORS COLUMN

Surely We’re Better Than This?

Is it time to get back to basics on litter prevention?

Dear Readers, While one the benefits of my job is that it provides me with an opportunity to regularly visit destinations across Australia, in recent years, I fear that it would be easy to believe that our beautiful country is slowly drowning under an ever-expanding sea of litter. And it’s not just in the major capitals or rural and regional centres!

In recent times, I’ve noticed (much to my alarm) that no matter where I am in Australia, I don’t have to cast my gaze very far at all to find some form of litter or discarded waste item.

From food and beverage containers, fast food wrappers and the ever-pervasive cigarette butts, through to larger bags of household garbage and other discarded items, it seems that everywhere I go I see litter and other illegally disposed of waste.

What’s more, it also appears to be a problem that’s getting worse… and no, I don’t think it’s just that I’m getting older, grumpier or more observant!

It quite genuinely seems to me that an everincreasing number of people have little or no concern as to where they dispose of their unwanted garbage.

With that in mind, I am led to ask one fairly obvious question… why?

Why, after so many years of successful campaigns by State and Local Governments and other great organisations such as Keep Australia Beautiful and Tidy Towns (to name just two), and after so many of the late, great 2

Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

Ian Kiernan’s Clean Up Australia Day cleanups, do we still appear to be drowning in litter and other discarded waste?

• Is it a lack of education?

• Is it the cost of correct disposal?

• Is it a lack of available disposal options?

• Is it that people just don’t care any more, and that nothing will help alleviate the problem?

Personally, while I believe that the first two points may be contributing factors, I’m not prepared to ‘forgive’ offenders and lay the blame entirely at someone else’s feet.

That said, I believe that anti-litter education campaigns – such as the many great campaigns run by Keep Australia Beautiful, and their state counterparts including KESAB, whose South Australian campaigns I still recall from growing up in Adelaide – play a critical role in reducing littering; not only by pointing out that it is both illegal and ‘just plain wrong’, but also by attaching an anti-social stigma to littering that encourages people to ‘call it out’ and/or report it if they see it happening.

As for the cost of correct disposal, particularly for excess household waste, I do believe that it is a contributing factor – particularly in lower socio-economic environments.

In short, if you are struggling to pay utilities and other bills, an additional $40+ for a trip to the transfer station doesn’t stand a chance.

And while I clearly understand the cost impost that waste processing and disposal places

on local governments, it is simply a matter of fact… there are those that will dump their waste by the roadside or on vacant / public land because in their mind, they can’t justify the cost.

As for the third point, at least we seem to have turned away from what I believed at the time (and still believe) was a misguided opinion that if we removed public waste bins we could save money and resources, and that people would ‘take their rubbish home with them to dispose of it’.

I think feel certain that history will clearly demonstrate that if you want to prevent people from throwing the garbage on the ground, the first thing you need to do, is to provide them with a bin to put it in.

That, finally, brings me to point four, which in my mind is simply not an option.

We cannot simply ‘give up’ on trying to eliminate littering and dumpling, no more than we can allow offenders to get away with it.

What’s more, I believe that if we combine education, cost control / subsidies and plenty of disposal facilities, we will have removed any excuse – and at that stage, penalties and punitive measures should be extremely harsh.

Anthony T Schmidt Managing Editor

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

FOR TOUGH AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS

www.mastec.com.au Head Office - Adelaide 6 Creswell Road Largs North SA 5016 Ph: +61 8 8259 9700

Melbourne Branch 22 - 26 Ventura Place Dandenong Vic 3175 Ph: +61 3 9798 0888

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3/6 Chullora Bend Jandakot WA 6164 Ph: +61 8 9414 1827

New Zealand Branch

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Moving milk to glass and ditch the plastic Synergy, CSIRO “We worked out that we need a little over Wins National $400,000 to fund the change-over. We have access to about half of that, for the rest we Sustainability are hoping to pre-sell milk home delivery subscriptions on our website and we are Award

Do you remember the clink of milk bottles on the doorstep, peeling back the lid on a fresh bottle of milk and being the first to experience the creamy goodness inside? The team at Big River Milk do. Yet somehow the magic of real milk in real glass has mostly been forgotten, along with the planet, as the milk industry produced billions of disposable plastic bottles.

Big River Milk are starting a movement in right the wrong, ditch the plastic and return milk to glass, delivered fresh to the door every day in re-washable and refillable glass bottles.

“We were really hit by the Australian ABC show ‘War on Waste’. It made us start to think about plastic in the supply chain and how can we get rid of it” said Peter Watt of Big River Milk. “We use around 500,000 bottles a year, and we’re only a small producer. It’s mind boggling to think how much plastic goes into the system.”

Big River Milk have quickly worked out that it isn’t going to be easy, and it’s not going to be cheap. “The move away from plastic is worthwhile, but we really didn’t fathom just how many changes that we would have to make to our systems. From the bottle cleaning machines, right through to upgrading the weight rating of the trucks that deliver our milk - it’s all got to change!”

While this is returning to old-school milk delivery, Big River are turning to modern day activism to help achieve their goal.

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Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

also turning to crowdfunding site Indiegogo to get like-minded people to help us raise the funds. In return we’ve come up with a series of packages from t-shirts right through to naming rights for our cows,” Peter says, “It’s just our way of giving people that we can’t supply our milk too to join our movement back to old fashioned milk, in glass, the way it should be.”

Even after only three days, the engagement Big River Milk have been getting through their social media channels has been phenomenal.

“It’s obviously struck a nerve,” exclaims Peter; “we are getting hundreds of supportive comments in our posts, it looks like glass is something people feel strongly about.’’

The next step is getting people to help fund the process to eradicate plastic from the supply chain for Big River Milk. People between Tweed Heads and Port Macquarie can purchase a milk subscription on www.bigrivermilk.com.au, but supporters from around the world can search for the campaign on Indiegogo and join the movement by purchasing a piece of the company’s MooOvement merchandise or donating to the cause to help them reach their target and start delivering milk in glass bottles sooner.

To learn more about Big River Milk, the Indiegogo crowdfunding venture or the move to glass bottles, please visit: www.bigrivermilk.com.au

The Synergy building at the CSIRO Black Mountain campus won an award for sustainability in the Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) National awards that were announced during November. According to the jury they were “…impressed by the collaboration between the client, the architect and the consultant team, which led to two primary sustainability focuses – ventilation and daylight.”

They noted how “Daylight is mediated through the external louvred sunscreen, while ventilation is controlled by an integrated system that draws air into the building via operable sashes on the façade and expels it through the atrium via two thermal chimneys.”

“Architecturally, the building derives its expression from the surrounding Australian landscape and the tectonic quality of the devices and technology used to create a naturally ventilated “mixed mode” workplace for the scientific community.”

This national award is in addition to four awards won earlier in the year that included two prestigious named awards– The Romaldo Guirgola Award for Public Architecture and The Derek Wrigley Award for Sustainable Architecture in the RAIA’s ACT Chapter awards.

Synergy was also the winner of the Work Space award at the 2018 Asia Pacific INDE. Awards where it was noted that “The science sector brings a new vision to the workplace revolution.”

ABOUT BIG RIVER MILK Big River is a small dairy farm on the Clarence River in New South Wales. The dairy began as five small dairy plots on Lawrence Road that joined together to build a boutique pasteurisation and bottling plant. The ambition was to return milk to being real milk just the way it should be. In the last eleven years, Big River Milk has worked to strip away the additives, the mixing, the blending and the over-processing of milk, and get to a point where they only give their customers what the cow gives the diary. Every drop of milk delivered from Big River Milk comes only from the animals they have nurtured from birth. They do not buy or bottle milk from other farms or animals. That way they can guarantee the highest standard of animal welfare for their Jerseys, while also guaranteeing that not a single additive or permeate enters the milk.

Photo by John Gollings

THE KEY TO QUALITY

BY SCHWARZE

INDUSTRY NEWS

Sustainable development on the agenda for paint industry gathering The United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals were on the agenda at Covestro’s recent inaugural Paint industry sustainability breakfast in Melbourne. Hosted by Rebecca Lee, Managing Director of Covestro Australia, the breakfast seminar was attended by leading executives from Australia’s paint industry, as well as local and international sustainability experts.

Guest speakers included Dr Barbara Nebal, CEO of Thinkstep Australia; Karen Gomez, CEO of Paintback, Rebecca Lucore, Head of Sustainability and CSR, Covestro USA, and Rebecca Lee, Managing Director, Covestro Australia.

According to Karen Gomez from Paintback, Australia’s leading paint recycling and disposal initiative, “Australians throw away a whopping 15 million kilograms of unused paint and containers every year. Having the backing of companies such as Covestro helps us to responsibly collect the paint and ensure that it doesn’t enter land fill or find its way into vital water ways”.

As a manufacturer of plastics and polymers, which are used in paint production, Covestro has a sound history of spearheading

sustainable development initiatives around the globe. The company was an early adaptor of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals when they were released in 2015, and it continues to support meaningful change in local communities around the world.

For Rebecca Lee, Managing Director of Covestro Australia, today’s meeting of paint industry specialists was an ideal opportunity to revisit the important topic of sustainability in paint production, use and disposal; “As a company that contributes to the paint production process, we are serious about finding sustainable solutions to paint product lifecycles. This extends from our early production processes, all the way through to working with end-of-life product stewardship and recycling initiatives. Supporting initiatives like Paintback is an important way for us to close the loop on sustainability and be a serious contributor to the circular economy.

For more information on Paintback, visit: www.paintback.com.au

Western Australians waging war on waste Champions of waste reduction and recycling have been recognised at this year’s Infinity Awards. The annual Waste Authority awards showcase the contributions of Western Australians who are leading the way to a lower waste future.

Workpower’s Balcatta Re-use Shop, which provides employment opportunities for people with disability, took out two titles - Waste Initiative of the Year and Waste Team of the Year. The shop, which turns trash to treasure, diverts almost 5,000 tonnes of waste from landfill every year.

Former Port Hedland mayor and founder of the Care for Hedland Environment Association, Kelly Howlett was awarded the WA Waste Award for 2018 for her hands-on work promoting a litter free community and encouraging recycling and sustainability.

Carnarvon-based environmental entrepreneur Joanne Bumbak was named 2018 Waste Champion - producing preserves and ice cream from 36 tonnes of ‘rescued’ fruit and vegetables which would

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otherwise have been dumped in landfill.

Plastic Free July Foundation took out the Community Waste Award for its Plastic Free July Challenge, which this year saw 3.4 million people worldwide pledge to live without plastic for a month.

Mindarie Regional Council won the Waste Innovation of the Year title for its Face Your Waste transparent kerbside bin campaign showing the scale of household waste.

Other winners included Subiaco-based, waste-free restaurant New Normal Bar + Kitchen and Southern Metropolitan Regional Council and the City of Melville for the successful rollout of its trial of a food organics and garden organics three-bin recycling system.

Schools were also recognised for their significant contribution to waste education throughout the State. Hillcrest Primary School was named Waste Wise School of the Year, and Year 12 Presbyterian Ladies’ College student Sacha Winter was recognised for leading sustainability initiatives to dramatically reduce the amount of waste produced by her school.

ABC journalist Lisa Morrison won the Media Award for a series of reports that localised the popular War on Waste national campaign.

In congratulating the winners of this year’s Infinity Awards, Western Australia Environment Minister, Stephen Dawson, said he was inspired by all the amazing waste reduction stories and projects, and the way that the winners have motivated others.

“There was a record-breaking number of nominations for this year’s awards from organisations and individuals waging WA’s war against waste,” the Minister said.

“Working together, the Government, Waste Authority and community of Western Australia make a formidable team when it comes to changing behaviour to divert waste from landfill, reduce, reuse and recycle,” he added.

WHAT YOU THINK IS THE END IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

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TOMORROW’S SOLUTIONS. TODAY

INDUSTRY NEWS

Zero Net Carbon Homes pilot program moves forward

Report highlights hidden hazards on New Zealand’s beaches New research has revealed that New Zealand’s world-famous beaches may not be as clean as previously perceived, with litterrelated injuries to beachgoers on the rise.

Researchers from Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute and the University of Waikato conducted the first investigation of its kind examining beach-litter related injuries. The researchers examined the safety risks that rubbish posed to beach visitors using injury claims collected from New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation between 2007 and 2016.

“Marine debris and beach litter is an unrecognised but pervasive hazard to people of all ages, with a specific risk posed to young children,” Lead Researcher and Chevron Harry Butler Chair of Biosecurity and Environmental Science, Marnie Campbell said.

“This has rarely been explored globally, and never in New Zealand.

“This study lays the groundwork to understand the true costs of beach litter and impacts on human health, which we hope will inform beach management policies and awareness campaigns.”

Professor Campbell said that while New Zealand’s iconic beaches attracted more than 800,000 international tourists, as well as locals each year – a general understanding of the hazards posed by litter was poor.

“Human use of marine environments is increasing on an annual basis, especially recreational and tourism activities on beaches,” Professor Campbell said.

“Unfortunately, this increasing use is coupled with an increase in beach litter that can potentially raise the risk of personal injury.”

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The study found loss of balance, punctures, tripping, twisting movement and being knocked over by an object were the most common causes of injuries.

There was a wide range of injuries, including infected wounds, soft tissue strains, damage to the eye, fractures and dislocations.

In some cases, incidents of broken bones, infections from needle stick jabs, and even blindness were reported.

Disconcertingly, around 30 per cent of injuries were reported in children under 14, which researchers said signified a high risk of exposure to this “vulnerable element of society”.

“Young children are naïve when interacting in the environment, and in similar vein to animal interactions with litter, young children can mistakenly swallow items, be attracted to colour, and not read warning labels,” Professor Campbell said.

“Interestingly, injuries are more likely to occur on beaches that looked clean rather than those with visible pollution, as people’s perception of risk is lower.”

While the financial impact of this issue on the nation’s billion-dollar tourism industry cannot yet be quantified, Professor Campbell believes was just a matter of time.

“Clean beaches are a thing of the past; more than six million items enter the seas each day, much of which ends up on beaches,” she said.

“Beach users are becoming significantly concerned with beach cleanliness and safety; we know that tourists are ‘unhappy’ with dirty beaches – and both children and local residents are concerned.”

The Harry Butler Institute plans to conduct a similar study on the human health impact of litter on Australian beachgoers in the near future.

Program participants have been announced for the $2.18 million Zero Net Carbon Homes pilot program. Stockland, Metricon Homes and SJD Homes, in partnership with Parklea, will develop energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable homes for sale in Melbourne’s high-growth suburbs.

The houses will incorporate energyefficient design features such as extra ceiling and wall insulation, and double glazing to achieve a higher House Energy Rating.

Sustainability Victoria CEO, Stan Krpan said, “Between now and 2050 an estimated two million new homes will be built in Victoria.

“The volume housing market presents one of the biggest, most readily available and untapped opportunities for emission reductions, cost savings, improved health and wellbeing, as well as productivity in the residential sector.

“Through the Zero Net Carbon Homes pilot program, SJD Homes, Parklea, Stockland and Metricon Homes will offer their customers homes that are affordable to heat and cool and provide year-round comfort.”

“With more zero net carbon homes, Victoria is diversifying its building stock, stimulating the economy and reducing bills for homeowners,” Mr Krpan said.

Funded by the Victorian Government, the Zero Net Carbon Homes pilot program has been designed to act as a catalyst for market transformation in the new home market, as there is currently minimal supply of high efficiency, low carbon dwellings.

Research conducted by Sustainability Victoria identified that zero net carbon homes will contribute to lowering emissions across the residential sector towards meeting the Victorian Government’s 2050 emissions target.

The modelling shows that new high efficiency, low emissions homes could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy use in the home by around six tonnes a year, with the emissions from electricity and gas use offset by the electricity generated by a rooftop PV system, and almost halve energy bills compared with a standard home.

INDUSTRY NEWS

UQ researcher takes to the high seas to help preserve the Great Barrier Reef Professor Justin Marshall, from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute, will join the Search for Solutions cruise organised by the non-profit Great Barrier Reef Legacy (GBRLegacy) enterprise and the Northern Escape Collection tour company.

The trip will take Australia’s top marine scientists, photographers, film-makers and educators to the far-northern Great Barrier Reef in an attempt to build a community solution to the continued loss of habitat.

Professor Marshall is the founder and director the CoralWatch citizen science project that encourages non-scientists to contribute information about coral health to a global database.

“More important than just gathering data is helping participants understand what is happening to our reefs and why,” Professor Marshall said.

“A great way to do that is by encouraging participation in science – on the reef, at home and in the class.

“We will be filming the underwater environment with the latest 360-degree cameras, and GBR-Legacy and CoralWatch will work together to create a new immersive virtual reality reef experience to educate school and community groups.”

CoralWatch Manager Diana Kleine, who took part in the GBR-Legacy’s 2017 expedition, said she hoped this trip would be just as successful.

“The data collected on this expedition will help us understand why some sites and corals survived the mass bleachings in 2016/2017, and will help contribute to CoralWatch’s mission of raising awareness and encouraging a sustainable future,” she said.

GBR Legacy founders Dr Dean Miller and John Rumney have gathered some of the world’s best photographers and film-makers to record the reef as it spawns this year.

They include National Geographic legend David Doubilet, Australian Geographic

photographer of the year Justin Gilligan, and Miller himself, who helped film for Sir David Attenborough’s “Great Barrier Reef Series”.

Mr Rumney said the expedition coincided with a US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) heightened alert for another bleaching event this summer.

“That would make three consecutive years of bleaching events, which severely challenges the remaining reef,” Mr Rumney said.

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ANAEROBIC WASTE REDUCTION

COVER FEATURE

AUSTRALIAN MADE AND LEADING THE WAY Bucher Municipal introduces the next generation of waste collection equipment… and it’s made right here in Australia

Photo: Benjamin Eriksson ©2019

Building on the long and successful history of its industry-leading SPORT (Single Person Operated Refuse Truck) side-loader collection vehicle, Australian refuse, vacuum and street sweeping equipment manufacturer, Bucher Municipal, recently unveiled the next generation of this iconic model at a major waste industry event in Melbourne.

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Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

COVER FEATURE

L

oaded with the latest features

well, but that it also provided a clear

have worked together and with our many

and technology, the Australian

example of the benefits of taking a

customers to develop and deliver a product

designed and built SPORT Gen 6

‘customer-focused approach’ to product

which meets - and in many instances,

not only looks set to become the

development and design.

completely exceeds - our customers’ needs

new benchmark in refuse collection vehicle

“We’re extremely proud of the new

and expectations,” he said.

“Importantly, the fact that this world-

performance, productivity and efficiency,

SPORT Gen 6 unit,” David Waldron said.

it’s also delivering a valuable boost for

“For us it represents much more that just a

class vehicle is designed and built right here

Australian manufacturing and providing

new model of an existing product. It really is

in Melbourne, not only provides tangible

major export opportunities.

a significant step forward in terms of refuse

proof that Australian manufacturing is

collection vehicle technology, performance

going strong, it also shows that by focusing

and productivity.”

on quality products and service, and

Speaking at the launch event, Bucher Municipal Managing Director, David Waldron, said that the SPORT Gen 6

“What’s more, it stands as testament

developing products to meet customers’

was not only proof that Australian

to the hard work and dedication of the

needs, Australian manufacturers can still

manufacturing is very much alive and

entire Bucher Municipal team – all of whom

compete in a global market,” he added.

Shining a Spotlight on the Might of Australian Manufacturing Flying in the face of the popular misconception that ‘Australian Manufacturing is dead’, both the new SPORT Gen 6 model, and Bucher Municipal’s ongoing success and growth, are also serving to highlight the true ‘might of Australian manufacturing’.

David Waldron, explained: “With the plant closures and move to off-shore manufacturing that has occurred across a range of industries in recent years – particularly across the motor vehicle industry – it’s easy to see, and perhaps understandable, why many people might think that it’s all over for Australian manufacturing.”

Photo: Mick Russell ©2019

“We’re here to say that nothing could be further from the truth,” he added.

“Australian manufacturing is very much alive and well, and in cases such as ours, it’s thriving!”

Not surprisingly, an integral part of Bucher Municipal’s manufacturing success, is its dual focus on quality products and ‘world’s best practice’ manufacturing capabilities.

“For us, it’s always been about ensuring

Photo: Benjamin Eriksson ©2019

quality manufacturing approach’ is clearly

that we utilise the best available equipment,

evidenced by the company’s ongoing

materials and technologies to develop and

success and growth,” he added.

manufacture the highest quality products,” David Waldron said.

“In short, we believe that the best way

Employing more than 350 workers nationally, Bucher Municipal has operations around the country, including two world-

for us to compete in what has largely

class manufacturing facilities in Victoria.

become a low-cost global environment,

Located in Clayton and Scoresby in

is to design and manufacture products

Melbourne’s outer south-east, they are some

which we believe are unmatched in terms

of the most modern and technologically-

of both quality and performance. And

advanced specialist heavy vehicle

we’re proud to say, the success of this ‘total

manufacturing facilities in Australia.

Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

11

COVER FEATURE

SPORT Gen 6: Making a Good Thing Even Better First released in 1991, the SPORT sideloader quickly became the collection vehicle

From a performance perspective, features

navigation through its on-screen menu.

On screen warnings provide the operator

such as the new high-efficiency hydraulic oil

of choice for many councils and waste &

with visible notifications for optimal safety,

tank with reduced oil volume and integrated

recycling companies across Australia,

while animated and lit-up on screen icons

cooling system for low oil temperature;

New Zealand and beyond. Available in a

provide visual confirmation of functions

improved sub-frame, body and tailgate

variety of sizes ranging from 14m3 through

currently in operation for improved driver

design; and super hard-wearing hopper,

to 35m3, the SPORT Gen 6 Side Loader is

awareness and safety. Safety is further

constructed from 8mm Creusabro 8000

ideal for use in a range of applications from

enhanced by the SPORT Gen 6’s fully-

material, deliver reduced maintenance costs,

domestic general waste, to recyclables and

integrated high performance multi-camera

extended maintenance intervals and a longer

green waste collection.

monitoring system, which provides camera

working life – providing up to an estimated

views on the same screen, thereby reducing

35% reduction in parts and maintenance costs

the need for multiple screens in the cab.

over the life of the vehicle.

Now, after more than 27 years, the SPORT looks set to continue its industry-leading position, thanks to the new Gen 6 model.

Designed with a focus on safety, productivity and performance, the SPORT Gen 6 incorporates an array of new high-tech features - including the Bucher IQ CANBus Control system which provides centralised access to all of the vehicle’s operational, control and diagnostic systems via a fullyintegrated 12” in-cabin touch screen. The new touch screen monitor replaces the previous push button control console and provides access to all body/compaction functions and system maintenance through the one screen for a cleaner cabin layout.

Fully configurable to suit specific applications, the Bucher IQ CANBus Control system features tactile keys and touch screen controls for simple operation, providing easy

Photo: Benjamin Eriksson ©2019

FAST FACTS • Available in a range of body sizes including 14, 18, 22, 25, 29 & 35m3, together with the new 20m3 Xtreme Side Loader • New Bucher iQ CANBus Control System with fully integrated 12” Touch Screen • New UG-6 Grab is capable of picking up the full range of 2-wheeled MGBs from 60 litre to 360 litre capacities.

• Improved Subframe, body and tailgate design for greater strength and longer working life • Low-profile body available - 2,198mm (including sub-frame)* • 35m3 body offers Australia’s largest recycling capacity of up to 7,700kg (based on a compaction density of 220kg/m3)* • Bin lifting capacity up to 180kg*

• Extend-A-Slide offers bin lifter reach of up to 3,796mm for more efficient operation around parked cars and cul-de-sacs* • New Hydraulic oil tank with reduced oil volume and integrated cooling system for low oil temperature and lower maintenance costs

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• Bin lifter capable of lifting up to 6 bins per minute* • Super hard-wearing hopper, constructed from 8mm Creusabro 8000 material for longer working life* * Subject to body configuration and options selected.

COVER FEATURE

New UG-6 Grab From a productivity perspective, one of the biggest advantages of the SPORT Gen 6 is the new UG-6 Universal Grab.

Speed, performance and reliability are all critical factors when it comes to the Grab on refuse collection vehicles. It needs to be fast, easy to use, versatile, robust and, perhaps most importantly, it needs to provide good ‘positive contact’ with the bin during the entire lift cycle.

What's more, it needs to be able to provide this high level of performance and functionality over a thousand times per shift, for a wide range of bin sizes – a major challenge given the wide variety of bin sizes now out in the field… often on the same collection route.

Specifically designed to collect bins ranging from 60 litres through to 360 litres without any need for adjustment, Bucher

UG-6 Grab Features include:

Municipal’s UG-6 Universal Grab provides excellent contact with bins of all sizes through the entire lift cycle, thereby eliminating issues associated with multiple bin sizes on one collection route.

• Picks up the full range of MGB’s from 60L - 360L without belt adjustment

The UG-6 Grab is also 80mm narrower on both sides than its predecessor, providing easier access between bins that have been placed close together.

• Narrower grab arm provides improved access to lift bins that are placed close together

These features, combined with the UG-6 Grab’s outstanding lift-cycle time, can deliver an increase of up to 20% in the

• Innovative grab knuckle design provides narrowest stowed width

number of bins collected per hour – a significant boost in productivity to say the least!

Bin lift productivity is further boosted by the addition of the

• Grab can be positioned closer to the cab and bin lift operation closer to the kerb for improved productivity

new Bucher Extenda Slide, which when combined with the UG-6 Grab, offers Australia’s longest bin lifter reach – making it ideal for working around parked cars and cul-de-sacs.

• Provides maximum clamping force for less bin slippage and a longer belt life

For further information, visit: www.buchermunicipal.com.au or contact your local Customer Service Centre on: 1800 BUCHER

• Outstanding lift cycle time

(1800 282 437).

The UG-6's innovative design delivers an 80mm reduction in arm width on each side of the bin providing easier access between bins which are positioned close together.

Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

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FOOD WASTE

Value-Added Chemicals from Food Wastes Australia is throwing away more than four million tonnes of food each year. It’s too good to waste, say environmental chemist Nanthi Bolan and chemical engineer Dan Tsang.

by Nanthi Bolan and Dan Tsang. First published in Chemistry in Australia, www.raci.org.au/chemaust According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, around 1.3 billion tonnes of food waste were discarded globally in 2011. This number is predicted to reach around 2.2 billion tonnes by 2025.

In Australia, an estimated 35% and 21.5% of municipal and industrial waste, respectively, is food. Australia rejects an estimated 4.06million tonnes of food with a total annual value of $8.04billion.

Currently, food waste represents the single largest type of waste entering landfills. These wastes contribute to major

environmental, economic and social problems. The environmental impact of food waste is twofold: depletion of natural resources such as water and nutrients used for the production of food, and environmental costs associated with the safe disposal of food waste.

Waste and loss of food happens throughout food supply chains – it begins before a product even leaves the farm gate.

Food losses can occur before, during or after harvest. Preharvest losses can be due to weather extremes (i.e. droughts) or pest infestations. Other examples of

food waste are perishable commodities damaged during storage and transport, and food products prepared by restaurants and community facilities such as hospitals that are never consumed.

Food waste is also a principal constituent of the household waste stream, contributing to a significant fraction (globally around 20%) of domestic waste. More consumer choices of food products and an increasing share of disposable income disbursed on food are manifest as wasteful behaviour at the consumer end of the food supply chain.

Food loss can occur during the production or processing of food. Food waste is generating during food distribution, and food use in commercial and domestic settings.

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FOOD WASTE

Developing countries contribute up to 21% of the global share of food waste, which is predominantly post-consumption food waste (mainly due to the lack of appropriate collection and management plans).

In developed countries, postconsumption food waste is dominant, mainly because of consumers’ hyperconcerns about food quality. In developed countries, much more food waste is generated in the home than along the entire food supply chain.

Two approaches can be used to manage food wastes. The first, reduction of preventable food waste, can be achieved by enhancing consumer behaviour and knowledge towards healthy food consumption and preventing waste generation; improving food storage, transport and marketing strategies; increasing food shelf-life through improved food packaging; and encouraging the consumption of lowcarbon, locally produced food.

The second approach, value-added utilisation (valorisation) technologies of non-preventable food waste, can be achieved by bio-refining food-waste streams for the production of valueadded speciality products. These include chemicals and biofuels; developing wastespecific processing technologies and schemes; and encouraging re-utilisation of foodwaste-derived products.

A number of prevention and mitigation measures including legislation have already been implemented to reduce food waste. However, technologies for the valorisation approach are urgently needed.

Current waste management/ recycling practices for food waste include animal feed, composting, combustion (i.e. incineration) and landfill. Production of animal feed food waste is generally considered to be the most cost-effective method for beneficial utilisation of these wastes; however, it is sometimes limited by the nature and volume of

the co-product derived in the process.

Composting involving anaerobic digestion followed by land spreading or soil injection is considered environmentally friendly and reduces farmers’ needs for fertilisers.

By contrast, not only does combustion of food wastes result in greenhouse gas emission, but the energy recovery through incineration is not always economically feasible, mainly because of the energy required to evaporate the high volume of water in these wastes.

Landfill is becoming increasingly prohibitive, and the damage this triggers encompasses more than just occupying space at landfill sites and leachate generation, with food wastes generating an estimated 6.8million tonnes of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere in Australia.

Food waste is becoming a sustainable resource with a significant potential to be utilised as a feedstock material for

Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

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FOOD WASTE

the synthesis of fuels, chemicals and biomaterials, given the presence of diverse functionalised chemical components (i.e. carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, polyphenolics). However, when using food wastes as a feedstock for electricity power generation (i.e. through anaerobic digestion) or fuel generation (i.e. conversion of cellulosic biomass to bioethanol), part of the chemical components are lost and/or underutilised.

An array of valuable chemicals can be synthesised from food wastes.

The average value of bulk chemicals, transportation fuels and animal feed produced from food wastes is estimated to be around $1000, $200–400 and $70–200 per tonne of biomass, respectively, which highlights the significant differences in economic value between final products derived from food wastes.

At the University of Newcastle, our environmental chemistry group, in collaboration with Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Associate Professor Dan Tsang), is looking at the potential value of food waste as a feedstock source for the production of methane (CH4) for energy and fertiliser for agricultural production.

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Cereals, vegetables, potatoes, fruits and rice make up more than 80% of total annual food waste. Love Food Hate Waste NZ/CC-BY-SA-4.0

The biomass from food wastes provides a major source of building block chemicals. These molecules have an array of functional groups that can potentially be transformed into new secondary chemicals. For example, 12 major building block chemicals have been identified that can be produced from sugars (one of the dominant components of food wastes) through biological or chemical conversions (Lin et al. Energy Environ. Sci. 2013, vol. 23. pp. 426–64). The 12 sugarbased building blocks include 1,4-diacids (succinic, fumaric and malic), 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, 3 hydroxypropionic acid, aspartic acid, glucaric acid, glutamic acid, itaconic acid, levulinic acid, 3 hydroxybutyrolactone, glycerol, sorbitol and xylitol/arabinitol.

A second-tier group of building block chemicals include gluconic acid, lactic acid, malonic acid, propionic acid, triacids citric acid and aconitic acid, xylonic acid, acetoin, furfural, levoglucosan, lysine, serine and threonine. These building block chemicals can be subsequently used to synthesise a large number of value-added bio-based chemicals or materials.

It has been demonstrated that a number of chemicals, including

sugars (e.g. sucrose), organic acids (lactic acid), pectin, polysaccharide, polyphenols and fatty acids, can be synthesised from specific food wastes. However, currently ethanol and biodiesel are the two major chemicals produced on a commercial scale from general food waste. These two chemicals are used as biofuels mainly in the transport sector.

During the production of these two major chemicals from food wastes, other secondary chemicals are also generated. For example, biodiesel production from food waste is likely to generate about 10% (w/w) glycerol as one of the main by-products. It was estimated that the global biodiesel demand would reach 170 billion litres by 2020, which indicates that approximately 17 billion litres of crude glycerol would be generated as a coproduct. Because purified glycerol is a high-value commercial chemical with many applications, the crude glycerol provides great potential benefits for new applications, including the synthesis of secondary chemicals such as 1,3-propanediol, which is used as a building block in the production of polymers.

FOOD WASTE

Chemicals produced from food waste (modified from Lin et al. Energy Environ. Sci. 2013, vol. 23, pp. 426–64).

Strategies to utilise food wastes, such as animal feeding and composting, cannot achieve an abundant processing of food waste residues. In this regard, advanced food wastes utilisation practices aiming to achieve sustainable development should focus on technologies thatconvert these waste

resources into value-added products.

These include integrated green chemistry technologies involving biochemical processes to synthesise value-added chemicals and biofuel precursors, and extractive processes for the biorecovery of valuable compounds such as antioxidants.

The diversity of functionalised chemical components found in food wastes reflects the range of chemical industry sectors that can use such a renewable feedstock, thereby increasing the sustainability of their processes. Through the increased utilisation of food waste for non-food applications, such as synthesis of chemicals, the public perception about food waste will change, thereby helping to create the renewable supply chains required to achieve for a closed-loop economy.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Dr Nanthi Bolan MRACI is Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle.

Dr Dan Tsang is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

NATIONAL PRECAST FEATURE

TECH TALK:

SMALL PRECAST CONCRETE BOX CULVERTS AND AMENDMENTS TO AS 1597.1-2010 At National Precast, we strive to educate and provide assistance to professionals within the construction industry. Our Tech Talk series has been developed to address some of the common queries within the precast concrete space. In this issue, we look at small precast reinforced box culverts and the recent amendments to AS 1597 Part 1.

BOX CULVERT APPLICATIONS

OUTLINE OF AS 1597 PART 1

Precast reinforced concrete box culverts are ideal for a range of applications. These include drainage structures, detention tanks, stormwater structures, instant bridging, pedestrian and livestock underpasses, as well as ducts for underground services.

AS 1597 Part 1 provides designers, manufacturers, installers and specifiers of culverts with minimum requirements for the design, testing, manufacture and installation of culverts spanning up to 1200mm. For larger culverts – with spans from 1500mm to 4200mm – the relevant Standard is AS 1597.2-2013. This Standard is more commonly referred to as AS 1597 Part 2.

HYDRAULIC CONSIDERATIONS Standards are voluntary documents that set out specifications, procedures and guidelines that aim to ensure products, services and systems are safe, consistent and reliable. In the construction industry, compliance with relevant Standards is always recommended. It is vital that all asset owners, both in the private and public realm, have confidence that the products they are buying and installing meet the requirements of the relevant Australian Standard. When it comes to precast reinforced rectangular box culverts that span up to 1200mm, the relevant Standard is AS 1597.12010 Precast reinforced concrete box culverts more commonly referred to as AS 1597 Part 1.

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From a hydraulic perspective, road culverts are complex engineering structures that require careful flood evaluation. A range of parameters influence flow patterns in areas culverts are used.

Box culverts are the ideal product for applications with low hydraulic head. They are also a readymade solution for difficult sites, as installation requires minimal excavation and backfill.

Box culverts can be configured to have a low impact on upstream water levels and downstream flow velocities. Large volumes of stormwater can be transmitted with the rectangular shape not impacting on stream flow or width. Precast units mean fast installation with minimal disruption to site works, services and traffic.

RECENT CHANGE ADDS EIGHT NEW NOMINAL SIZES A recent amendment to AS 1597 Part 1 aims to align the Standard with Australia’s current manufacturing and installation practices, as well as current governing design codes. AS 1597.1-2010 - Amendment No.1 was published

by Standards Australia on 24 August 2018.

The amendment revealed the addition of eight box culvert sizes to Table 2.5 and revised notes beneath Tables 2.5, 2.6 and 3.3B. The removal of note 2, Other size culverts may be made to a specific order, was a key part of the amendment.

STANDARD SIZES OVER CUSTOM MADE SIZE The intent of the amendment is to increase the likelihood that culverts will be made to stock, rather than made to order—a change expected to benefit both manufacturers and asset owners.

The expansion of the range should also allow designers to more readily specify nominal sizes, meaning earlier starts for projects. Precast manufactures who choose to align their product range to this Standard should see an increased ability to provide customers with ready-made products.

As the industry becomes familiar with these additional Standard sizes, civil contracts will have more confidence that small box culverts will available as an ‘off the shelf’ item. Ultimately, this should result in significantly shorter lead times, thereby reducing the overall timeframe of a project.

100-YEAR LIFE TO MINIMISE RISK A 100-year design life can be expected when precast culvert units, lids, links and base slabs are manufactured in accordance with AS 1597 Part 1. Design requirements are focused on proving load and ultimate strength load testing.

Alternatively, design by calculation in accordance with AS 1597 Part 2 is acceptable.

There are risks associated with box culverts that do not meet these requirements. They may be less durable and, in extreme cases, could lead to structural failures on site.

HOW TO FIND OUT MORE For more information on box culverts and their compliance to AS 1597.1-2010, or for advanced knowledge of design, manufacture and the use of precast concrete, contact National Precast on (08) 8294 0833 or visit: www.nationalprecast.com.au

Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

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INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Can You Identify the Source of Pollution Fast Enough?

The Envirosuite Solution Envirosuite Limited is an Australian headquartered company operating in eight countries that provides an environmental monitoring and management solutions for industry via their awardwinning cloud platform. The Envirosuite platform enables clients to: • integrate platform software with existing environmental monitoring tools and incident reporting processes; • enhance monitoring processes without causing information overload; • anticipate fume, odour and dust concentrations and dispersal patterns in predicted weather conditions and thereby avoid incidents before they occur; • Identify the source of the issue with automatically generated reverse trajectory modelling.

• respond to the earliest indications that emissions have, or are likely to exceed set thresholds; • identify the source of unwanted emissions including process breakdowns; • simplify and streamline management and regulatory reporting • optimise productivity by minimising operational down-time, optimising workflows and avoiding costly mitigating actions.

• Enhance an operator’s “Social Licence” through regulatory compliance and better management of environmental incidents and community relations.

Envirosuite’s platform is a cloud-based service hosted within a virtual private cloud (VPC) within Amazon Web Services. It is easily accessed from any desktop, tablet or mobile device on all modern internet browsers. The platform showcases predictive and point-oftruth dashboards, graphic displays, tables and statistical analyses.

Data representations may be current, historic or predictive.

The Envirosuite platform has been implemented in over 50 sites worldwide by a range of clients in the mining, oil refining, heavy industry, transport infrastructure, food production, water and wastewater management industries and by government regulators.

Envirosuite’s client list includes Veolia, Vale, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Anglo American and Thames Water.

Thames Water’s experience with the Envirosuite Platform is a useful benchmark for any waste or water processor to consider.

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Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater services company, with 15 million customers and has implemented the Envirosuite Platform at 5 sewerage treatment plants to improve odour management. As part of its due diligent process, Thames Water successfully trialled the Envirosuite platform over a 12-month period, using it as a decision support system to: • Forecast high risk periods to provide operational managers with an early warning • analyse odour impacts as they occur • identify and diagnose process upsets • identify the actual source of odour discharges within the Thames Water site; and • manage complaints efficiently through the platform’s incident intelligence feature.

Mobile Media Blasting - Wet & Dry

Thames Water also tables Envirosuite data at their regular residents’ liaison meetings. Timely actioning of information source from the platform leads to improved operating efficiencies.

Another water treatment user of the Envirosuite platform is Ute Edar Lagares Vigo. This facility is Spain’s largest biofiltration sewerage treatment plant. The Envirosuite platform is used at this plant to forecast odour risk, provide a platform for real-time odour management and rapid response for odour impacts and efficiently and effectively analyse and manage odour impacts in the area.

Envirosuite currently has over 20 waste and wastewater clients 13 of which were won in the past six months. This level of growth flags a tightening of environmental regulations (globally), urban encroachment around many sites and the inadequacy of legacy systems that lack capacity to make proper sense of the data they collect.

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The Envirosuite platform had its genesis in environmental air quality consulting and evolved through progressively programming this expertise over multiple live applications.

Envirosuite Limited divested its environmental consulting arm in 2017 to concentrate more fully on its software as a service business.

CEO Peter White now heads a team of nearly 60 people globally, with offices in the Asia Pacific, USA, Canada, Europe and Latin America.

For further information, please visit: www.envirosuite.com

Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

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PRODUCT FOCUS

Cost Efficient Wastewater Treatment Tsurumi self-aspirating aerators are a low cost, simple solution to on-site wastewater treatment. Pump Technology Services have recently installed and maintain a series of these systems.

Cost Cutters “The Tsurumi TRN aerators, installed into wastewater treatment systems, are great cost cutters,” said Pump Technology Services’ Jeff Bradford.

“They’re as easy to install as any submersible pump and simple to maintain. These are huge benefits that make them ideal for selfcontained, off grid wastewater treatment systems,” he said.

The TRN range extends right up to 40 kW versions capable of handling air flow rates of up to 528 cubic metres per hour.

A special inbuilt semi-open impeller, made from cast 410 stainless steel, draws in air which is mixed with the liquid and discharged at high pressure. This innovative design leads to highly efficient aeration.

These submersible aerators can be installed in tanks, pits or sumps with maximum water depths of 6 metres. Aerators can be supplied with additional blowers for very deep installations.

The oxygen transfer rate is the speed the oxygen in the air dissolves into liquid. It can be a guide when a biological treatment is being designed. Tsurumi’s biggest aerator, the 150TRN440 (40kW) has an oxygen transfer rate of 28.9 kg O2 per hour.

Tsurumi apply the same no-compromise design philosophy to these units as they do to their submersible pumps. Anti-wicking cable entry, dual silicon carbide mechanical seal encapsulated in an oil chamber, patented oil lifter and abrasion resistance materials are all part of the package.

aeration, submersible plus rotary blower and fine bubble aeration methods.

Produced in conjunction with the Japanese Sewage Works Association, the guide provides a wide range of industry validated information in these cost-effective aeration devices.

Tsurumi’s wastewater range includes advanced design bar screens, a huge range of specialty sewage pumps that include cutter, grinder and vortex pumps and compact submersible aerators.

Further information on the Tsurumi range, including detailed specifications and selection data is available from Australian Pump Industries, T: 02 8865 3500 or by visiting: www.aussiepumps.com.au Tsurumi Aerators are low cost wastewater treatment solutions that promote the aerobic processes that naturally break down wastewater.

Free Wastewater Guide Australian Pump, the Tsurumi distributor, has produced a wastewater treatment guide that includes an extensive comparison of aerator systems. It also includes detailed technical data on submersible

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FLEET MAINTENANCE

Titan Helps Customers to Stay ‘On Track’ As part of the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturers of undercarriage components for tracked equipment, and the only company in Australia to manufacture and supply both tyres, wheels and undercarriage, Titan Australia has been helping its customers to keep their equipment ‘on track’ for many years.

From heavy construction and mining, through to drill rigs and infrastructure projects, Titan is a trusted name across a wide range of industry sectors, and has gained an enviable reputation for both the quality of their components and the speed of their service.

“We understand that when it comes to heavy, tracked equipment, downtime can be extremely expensive – regardless of the industry,” Titan Australia Chief Operating Officer, Adam Oakenful, said.

“What’s more, with the larger equipment, it also tends to play a critical ‘frontline’ role for many projects, meaning that if it stops working, the whole project or site stops working.”

“With that in mind, from the outset, we established our undercarriage business with a focus on minimising turnaround times to minimise downtime – regardless of the customer’s location, or whether it’s for new tracks, individual components or repairs and refurbishments,” he said.

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Importantly, this focus on quality customer service is further bolstered by Titan’s focus on only supplying the highest quality products and components.

Renowned across the globe, Titan’s ITM brand is considered ‘the undercarriage of choice’ for many operators across a wide range of industry sectors.

Manufactured at their facilities across Europe, Titan supplies a full range of high quality steel undercarriage components, from full track groups through to track components - Rollers, Idlers and Sprockets - for equipment ranging in size from 13-tonne up to 550-tonne.

“When it comes to parts and equipment, quality and longevity equal value,” Adam Oakenful, said. “Our clients need to be sure that our components can stand up to even the harshest operating conditions. After all, a lot of this equipment works in some of the harshest conditions on the planet!”

“That’s one of the main benefits of having our own brand,” he added. “Because we control all aspects of the manufacturing process from start to finish – including quality control – we can be sure that we’re providing our customers with the highest possible quality components. They, in turn, also have the peace-of-mind in knowing that their undercarriage components are not only fit for purpose, they’re made to last.”

This focus on working with customers to help minimise downtime and operating costs to maximise value is also evidenced

by Titan’s CTS inspection service and undercarriage refurbishment works.

Forming a significant part of the company’s business, Titan provides a full repair and refurbishment service for all manner of tracks. Titan’s free on-site CTS inspection service enables clients to ascertain the current condition of their tracks, assess performance and wear, and determine if any components require refurbishment or replacement.

In many cases, refurbishing tracks, or performing maintenance such as a ‘pin and bush’ turn, can help to extend the life of the tracks, and can be carried out for significantly less than the cost of new replacement parts - providing substantial savings for customers, without any compromise in quality or performance when compared to a new replacement part.

For further information on Titan’s full range of products and services, please call: 1300 791 672 or visit: www.titanaustralia.com

TCA provides assurance in the use of telematics and related intelligent technologies.

How TCA help the transport industry: • We connect both industry and government to telematics and related technologies • We check and approve technology to help transport operators make informed decisions • We provide information and advice on technological developments.

What we do: • Administer programs such as the Intelligent Access Program (IAP) • Type-approve In-Vehicle Units (IVUs) and On-Board Mass (OBM) systems • Data analysis and policy advice • Lead progress in connected / automated vehicles. .

Transport Certification Australia

Connect with TCA

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FOCUS ON WATER

Curtin research finds new technology could transform stormwater treatment Curtin University research has found that a new stormwater treatment device improves treated stormwater quality by as much as 80 per cent, in a development that could prevent harmful pollutants from entering waterways and cut recycling and infrastructure costs for authorities globally.

In research published in Journal of Environmental Management, researchers demonstrated how a new design of catch basin insert (CBI) treated stormwater more thoroughly at the source by removing gross pollutants such as leaves and plastic, as well as smaller dissolvable pollutants, the vast majority of which are not captured by previous designs.

Researcher Dr Zahanggir Alam, from Curtin’s School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, said the new CBI used a specifically developed filtration material and was shown to capture 95 per cent of waste entering the drain while improving treated stormwater quality by 80 per cent.

“By removing dissolvable pollutants such as nutrients from stormwater run-off, the CBI can help arrest the declining health

of waterways such as Perth’s Swan and Canning rivers and the ocean,” Dr Alam said.

“Excessive nutrients in our rivers create a lack of oxygen in the water that can kill fish and also leads to algal blooms that block the sun and prevent photosynthesis by plants all of which harms entire river and marine ecosystems.”

Research principal supervisor Associate Professor Faisal Anwar, from Curtin’s School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, said the new design of CBI offered economic as well as environmental benefits.

“This research and technology could potentially revolutionise the way stormwater is treated,” Associate Professor Anwar said.

“Government and local councils spend a lot of money trying to reactively manage stormwater contamination and this solution could possibly present a vastly more efficient and cost-effective way of treating stormwater when all reactive costs are considered.

“There are many billions of dollars’ worth of stormwater infrastructure already in the

(L-R) Urban Stormwater Technologies development manager Craig Rothleitner, Curtin researcher Dr Zahanggir Alam and research supervisors Associate Professor Anna Heitz, Associate Professor Faisal Anwar and Dr Dipok Sarker.

ground in Perth and this new technology has the potential to transform what is currently the major source of urban waterway contamination into a new water resource.”

Dr Alam said the CBI has the potential to be used as the primary treatment component of water sensitive urban designs, but further research was needed to explore this.

“While this research focuses on the removal of nutrients from stormwater now, it can be further developed to also remove heavy metals, hydrocarbons and other environmentally harmful dissolvable pollutants. This will be the focus of our research moving forward,” Dr Alam said.

The research was part of Dr Alam’s PhD thesis, for which he received a Curtin University Chancellor’s Commendation and was carried out in collaboration with UST Pty Ltd (Urban Stormwater Technologies).

The commendations are awarded to research doctoral students who submitted outstanding theses, judged to be in the top 10 per cent of theses examined for that year, and considered to have made a significant contribution to the field of knowledge.

Heat under your feet identifies groundwater flow Groundwater flow from aquifers to rivers, lakes and the ocean affects the productivity and diversity of aquatic ecosystems – but accurately measuring water movement below the soil is difficult for aquatic scientists and water resources engineers.

Flinders University in Adelaide is part of an international team that has figured a better way to answer such questions as how much water can be sustainably pumped from an aquifer without depleting groundwater resources.

When groundwater flows, it causes variations to groundwater temperatures that can be measured to quantify water flows.

Despite the widespread utility of thermal groundwater tracing methods, their uptake has been limited due to poor understanding of how to apply the different methodologies.

Instead, groundwater scientists usually employ geochemical methods that require expensive laboratory analyses to estimate groundwater flows.

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Searching for a better solution, Barret Kurylyk (Dalhousie University, Canada), Dylan Irvine (Flinders University) and Victor Bense (Wageningen University) have reviewed theory, data collection, and data analysis methods for using temperature-depth profiles to trace vertical groundwater flows in their recent publication in WIRES Water (DOI 10.1002/ wat2.1329).

They realised that in many cases, standard approaches for analysing temperature-depth profiles to trace groundwater flow are now invalid, because climate change has warmed the land surface and created an inversion in the geothermal gradient. As a result, temperature-depth profile curvature caused by surface warming can be falsely attributed to groundwater flow impacts.

However, recently developed methods account for the combined thermal perturbations of groundwater flow and climate change, and these can be applied in boreholes that have been ‘thermally contaminated’ by climate change.

“A key take home message of this paper is that temperature-depth profiles can be easily measured and analysed, and that these analyses can yield vertical groundwater fluxes for a range of hydrologic environments and spatiotemporal scales,” says Dr Irvine.

FOCUS ON WATER

LG Sonic introduces innovative water quality sensor head Data is becoming more and more important.

It allows us to access a wealth of information that can prove useful in making decisions not only in our daily lives, but also in water treatment.

With MPC-Buoy, LG Sonic introduced data driven algal bloom management.

Now, it has introduced a new sensor head that will offer remarkable high-resolution measurements resulting in even more accurate data.

Water utilities around the world rely on algal bloom and water quality data. By monitoring water quality in real-time, LG Sonic sensors allow operators to adjust ultrasonic treatment to specific types of algae and water conditions.

The MPC-Buoy system is widely regarded as the most effective (ultrasound) solution for preventing algal blooms. MPC-Buoy system monitors essential algae parameters, including chlorophyll-a, phycocyanin, and turbidity. In addition, data is also collected for water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), redox, pH, and temperature.

Building on the success of the system, LG Sonic introduced a more robust sensor head that allows for even higher resolution measurements.

More data, better water quality One MPC-Buoy system receives 384 data sets a day, resulting in a staggering 140,160 data sets each year. This wealth of data

has enabled LG Sonic to establish an algae management database consisting of algae and water quality data from around the world. The collected data is used to adjusts ultrasonic frequencies to control algae effectively. Customers are able to follow the algae treatment process in MPC-View, a user-friendly, web-based software that visually displays the algae and water quality data received from MPC-Buoy. This software allows users to set up specific alarms to inform them about changing parameters or maintenance activities.

MPC-Buoy offers a high-performance, chemical-free solution to monitor and control algal blooms in large water surfaces. It allows for the reduction, or in many cases, elimination of required chemical treatments for a lake or reservoir.

ABOUT LG SONIC Since 1999, LG Sonic has been a leading international manufacturer of chemical-free algae control and biofouling prevention systems. Our latest innovation, the MPC-Buoy, is a floating, solar powered, platform that combines real-time water quality monitoring, web-based software, and ultrasonic technology to control harmful algal blooms in large water surfaces. The MPC-Buoy eliminates up to 90% of the exiting algae and prevents the growth of new algae. Furthermore, the MPC-Buoy allows to reduce TSS, BOD and chemical consumption. At this moment, the system is installed in lakes and water reservoirs in, among other countries, the USA, England, Colombia, and New Zealand.

Tariff restructuring and drought-pricing behind tariff increases in Asia-Pacific An increasing amount of investment in wastewater infrastructure, water conservation measures and tariff restructuring have driven a 1.9% increase in water and wastewater tariffs in Asia Pacific since 2017, according to results released in a new white paper The Global Value of Water released by GWI. The paper found that Foshan-Chancheng (China) had the highest increase of 27.3%.

The White paper findings are based on the results of GWI's 2018 Global Water Tariff Survey and were published in partnership with Arup and The Global Water Leaders Group (GWLG).

The 2018 survey is the most extensive yet carried out by GWI, calculating changes to the price of urban water and wastewater in 512 cities across 191 countries, based on a benchmark of an urban household of four using 15/m³.

Ulan Bator’s combined tariffs increased by 14.2% driven by a hike in wastewater tariffs as the city accepted a $300 million loan for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant. A 44.1% increase in wastewater tariffs in Daegu, occurred after a central government recommendation for local governments to raise sewer fees by up to 60% of the cost of installation and maintenance of sewage treatment infrastructure.

Reforms to tariff structures implemented in 2014 continue to be felt in China. In three districts in Foshan City, the ration of block tariffs for water increased to 1:1.5.3, a result of a 2014 law to penalise high volume users.

This resulted in the combined rates for Foshan-Changcheng to rise by 27.3%.

Drought-Pricing and water conservation measures also contributed to tariff increases in Asia Pacific. Australia introduced punitive

water tariffs for consumption greater than 500m³/year whilst also implementing lower than planned increases in their fixed charge.

Australia has the most expensive water tariff in the region, and third globally with an average combined water and wastewater tariff of US $5.6/m³.

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FOCUS ON WATER

Sustainable water management for commercial bathrooms Caroma recently announced the next evolution in sustainable water management with the launch of Smart Command® a comprehensive intelligent IoT solution for commercial bathrooms. An industry-first for this technology, Caroma Smart Command® empowers building owners to monitor and control water use in real time and make smarter decisions to conserve water and reduce maintenance costs, while improving hygiene, wellbeing and increasing facility uptime.

Data collected continuously through Caroma Smart Command® can be accessed locally from a mobile app or integrated to existing building management systems or on cloud platforms to enable remote monitoring, faster fault diagnosis and accurate cleaning deployment.

Dr Stephen Cummings, Innovation Director for Caroma and inventor of Smart Command®, said: “By 2050, our water demands will have increased by 55%. Yet as inhabitants of one of the driest continents on earth, we need to keep innovating to help conserve our most critical resource.”

“While advancements in smart technology have transformed our ability to monitor and manage other critical resources and functions in digital buildings, such as power, lighting and ventilation, similar opportunities in commercial water management have yet to be unlocked. That is, until now.”

“Five years in development, I am excited that our latest breakthrough innovation, Smart Command®, is ready to address this new beginning in sustainable building management and unlock a new sustainability and innovation, cost reduction and customer experience opportunity for developers, facility managers, architects and plumbers.”

Dr Cummings has been at the forefront of Caroma’s innovative history, pioneering the first two-button Dual Flush plastic and ceramic cisterns in the world along with the award-winning ultra-low flush Smartflush® and Caroma Cleanflush® systems, which together use up to 70% less water than the original single flush cistern.

Tim Salt, CEO of GWA Group, said: “With over 75 years’ experience in pioneering water-saving solutions, Caroma is proud to deliver once again on its tradition of innovation for the benefit of our customers, industry and the wider community.”

“At work, leisure, or on the go, today’s tenant is increasingly demanding high-end built environments that deliver seamless experiences with sustainability credentials to match.”

“From retail outlets to airport lounges, Smart Command® provides an exciting opportunity to create premium commercial bathroom experiences, with an intuitive touchless design that promotes a hygienic environment and optimised cleaning, replenishment of consumables and improved uptime.”

“Smart Command® also opens up highly coveted sustainability accreditation opportunities, from NABERS water efficiencies and WELL Standards, to Greenstar benefits, with micro metering that allows for accurate benchmarking.”

Designing the future of sustainable water management The launch of Smart Command® comes as The Institute of Sustainable Futures at University Technology Sydney releases a new report exploring “The Bathroom of the future”.

Data collected from fixtures in bathrooms at an A-Grade Commercial Development in Australia undergoing a trial of Caroma’s Smart Command® system, were analysed as part of this research report and have provided preliminary insights to the opportunity presented by this technology.

Professor Stuart White, Head of The Institute of Sustainable Futures, said: “Analyses of pilot data collected from Caroma’s Smart Command® has revealed that real-time performance management ensures faults can be identified accurately and rectified effectively, minimising water leakage, and improving water conservation efforts.”

“Beyond this, bathrooms can be optimised based on actual usage data. For example, based on data from Smart Command®, if a building designer knows that the female bathrooms are used twice as much as the male bathrooms, they can allow for extra fixtures in their female bathroom designs for a better user outcome.”

“Projecting into the future, the ability to monitor and influence behaviour could provide benefits in a range of specialist applications, such as the health sector, peak demand for bathroom facilities, and general health behaviour change. And Intelligent Bathroom Systems will play a role in creating smart cities of the future, with the collection of real-time end-use data for the non-residential sector and mixed-use buildings allowing for better planning outcomes at precinct and wider city scales.”

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WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Efficiency in wastewater process should be a priority With increased demand on water utilities as a result of climate change, increased populations and higher customer expectations, now is the time to think about efficiency in our processes. There are many areas in which process improvements could be made and as a result, savings on time and resources could be achieved.

RAG AND GRIT REMOVAL AT THE PRE-TREATMENT STAGE Rag and grit are troublesome materials that lead to high levels of abrasion and wear in wastewater processes. Rag - including organic matter and solid plastic - needs to be removed otherwise it clogs processing systems downstream or limits the uses for the sludge. Grit in sludge can be made up of a range of materials such as sand, stone, eggshell, ash, bone and ceramics (to name but a few!). Grit is highly abrasive and can cause damage to PD pumps, lobes, decanters, separators and mixers.

Both rag and grit can result in pumps becoming stuck, pipes blocking and high abrasion downstream, resulting in unwanted downtime and increased costs for the processors.

For sludge that will be going through anaerobic digestion processes, grit brings even more problems. Grit sinks and gathers in the digester, continually reducing its capacity for bioenergy generation. Not only that, but the digester tanks must be shut down to be excavated, incurring both costs and system downtime.

Removing rag and grit at the pre-processing stage not only benefits the end sludge quality, it also reduces wear on all downstream equipment.

RAG AND GRIT REMOVAL POST-TREATMENT If it’s not possible to remove rag and grit at the pre-treatment stage, removal should be considered during anaerobic digestion to improve

efficiency. Digesters require regular cleaning to increase the retention time of bio-solids in the tank as well as reduce the costs of heating it. Removing grit increases digestion and the life of the sludge pumps and other parts.

RESOURCE OPTIMISATION IN FILTER SAND PROCESSES Many water utilities still use traditional sand filtration methods for water purification. The benefits of filter sand processes shouldn’t be underestimated. The process is highly reliable, and its simplicity is a major selling point. Very little equipment is required and often all that is needed is a housing/reservoir, an underdrain system and the filter media. Slow sand filters also usually have a long life-span, and because the process is almost entirely natural and requires no electricity, there is little likelihood of complete breakdowns.

Systems that treat the sand media to remove contamination, dirt and heavy metals ensure further resource optimisation in the slow sand filtration process. By treating the sand media, the water utility can ensure a consistent supply of clean, dry filter sand which is uniform in size, without having to rely on virgin resources. These systems drain the filter and skim and wash the sand before it is laid back down again allowing a new biofilm to develop.

EFFICIENCY IS PARAMOUNT There is no doubt that water companies are facing more pressures than ever before. There is also increased demand for utilities to decrease costs for their customers. Perhaps the best way to make processes more cost-effective is to make them more efficient.

Efficiency shouldn’t be an afterthought, or something to look at “when there is time”. Efficiency is paramount and should be a priority.

For further information, please visit: www.cdenviro.com

Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

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PRODUCT FOCUS

Saving Water and Protecting Drains Australian-designed smart sinks delivers outstanding results on construction sites

The new Mobile Smart Sinks™ units have been delivering outstanding results at a number of major construction sites

Initially developed as a bench-mounted unit for use in dental and medical facilities and laboratories, the revolutionary Australiandesigned Smart Sinks™ mobile units are also delivering outstanding results on a number of major construction sites.

With the first of the new Mobile Smart Sinks™ units having been delivered to a number of major construction sites throughout 2018, their performance in the field has earned them high praise indeed. And, perhaps most importantly, additional orders including repeat orders from clients who want additional units for their other sites.

Speaking about the success of the mobile units, Smart Sinks™ co-founders Craig and Leslie Hanson said that they have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from clients.

“We always knew that the Smart Sinks™ technology was going to be able to help when it came to preventing waste residues from being poured or flushed into sinks or drains and reducing water use for tool washing and such, but even we have been amazed at the results in the field,” Craig Hanson said.

“As is often the case when moving a product from the R&D phase into full commercial operation, you can’t really see how something is going to go ‘in the field’ until it’s actually out on site and being used on a daily basis – especially when you’re dealing with an extremely harsh operating environment such as a major building site.”

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The integrated water recycling system provides filtered water for tool washing

“That said, the results have been truly amazing – even we couldn’t believe the ‘punishment’ they were able to stand up to without breaking down and the amount of sediment each unit was able to collect,” he said.

“Importantly, our customers are also extremely pleased with the performance of the units,” Craig added. “Not only have they prevented literally hundred of kilograms of waste sediments from being tipped into (and subsequently blocking) any of the drains or pipes, they’ve also saved a significant amount of water.”

The key to the success of the units lies within the patented Smart Sinks™ stainless steel sink filtration system, which utilises a series of interlocking independent collection units, joined by a special valve, to collect particles, plaster and sediment from waste water. Waste sediment and suspended particles are collected via 3 disposable filtration bags, which can then be easily removed from the unit and disposed of independently of the system - preventing it from passing into the drainage system.

Smart Sinks™ not only eliminate the high ongoing maintenance costs associated with traditional sediment and plaster traps, they also help to reduce water costs and wastage by recycling the filtered water for washing tools via the in-built filtration and pump system.

With the primary filtration bag collecting up to 92% of waste material, the subsequent filters remove finer particulates from the wastewater prior to reuse, the recycled water is clean and clear, making ideal for washing down tools - a real environmental win-win for construction sites of any size.

For further information on the Smart Sinks™ range, including full video demonstrations of Smart Sinks™ in action, please visit: www.smartsinks.com.au

From left: The waste sediment collects in the removable filter bag ready for quick and easy disposal; Removing and replacing the filter bag is an extremely fast and easy process; With the new filter bag in place, the Mobile Smart Sinks™ unit is ready to go.

GET SMART! KEEP SEDIMENT & SUSPENDED SOLIDS OUT OF DRAINS, TRADE WASTE AND GUTTERS From plaster sediment and non-toxic laboratory sediments and residues, through to sands, soils and even concrete washout sediments, the award-winning, Australian-designed Smart Sinks™ provide a highly-effective, affordable and easy-to-use method of preventing sediments and suspended solids from being washed into drains or disposed of on-site in gutters and stormwater side entry pits.

IN THE SURGERY

IN THE LAB

ON THE WORKSITE

• Prevents Blocked Drains • Reduces Drain Odours • Eliminates The Need For Traditional Plaster Traps • Easy To Use • Heavy-duty Performance • Ideal For Dental And Medical Surgeries • Mobile Smart Sinks™ Include Integrated Sink Unit And In-built Water Recycling System • A Must For Every Construction Site And Maintenance Department

Avoid costly drain blockages and the risk of penalties for non-compliant disposal of liquids and sediments with Patented Smart Sinks™ technology.

For further information on the Smart Sinks™ range, CALL US TODAY on 07 5488 4154 or visit: www.smartsinks.com.au for a full video demonstrations of Smart Sinks™ in action.

www.smartsinks.com.au

CLIMATE CHANGE

Montreal Protocol assessment reveals healing ozone, untapped potential for climate action The latest Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion reveals a healing ozone layer, global warming reduction potential, and options for more ambitious climate action.

The quadrennial review from the Scientific Assessment Panel of the Montreal Protocol was presented at the recent 30th Meeting of the Parties to this historic accord. Its findings confirm first and foremost that actions taken under the Montreal Protocol have led to long-term decreases in the atmospheric abundance of controlled ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) and the ongoing recovery of stratospheric ozone.

Evidence presented by the authors shows that the ozone layer in parts of the stratosphere has recovered at a rate of 1-3% per decade since 2000. At projected rates, Northern Hemisphere and mid-latitude ozone is scheduled to heal completely by the 2030s

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followed by the Southern Hemisphere in the 2050s and polar regions by 2060. The ozone layer protects life on Earth from harmful levels of ultraviolet rays from the sun.

It is further evidence of the inspiring success of this environmental treaty now entering its fourth decade. The report also offers a view of the role the Protocol must have in decades to come.

“The Montreal Protocol is one of the most successful multilateral agreements in history for a reason,” said Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment. “The careful mix of authoritative science and collaborative action that has defined the Protocol for more than 30 years and was set to heal our ozone layer is precisely why the Kigali Amendment holds such promise for climate action in future.”

Set to enter in to force on 1 January 2019, the Kigali Amendment calls for slashing the future use of powerful climate-warming gases in refrigerators, air conditioners and related products. Nations that ratify the Kigali Amendment are committing to cutting the projected production and consumption of these gases, known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), by more than 80 percent. So far, 58 parties have done so.

Authors of the Assessment found the world can avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming this century through implementation of the Kigali Amendment, affirming its critical role in keeping global temperature rise below the 2°C mark.

“These new assessment results highlight the importance of continued long-term monitoring of HFCs in the atmosphere as the Kigali Amendment begins to take hold,”

said David Fahey, Co-Chair of the Montreal Protocol Scientific Assessment Panel and scientist at the NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory in the US. Full compliance would reduce future global warming due to HFCs by about 50% between now and 2050 compared to a scenario without any HFC controls.

The findings come at a time when the world is still grappling with a sobering message from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which found just 12 years remain to limit global warming to 1.5°C, beyond which, the impacts of a further rise in global temperatures will begin to have an increasingly extreme impact on human society and ecosystems.

The IPCC report offered the clearest evidence to date of the drastic difference between the 1.5°C and 2°C scenarios.

“Carbon dioxide emissions remain by far the most important greenhouse gases which are driving global warming. But we can also help tackle climate change by reducing our commitment to other gases including HFCs. Every bit of warming matters,” said World Meteorological Organization SecretaryGeneral Petteri Taalas.

The Assessment, which is intended to add to the scientific basis for decisions made by the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, also presents updated scenarios for hastening ozone recovery through: • Complete elimination of controlled and uncontrolled emissions of substances such as carbon tetrachloride and dichloromethane • Bank recapture and destruction of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) • Elimination of HCFC and methyl bromide production • Mitigation of nitrous oxide emissions

About the Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion The 2018 Assessment is the latest in a series of assessments prepared by the world’s leading experts in the atmospheric sciences and under the auspices of the Montreal Protocol in coordination with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment). The 2018 Assessment is the ninth in the series of major assessments that have been prepared by the Scientific Assessment Panel as direct input to the Montreal Protocol process.

A Smarter Solution‌ Introducing the new Clean Cube solar-powered compacting smart bin from Smart City Solutions – the first bin of its kind to use a standard 120L or 240L MGB wheelie bin inside.

Available in a choice of two sizes, the Clean Cube uses solar powered compaction to hold up to eight times more waste than a standard bin, while its smart technology monitors the fill level in real time, notifying operational staff when the bin needs to be emptied. And thanks to the fact that the Clean Cube uses either a standard 120 or 240 litre wheelie bin, emptying the bins is quick and easy, with no heavy carrying or lifting required.

The Clean Cube also looks like no other bin! With solar-powered backlit ad panels and LCD screens, the Clean Cube can provide audio and video community messages or advertising opportunities.

It can even be set up as a WiFi Hot Spot.

Visit www.smartcitysolutions.com.au or call 0417 546 977 today and discover how we can deliver a smarter solution for your city.

www.smartcitysolutions.com.au

UQ’s Herron Island Research Station.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Reef research to power ahead with renewable energy The largest marine research station on the Great Barrier Reef is set to shift to a cleaner energy source, with solar generation and storage to meet most of its electricity needs. The University of Queensland’s Heron Island Research Station – internationally renowned for coral reef and ecological research – will install an integrated microgrid system including roof top solar panels and battery storage facilities.

Project manager Danielle Shaffer said wind generation was not an option due to the 100,000 migrant and resident birds who live on or visit the island over the course of the year.

“Instead, high-efficiency solar panels will be installed on 22 rooftops, and at peak power they will produce more than four times the energy needed by the research station,” Ms Shaffer said.

“The surplus energy will charge the battery for use once the sun goes down.”

The system is expected to be operational mid-next year, delivering more than 80 per cent of the facility’s annual energy needs

and ending the station’s reliance on dieselgenerated power from the island’s resort.

Heron Island is a national park, 80 kilometre north-east of Gladstone, and is significant nesting location for two turtle species.

“On Heron we have research and education facilities including scientific equipment rarely found outside large mainland laboratories,” Ms Shaffer said.

“We can have up to 150 visitors working on the island, so we were keen to ensure they have a reliable energy supply while doing what we can to protect this remarkable part of the world.”

The batteries are expected to power the Research Station overnight until about 2am, with integrated diesel generation kicking in until sunrise.

Future energy efficiency measures will be aimed at reducing the station’s overnight load to extend this switchover, reducing the runtime of the diesel generators even further.

UQ has engaged juwi Renewable Energy to install the system, and work has been scheduled to reduce impact on wildlife. The capacity of the modular vanadium redox flow battery, which will be recyclable after its 20 year life, could be increased as unit prices reduce in the future.

Senior Manager of the Station, Dr Clint Chapman, said that he hopes the project will be a proof of concept for other organisations looking to embrace renewable energy.

“This is a demonstration – particularly to businesses in remote and marine environments – that renewables are a costeffective option and should seriously be considered over solely fossil fuel generated power,” he said.

“We’re still at the start of the solar revolution, and I’m excited that UQ can help showcase solar power in action for the rest of the world.”

UQ announced plans earlier this year to become the first university in the world to generate 100 per cent of its electricity from its own renewable asset, with plans to acquire a solar farm at Warwick on Queensland’s Southern Darling Downs.

ENGIE signs 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Senegalese Government for two solar photovoltaic projects Global energy and services company ENGIE, alongside its investment partner Meridiam consortium and Fonsis, the Senegalese Sovereign Fund, signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with Senelec, the Senegalese off-taker for two solar photovoltaic projects in Senegal, Africa.

Developed by the Senegalese Government and the International Finance Corporation (member of the World Bank Group), the projects have a combined installed capacity of 60 MW and are part of the wider Scaling Solar initiative in Senegal. This signing follows the preferred bidder announcement that was done in April of this year.

With nearly half of the population unable to access electricity, the Scaling Solar project enables governments to rapidly mobilise privately funded projects to improve access to electricity. The construction and operation of the two projects that are located in Kahone within the Kaolack region, and Kaël in the Touba region will be managed and executed by ENGIE. 34

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“This long-term public-private partnership with Senegalese Authorities and Senelec is the first IPP project of ENGIE in the country.

We have been able to capitalize on our experience of developing and operating renewable energy projects in Africa – in particular in Senegal” says Philippe Miquel, head of ENGIE Western & Central Africa.

Yoven Moorooven, CEO of Engie Africa comments: “ENGIE has been committed to developing and implementing solutions that meet Africa’s economic and social needs

for decades. The signing of the power purchase agreement demonstrates that our commitment to the region is ongoing. Our focus is now on the future and on finalising the projects in Kahone and Kaël, ensuring that Senegal has access to sustainable energy for the foreseeable future.”

The projects cement ENGIE’s commitment to providing clean and competitive power within Senegal for the next 25 years. The power plants will contribute to the country’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions and lower electricity costs.

ABOUT ENGIE AFRICA For over 50 years, ENGIE has been active in many African countries through its energy engineering business, its natural gas purchase agreements with Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria and more recently as an independent power producer in South Africa and Morocco with a total capacity of 3,000 MW either in operation or under construction. By 2025, ENGIE aims to become a reference partner in about ten African countries for power plants, energy services to businesses and decentralized solutions for off-grid customers – communities, companies and households. For further information, please visit: www.engie-africa.com

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Grid scale battery powers up in Gannawarra The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has jointly announced that the second of two grid scale batteries funded with the Victorian Government has been completed in Gannawarra. The 25 MW / 50 MWh Gannawarra Energy Storage System (GESS) began exporting electricity to the grid in October and will be fully commissioned in time for the summer peak. The battery is colocated at the 60 MW Gannawarra Solar Farm near Kerang in North Western Victoria.

In March, on behalf of the Australian Government, ARENA committed $25 million to two grid-connected, utility-scale batteries, matching the $25 million committed by the Victorian Government as part of its $50 million energy storage initiative. Together with the Ballarat battery, these two grid scale batteries will help to ease constraints on transmission lines and balance the grid with higher shares of renewable energy.

Australian renewable energy company Edify Energy oversaw the development and construction of the project in a joint venture with Wirsol Energy. GESS uses Tesla’s lithium ion battery technology. EnergyAustralia will operate GESS in addition to a longterm offtake agreement to buy all the electricity generated from the co-located Gannawarra Solar Farm. EnergyAustralia is

also the operator of the Ballarat battery now registered and working.

GESS is Australia’s largest battery to be integrated with a solar farm, and will be among the largest solar and battery facilities in the world - with the ability to provide solar energy at night to the grid.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project shows the growing importance of batteries providing stability to the grid, and was an example of retrofitting a solar farm with a battery.

“Grid-scale batteries have the ability to provide rapid response injections of power and provide back-up power when needed.”

“Integrating with the local solar farm provides potential for solar energy to be stored and used at night, helping to deliver secure and reliable electricity when it is needed.” Mr Miller said.

“We congratulate the consortium behind the GESS project and look forward to it providing valuable system security services to Victoria’s grid this summer,” he said.

“ARENA is excited about the completion of both batteries in Victoria which - along with the successful large-scale batteries in South Australia - will continue to play an important role in Australia’s transition to affordable and reliable renewable energy,” he added.

Edify Energy CEO John Cole sees this project being a win for Victorian and Australian energy consumers.

“The entire sector is aware of the potential for storage projects to not only provide invaluable services to the market and the grid, but also to enable the roll out of more and more clean and cheap renewable energy.

Solar plus storage is a ‘category killer’ and we are very proud to have developed, structured and overseen the construction of two projects that together can serve as a model for wider adoption of storage into the market and the realisation of a high renewable future.”

“We intend to continue the roll out of storage and renewables projects to help our retail and corporate customers achieve their energy and sustainability objectives.” Mr Cole said.

EnergyAustralia Managing Director Catherine Tanna said the project is an example of what we can look forward to in a modern energy system that delivers reliable, affordable and cleaner energy for customers.

“The ability to store and quickly release energy will help integrate renewables in the system as coal-fired plants progressively retire,” Ms Tanna said. “These are the new technologies and approaches that will come to underpin our energy system, keeping customers’ lights on and their costs down.”

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

Geothermal energy puts its case for greater Australian use According to Dr Graeme Beardsmore, a Director of the Australian Geothermal Association, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, and Chairman of the Resources and Reserves Committee of the International Geothermal Association, the economic argument for GSHPs is close to a tipping point in Australia, but we are behind other industrialised nations where

GSHPs are a standard feature of every new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Geothermal energy can provide clean, sustainable and affordable industrial heat at a stable price.

Direct use of geothermal water for space and aquatic centre heating is expanding, especially in the Perth Basin, while Peninsula Hot Springs spa in Victoria continues to expand utilising natural geothermal water. Other current consumers of geothermal energy include an abattoir and barramundi farms.

Australia witnessed a boom and bust cycle of investment in geothermal power generation from the early 2000s to early 2010s. The geothermal sector learned many valuable technical and business lessons, and economic power generation remains a focus for many.

Domestic interest in geothermal energy in 2016 justified the incorporation of the

Australian Geothermal Association, a professional society with members across industry, academia and government. Current economic and social drivers favour energy efficient heating and cooling, low emissions process heat, and low emissions base load power. AGA represents the full range of geothermal technologies to meet these goals, including ‘ground source heat pumps' (GSHP), industrial heat supply, recreational bathing / wellness, and geothermal power.

Profound changes in Australian energy markets suggest that the benefits of geothermal power for low greenhouse gas emissions and grid stability might one day be factored into the relative price of geothermal electricity. If, and when, that happens, expect a renaissance in geothermal power projects, as mineral, energy, water and soil resources have delivered enormous benefit to national, state/territory, shire and local economies.

Vestas wins largest project in Victoria's Renewable Energy Auction Leading sustainable energy solutions company Vestas has received its first Australian order for the largest turbine in its product line, the V150-4.2MW. The turbines, ordered by long-term customer Tilt Renewables for the 336 MW Dundonnell Wind Farm, feature the latest Vestas technology, proven to optimise asset performance and lower the cost of energy.

This played a crucial role in the customer securing the project under the Victoria Renewable Energy Auction Scheme.

Located 23 km north-east of Mortlake in the Western District of Victoria, Dundonnell Wind Farm will feature 80 Vestas V150-4.2 MW turbines with a 114-meter hub height tower design to maximise performance under the site's specific wind conditions.

Towers will be partially sourced from local Victorian suppliers.

The project is the largest of six successful bids under Victoria's 928 MW Renewable Energy Auction Scheme, and the second winning project backed by Vestas' customised solutions.

Clive Turton, Vestas Asia-Pacific President said, "Two Vestas-backed projects have been awarded under Victoria's Renewable Energy Auction Scheme, which underlines Vestas' ability to offer customers customised 36

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solutions that ensure the lowest cost of energy, highest quality of technology, and optimal park performance."

"Vestas is a long-term trusted partner of Tilt Renewables, with a proven track record in the market and the capabilities to support this project's successful auction outcome," said Tilt Renewables CEO Deion Campbell.

"Together, we are proving that wind energy is a critical part of the solution to meet Victoria's energy needs."

The Dundonnell Wind Farm will also facilitate and take advantage of the Vestas Renewable Energy Hub in Geelong, a Vestas initiative to support the state government's ambitious renewable target, creating local jobs and boosting local businesses. The Hub involves several local partnerships to help Victorian industry build capabilities within turbine assembly, subcomponent supply, wind park maintenance, logistics and advanced materials and manufacturing science.

"Together with our partners, Vestas is fully committed to the Victorian Renewable Energy Target, and we support the state government's approach to secure competitively-priced renewable energy while maximising the positive impact on the community," said Clive Turton.

The contract includes the supply, installation and commissioning of the wind turbines, electrical balance of plant infrastructure, as well as a minimum 15-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement, designed to maximise energy production of both the wind turbine and Balance of Plant assets.

Commercial operations at Dundonnell Wind Farm are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2020.

ABOUT VESTAS Vestas designs, manufactures, installs, and services wind turbines across the globe. With 97 GW of wind turbines in 79 countries, Vestas have installed more wind power than anyone else. Through its industry-leading smart data capabilities and 83 GW of wind turbines under service, Vestas uses data to interpret, forecast, and exploit wind resources and deliver wind power solutions.

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School with one urinal pit, at Akamo Primary & JHS school, Kanedrah-Akamo, Ghana. Photo: WaterAid/ Apagnawen Annankra

SPECIAL REPORT

The Crisis in the Classroom 620 million children’s education and health compromised by lack of decent school toilets, warns WaterAid The health, education and safety of millions of children around the world is threatened because they don’t have a decent toilet at school or at home, according to WaterAid’s State of the World’s Toilets 2018 report.

The Crisis in the Classroom, WaterAid’s fourth-annual analysis of the world’s toilets released for World Toilet Day during November, highlights that one in five primary schools and one in eight secondary schools globally do not have any toilets.

Guinea-Bissau on the coast of West Africa tops the table for worst in the world for school toilets, while Ethiopia remains the nation with the most people without household toilets.

A shocking one in three of the world’s schools lack adequate toilets, compromising children’s human rights to sanitation and leaving them to either use dirty, unsafe pits, go in the open, or stay at home. This means children are dangerously exposed to illnesses that could kill them. Repeated bouts of diarrhoea increase their chances of being malnourished, and sanitationrelated illnesses result in missed school days and the loss of potential.

Of the 101 countries with data available on how many schools have decent toilets, Guinea-Bissau in West Africa comes last.

There, eight in ten schools lack adequate facilities. This is followed by Niger, where only 24% of schools have even basic sanitation and more than seven in ten people defecate in the open because they lack a household toilet.

The sanitation crisis doesn’t end at school. In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 344 million children do not have a decent toilet at home meaning their communities are polluted with human waste. Ethiopia tops the table at an astonishing 93% of households without a decent toilet, leaving children vulnerable to diarrhoea and intestinal infections.

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Closer to Australia, Papua New Guinea comes third in the list of countries where the proportion of people with decent toilets at home and school is decreasing. Australia’s closest geographical neighbour suffers from 220 child deaths each year due to water and sanitation-related diarrhoea. Recently, polio – a waterborne disease - has returned to the island after being eradicated in 2000.

Not all news is bad, however. Some countries are making decent toilets in schools a priority. Over half of schools in Bangladesh now have a decent toilet and shared toilets in slum areas are providing a stepping stone to better health.

Meanwhile, 73 percent of schools in India now have access to basic sanitation.

Among the other findings: • Children living in communities without decent toilets are at higher risk of diarrhoea. Sadly, diarrhoea caused by dirty water and poor sanitation kills 289,000 children under five each year.

• Diarrhoea and intestinal infections kill more than 140,000 children aged between five and 14 each year – many of which could be prevented with clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene.

• Across South Asia, more than a third of girls miss school for between one and three days a month during their period.

• As many as one in three schools in Madagascar don’t have any functioning toilets at all. It is the third worst country in the world for access to a decent toilet at home – just one person in ten has at least basic sanitation.

• Nearly seven in ten schools in Zambia now have basic toilets, and three quarters of children are able to complete their primary education.

The old previous school toilet (boys and girls) at Ginigolo-Gunugau Primary School, Rigo District, Papua New Guinea. Photo: WaterAid/ Tom Greenwood

Rosie Wheen, WaterAid Australia’s Chief Executive, commented: “Children in every country of the world need access to safe toilets at home and at school. Their health, education and safety depend on it.”

“Every child should be able to go to the toilet safely and with dignity whether they are at school or at home,” Ms Wheen added. “Bringing safe toilets to the one in three schools worldwide with no adequate toilets, should be a top priority – along with bringing decent household toilets to the 2.3 billion people still waiting.”

“This World Toilet Day report reinforces the importance of WaterAid Australia’s vital work in Papua New Guinea, where less than half of all students have a decent toilet at their school.

Progress towards any of the UN Sustainable Development Goals will not be possible without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene,” she said.

“If we are serious about all children and young people, wherever they are, whatever their gender, physical ability or community background, having their right to clean water and sanitation, we must take decisive and inclusive action now,” Ms Wheen added.

As part of World Toilet Day 2018, WaterAid is calling for: • Governments to invest more money in sanitation for all and ensure an integrated approach and improved transparency in monitoring and reporting; • Education and finance ministers in every country, as well as donors, to invest in sanitation services and establish credible plans for achieving universal access within an agreed timeframe; • School sanitation to meet the specific needs of girls in order to ensure their privacy, safety and dignity; and • School sanitation to be inclusive, enabling children with disabilities to use clean, safe, accessible toilets at school.

For further information, please visit: www.wateraid.org.au or www.worldtoiletday.info

Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

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CASE STUDY

Smart Software Helps Adelaide High School Save Water and Money Smart irrigation software solution is being used by Adelaide High School to assist its groundskeepers to save water and ensure the School is meeting strict environmental conditions imposed for the for the application of recycled water.

The only state high school in the Adelaide CBD, Adelaide High School has modern, specialist facilities to support its highperformance cricket program, including three ovals with turf cricket pitches and one with a hard wicket and practice nets.

Three of the four ovals are irrigated using treated waste water supplied from the Glenelg-Adelaide Pipeline (GAP). GAP water is supplied at a cost of $2.12 per kilolitre.

With large water savings of up to 30% achievable from the use of precision irrigation scheduling software, Adelaide High School has started to utilise SWAN Systems irrigation scheduling, which informs operators as to the optimal timing and quantity of water application by processing a combination of inputs including site specific weather forecasts, plant and soil agronomic detail and soil moisture balance estimations.

During a short-term trial in early 2018, the High School achieved water savings by adjusting applications according to SWAN’s calculated requirements. However, a further potential saving of around 8% for the Feb-Apr period was identified by comparison of actual volumes applied and requirements predicted by SWAN. On the reporting front, SA Water now wants SWAN to be rolled out to an increased number of sites given the platform’s compliance success for users of treated water.

To utilise GAP water the high school is required to obtain approvals from the Department of Health after meeting the South Australian Recycled Water Guidelines and implementing a Risk Management Plan (RMP) that ensures site specific conditions are accounted for.

The school is responsible for: • regular maintenance of the irrigation system to ensure there are no leaks; • monitoring irrigation system performance and implementing water efficient irrigation schedules to avoid over-irrigation, including reduction of surface runoff and water pooling on the soil surface; 40

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• not operating spray irrigation systems when high winds have been forecast.

Use of reclaimed water requires careful management to avoid the hazards created by excessive nutrient use and increased run-off and leaching due to irrigation. Maintaining healthy turf also requires careful fertiliser applications to ensure nutrient requirements are determined and met. GAP water contains the major nutrients, nitrogen (4.5 mg/L) and phosphorus (6 mg/L), both of which are required for healthy turf, but these nutrients can leach into the water table if excess amounts are applied at the wrong time.

“Irrigation at Adelaide High School using recycled water is a balancing act,” said Tim Hyde from SWAN Systems.

“The turf needs sufficient water and nutrients to grow, but excessive applications will lead to higher costs and threaten the health of the soil or water through leaching.”

“Calculating the nutrients applied through irrigation of recycled water, and adjusting supplementary granular applications accordingly – so that the plant takes up all of the trace elements and they don’t leach through the plant’s root zone – is therefore crucial to achieve both a healthy turf and healthy surrounding environment,” Tim added.

To start the SWAN Systems program, soil and agronomic characteristics were established for the site based on IPOS guidelines and advice from the groundskeepers. Virtual ovals were mapped in the SWAN Systems user interface. Data streams from the site flow meter, a soil moisture probe, and the on-site BOM weather station were all linked to the ovals in SWAN Systems to enable automatic data collection and analysis.

Subsequently the site was linked to satellite NDVI data to enable plant health to be tracked. GAP water quality data was entered manually into a database linked to SWAN’s nutrient module and used to calculate the amounts of nutrients applied via the GAP water.

All the existing hardware was utilised as SWAN Systems is hardware agnostic, reducing the cost of implementation.

SWAN collected data throughout January 2018 and the program was then actively used for irrigation management from February 2018 through to mid-April (the end of the 2018 irrigation season).

The SWAN Systems’ cloud-based software automatically collected and stored weather, irrigation and soil moisture data.

It integrated and analysed the data to provide site specific decision support for best-practice irrigation, and unlike other systems, used local weather forecasts to schedule future irrigation applications.

“It takes the guesswork out of optimising water use,” said Jim Dounas, Adelaide High School’s Facilities Management Leader.

“The modules for water budgeting, nutrient monitoring and management and for accessing satellite imagery to provide a plant health (or “greenness”) index (NDVI) were also extremely helpful,” he said.

At the end of the irrigation season SWAN’s reporting function was used to analyse and review irrigation performance.

Using SWAN Systems facilitated pro-active, data-based irrigation adjustments to maintain soil moisture at optimum levels for turf growth. Quantification of water savings is complicated by annual weather volatility, which makes season to season comparisons difficult. However, there was very little drainage below the root zone due to irrigation. Using evapotranspiration modelling to track plant water use, SWAN Systems identified potential further water savings of eight per cent, mostly at the end of the season.

Going forward, the reporting functionality around nutrient applications through the use of treated water will also assist the High School in its compliance obligations.

For more information, please visit: www.swansystems.com.au

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

26-year-old Australian inventor creates new breed of electric motorcycles Dennis Savic is the 26-year-old inventor and founder behind a new-breed of electric motorcycle, developed under the brand Savic Motorcycles, which is promising to shake up the motorcycle industry.

The young Australian entrepreneur has been dreaming about designing a vehicle ever since he was six, when he made his first sketch of the new and very different engine configuration. At the age of 14, Dennis shifted his interest to motorcycles.

Since then, he has been working on a new concept electric motorcycle, that features impressively instantaneous torque and rapid acceleration all with a vastly reduced environmental impact. This will be the first electric motorcycle company in Australia, manufacturing internationally and assembling bikes locally in Melbourne.

Savic Motorcycles, a young start-up, is currently in the design phase and will build their production prototypes in 2019, followed by their first production run in 2020.

The company has already received Seed investment and is preparing for a Part Series A capital raise. The plan is to focus on sales and production first in Australia, then take the offering to international markets.

Driven by his passion to do to motorcycles what Elon Musk and Mate Rimac have done for cars, Dennis had completed a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and an MBA by the age of 25, while he was building motorcycles at night. He worked for three years in the oil and gas industry, and after some inspiration from Horacio Pagani, decided to work in the automotive industry, while developing Savic Motorcycles as his side hustle.

The challenge To develop Australia’s first range of electric motorcycles to address pollution issues that the world is facing and to capitalise on the exponential growth of electric vehicles at a global scale. To develop a market leading 42

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brand with unique and noticeable styling features, and electric motor technology that will set Savic Motorcycles apart from 95% of other motorcycles on the market.

The solution To obtain access to the most sophisticated engineering software available to prototype and build the vision, Dennis applied for Altair’s Global Startup Program and was successful at gaining access to leading simulation design tools and computer aided engineering software used by Ford, Airbus and Samsung. Access to Altair’s technology has enabled the Savic Motorcycles team to reduce development times and lower costs through the entire product lifecycle from design to in-service operation.

“Altair has enabled us to get quickly trained in the platform within just a couple days,” Dennis Savic explained.

“We’re using the software to develop CAE analysis, simulation, stress testing, topology optimisations and load testing.”

“We want to offer our customers the most advanced technology in our products, because that is our point of differentiation,” he said. “We will also be the first Australian motorcycle manufacturer to feature a metal 3D printed component.

“In 2019, we will progress several research projects with various universities to further develop our technological advantage,” he added. “As an early stage company, we’re agile and can quickly pivot and position ourselves and our products to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.”

In the near future, Savic Motorcycles will use Altair’s software to create a Digital Twin.

In the realm of virtual product development

and simulation, there are several technology tools that can be used to develop a market ready product.

Using Altair’s HyperWorks and Altair SmartWorks software a Digital Twin will be created that is very close to reality, thanks to coupling the physical with the virtual world.

“Creating a Digital Twin means we can gain valuable insights and make powerful predictions about failure risk, functional safety, and durability. The virtual prototype knows the ideal state of the product and therefore becomes a prediction tool for that product across its entire life cycle,” Dennis explained.

Dennis and the team have created a unique design featuring a perfectly rolled backbone frame and developed their own electric motor and energy storage system.

Multiple capacities will be available for all their models to ensure a personalised solution for every rider.

The Savic Motorcycles technology compared to the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) drastically reduces operational costs. For example, a single charge of 9 kWh (kilowatt hours) cost the rider only $3 and will take the rider 200 km, as opposed to the equivalent ICE costing approximately $15. Being electric, the Savic Motorcycles powertrain delivers near instantaneous torque with the bikes able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kms in 4 seconds (or under if a customised gearing ratio is requested).

The first product line that Savic Motorcycles will take to market is the C-Series - a Café Racer inspired design, which launched during November. The company presented the C-40, the concept

Savic Motorcycles founder and inventor behind a new-breed of electric motorcycle, Dennis Savic

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

will have a range of 50 km. Customised styling will be key with each vehicle coming in a range of options for brakes, suspension, wheels, tires and choice of three colours - Spectre, Stealth, and Rustic.

Aftermarket upgrades will also be offered.

Even at this early stage, the future looks extremely bright for Savic Motorcycles, and while the company is intending to take the product global by 2022, it’s currently focusing on becoming the leader in electric motorcycles in Australia. The company is aiming to collect 50-100 production orders by the end 2019, and begin production in 2020.

Please visit: www.savicmotorcycles.com

prototype of the vehicles they intend on taking through to production at the recent Moto Expo in Melbourne, where Savic was also taking pre-production orders.

Customers are able to choose from four models, including the C-FE (founder edition), Alpha (60kW, from $20,000), Delta (40kW, from $15,000) and the Omega (LAMS, 25kW, from $12,000). C-FE models are limited to 10 orders, and will be delivered in 2019, while the Alpha, Delta, and Omega orders will be delivered in 2020.

Each model comes with several battery pack options. Larger pack size will provide a range of 170-200 km, while the smallest

Electric Trucks in Action MAN and CNL Begin Practical Testing MAN Truck & Bus has handed over fullyelectric trucks to nine partner companies from the Austrian Council for Sustainable Logistics (CNL). The test vehicles, based on MAN TGMs, are designed specifically for each customer and prepared for authentic practical testing. During the test drives, which will last for several months, the participating companies will use the vehicles in regular logistics operations.

MAN will incorporate the experience gained together with the CNL’s partner companies into the continuing mass development of its electric trucks.

Joachim Drees, chairman of the Executive Board of Man Truck & Bus AG, and his board colleague Dr Ulrich Dilling, responsible for production and logistics, handed over the first electric trucks of the type MAN eTGM at the Steyr production site at ninemember companies of the Austrian Council for Sustainable Logistics (CNL). This also represented the starting point for practical tests, which will begin with immediate effect and under authentic conditions in day-today logistics and transport activities at CNL member companies Gebrüder Weiss, HOFER, Magna Steyr, METRO, Quehenberger Logistics, REWE, Schachinger Logistik, SPAR and Stieglbrauerei.

In the coming months, the companies will thoroughly test the vehicles under authentic conditions in their specific logistic and transport everyday life.

The official hand-over sees MAN Truck & Bus reach another milestone on the road to electrified urban distribution transport – a

mission in which zero-emissions and low levels of noise pollution play an increasingly important role.

The CNL members’ vehicle tests in routine logistics services underscore MAN’s approach of working together with customers and taking their practical experience on board to develop sustainable logistics solutions.

During the hand-over ceremony, which was held right in the midst of the action at the Steyr plant’s electric truck production facilities, Joachim Drees was evidently impressed by the joint project with the CNL, stating: “The time has come, the first MAN electric trucks are on the road - in everyday use by our customers. From now on, they deliver, for example, drinks, food, or vehicle parts - local emissions-free and almost silent. The handover of the first eTrucks is not only a special moment for the cooperation project with the CNL, but also for the 260-year company history of MAN.” From the Council for Sustainable Logistics’ point of view, its creator and spokesman

Max Schachinger expressed praise for the project: “We know and experience directly the development of climate and environment and we want all the more liveable cities.

Beyond the steps of each individual, we connect to an even greater whole and put the first E-trucks together with MAN in action: The end of the fossil age is ushered in and the future of sustainable mobility begins today.”

The CNL is a unique initiative in European terms: Eighteen of Austria’s largest retail, logistics and manufacturing firms have united to take steps forward in the area of sustainable logistics. The CNL is affiliated with the Centre for Global Change and Sustainability at Vienna University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences.

The field tests are carried out in the "Megawatt" project and supported with funding of over EUR3,000,000 by the Austrian Federal Government's Climate and Energy Fund as part of its "Lighthouses of Electric Mobility" program.

Please visit: www.mantruckandbus.com

Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Accelerating the Global Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Build-Out Tritium Pty Ltd., the Australian DC electric vehicle charging infrastructure solutions specialists, recently announced that global fuel dispensing equipment and systems specialist Gilbarco VeederRoot, has taken a minority investment in the company.

Since it launched its first DC fast charger in 2014, Brisbane-based Tritium has become a major global supplier, with installations in 26 countries around the world.

“Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s interest in Tritium further validates Tritium’s capabilities and technology expertise in the EV space,” said David Finn, Tritium chief executive officer and founder.

“This investment also sends a strong message to the industry about the future of EV charging in the retail fuelling and convenience market - it’s real, it’s happening and Tritium is at the forefront globally.”

Gilbarco Veeder-Root will sell all Tritium solutions, including Veefil-PK high-power charging (HPC) systems, which are capable of a full charge of an EV in just five to ten minutes. These highpower charging systems have unique and innovative liquid-cooled technology and a significantly smaller footprint than other HPCs on the market. The Tritium cooling system allows for less wear on internal parts to ensure optimal charger lifetime.

Martin Gafinowitz, senior vice president of Fortive, commented: “Our partnership with Tritium is the logical next step in our long history of evolving the Gilbarco Veeder-Root business portfolio to address progressive customer needs.”

“This investment provides early and judicious entry into a market with a growing need for rapid charging, which is one of the top barriers to EV purchase.”

The investment will enable Tritium to accelerate a number of strategic activities, including operational expansion in Europe and the U.S. to keep pace with a fast-growing market. Global sales are predicted to increase by a third in 2018 compared with the previous year (Frost & Sullivan, 2018 Global Electric Vehicle Market Outlook).

Other activities include expanding production capacity to meet increased demand for the company’s world-leading Veefil-PK High Power Charging System up to 475kW, and new product research and development. Tritium will also look to expand into India, China and the wider Asian region in the medium term, following its success in Europe and the U.S. Tritium has announced a number of customers across the globe in 2018, including a deal to supply its Veefil-PK HPC systems for the IONITY network. IONITY, a joint venture of the BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Co. and the Volkswagen Group, including Audi and Porsche, plans to roll out 400 sites across Europe. Tritium’s deal is to supply high-power chargers to 100 of those sites across Germany, France, UK, Norway and Sweden.

The company also recently signed a deal to supply at least 40 Veefil RT-50kW DC fast chargers for the NRMA’s charging network rollout across the state of New South Wales in Australia, and a separate deal to supply 12 Veefil-RTs to NKM Mobilitas Ltd. (Mobiliti) in Hungary.

ABOUT TRITIUM Tritium is a fast-moving technology company specializing in the design and manufacture of DC fast-charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs).

Established in Australia in 2001 to provide power-electronic systems and battery energystorage applications, it launched its first DC fast charger (Veefil-RT) in 2014. Since then it has become a leading global supplier with installations in 26 countries.

The U.S. is one of Tritium’s major markets, and it opened a manufacturing, R&D and sales facility in Torrance, California, in 2017. Its products are Buy America compliant and Tritium’s Veefil-RT 50kW fast charger is currently installed in EV charging networks on major routes across the U.S. In Europe, Tritium holds around 50 percent of the Norwegian market and around 15 percent of the wider European market for 50kW rapid chargers. Customers include Charge.net.nz, EDF Lumins, Fortum, Grønn Kontakt, IONITY, Proterra and Stromnetz.

Tritium’s headquarters and main manufacturing plant is in Australia, and it has an additional facility in Amsterdam serving the European market. For more information, please visit: www.tritium.com.au

ABOUT GILBARCO VEEDER-ROOT Gilbarco Veeder-Root is the worldwide technology leader for retail and commercial fuelling operations, offering the broadest range of integrated solutions from the forecourt to the convenience store and head office. For over 150 years, Gilbarco Veeder-Root has earned the trust of its customers by providing long-term partnership, uncompromising support and proven reliability. Major product lines include fuel dispensers, point-of-sale systems, payment solutions, tank gauges, retail software development and integration and fleet management systems. Please visit: www.gilbarco.com

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

History repeats itself as revolutionary Australian approach to Golf Carts is set to change localized transport challenges The original Ford UTE origin is the stuff of legend. The story has it that back in the 1930s an Australian farmer needed a dualpurpose vehicle to transport pigs to market through the week and his wife to church on a Sundays. Henry Ford got wind of the idea and developed the earliest version of a UTE. Fast forward nearly 90 years and in another world first an Australian has convinced Ford that there is market for an all new Ford branded electric utility. In fact, a wide range of golf cart based electric vehicles for resort and business use, not to mention a very capable golf cart for use on the golf course.

Ford electric golf carts soon evolved from standard two-man golf cart utility vehicles to 4 seat Utes, and 4, 6 and 8 seat passenger

vehicles. Featuring enough room for a driver and passengers they soon made whizzing around a resort, factory or between business departments simpler.

To understand how efficient and versatile these carts are, it's worth giving a nod to airports. Each day, members of the public will glance at one or two electric golf carts transporting passengers between terminals.

While moving those with mobility restrictions to gates is a noble use of golf carts, this example only tells half the story.

Behind the scenes, golf cart-based vehicles make the airport world go around.

Airside, workers who need to rapidly move between runway locations would struggle to do so safely in the absence of an electric golf cart utility. Their use allows them to avoid

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

the noise and velocity of jet engines, while promoting the rapid turnaround times aircraft require. Fewer bags make errant journeys, as handlers can whisk them between planes using a golf carts.

Documents, catering, and rapid-response engineers all employ their use. As an industry that's arguably more time-sensitive than any other, aviation acts as an excellent example of just how reliable electric golf carts are.

In a salute to Henry Ford, the range of Ford golf cart vehicles use cost saving common platforms and componentry. A mid wheel base vehicle can be assembled as a 6-seat people mover, a long tray utility or a housekeeping laundry van.

Ford's exclusively Australian agreement matches quality golf carts with national

service network, as well as a range of lease, rental and outright purchase options.

Much like the first emergence of Ford UTEs on the Australian automobile stage, the new Ford deal has been initiated by Aussies. With exclusive rights rolling out to the Australian market and a twoyear expansion plan in New Zealand and Indonesia, the new Ford golf cart deal heralds a new and exciting era.

Hybrid Technology In another first, Ford golf cart based electric vehicles are available with range extending Hybrid technology. A highly efficient onboard petrol generator engine automatically cuts in when battery levels are getting low, much like petrol electric hybrid road cars.

When Ford Golf Cart hybrid technology is combined with highly efficient AC drive motor, Lithium batteries and regenerative braking technology the range and operating cost per kilometre is extremely low.

Developed with a focus on matching robust capabilities with ecoconscious technology, the new range of low speed electric golf cart vehicles is set to benefit Australian businesses across a broad range of industry sectors.

Much like the world-changing events of the 1930s, another Australian idea coupled with American can-do thinking is set to change the way industry thinks about golf carts.

For further information, please visit: www.golfcartgroup.com.au

Autonomous and Electric: People Mover to Start Series Production in 2019 ZF is demonstrating its multiple systems expertise as a partner in the newly founded e.GO Moove GmbH joint venture. The e.GO Mover is part of an entire digital logistics offering including hardware, software and services, highlighting the company’s strategic orientation.

ZF's CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider and Dr. Günther Schuh, founder and CEO of e.GO Mobile AG based in Aachen, have announced that series production will begin in Aachen in 2019.

The e.Go Moove GmbH joint venture partners manufacture people and cargo movers primarily for the urban mobility needs of the future. Five-digit volumes are initially scheduled for annual production and ZF is expecting that the demand for these vehicles will reach approximately one million in the next five to seven years.

The company is equipping the e.Go Mover with electric drive systems, steering systems and brakes as well as ZF’s ProAI central computer (using artificial intelligence) and sensors which enable automated driving functions.

“System providers like ZF can significantly benefit from the worldwide trend toward automated driving and electromobility,” said ZF CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider during the recent ZF Technology in Friedrichshafen in Germany.

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The eGO People Mover

“The e.GO Mover is the first productionready vehicle featuring ZF systems which provides an autonomous mobility concept for cities.”

ZF is presenting further examples for digitally connected technologies using an autonomous, electrically-powered delivery vehicle for package delivery services. With

this, the courier neither has to drive nor park - the vehicle can follow them independently from one delivery point to the next with zero emissions.

A benefit for commercial vehicles At the recent IAA Commercial Vehicles show, ZF demonstrated a range of use cases

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for its ZF ProAI supercomputer and broad set of related sensor systems which can help to increase efficiency and save costs throughout the entire logistics chain.

ZF's CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider clearly sees the benefits for commercial vehicles when it comes to introducing autonomous systems.

"Initially, we expect to see automated driving activities more commonplace on company premises and logistics depots, in harbours or in agricultural environments as operations there tend to be more recurrent and the surroundings are not too complex.”

The technology is also expected to prevail in freight logistics and passenger transport because it can reduce operating costs and at the same time help to increase safety for all road users. As a supplier for passenger cars, trucks, buses, light commercial vehicles, agricultural applications and construction machinery, ZF is in the optimal position to create synergies between these areas.

The right strategy and the right speed are paramount “In an increasingly complex technology environment, companies that can quickly offer harmonised subsystems or complete system solutions have a distinct advantage.

This is how we have aligned our company’s strategy,” said ZF’s CEO. “ZF’s strategic focus is to be a systems provider that shapes ‘Next Generation Mobility’. We want to provide systems solutions which can address all potential requirements when it comes to the mobility of the future,” said Scheider.

With its broad portfolio of products and competencies, ZF is already active in the relevant technology fields. By mastering the integration of sensors, control units and vehicle motion control, ZF has gained a strong market position. The company is focusing on four fields: automated driving, electric drives, integrated safety systems and vehicle motion control – to make the driving experience as comfortable and

pleasant as possible for occupants.

In addition, ZF has set up its Internet of Things (IoT) Cloud-based system in order to enable extensive networking between systems. ZF will be active globally and across all applications in these fields, namely for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, offhighway vehicles and industrial technology.

Wolf-Henning Scheider, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, and Dr. Günther Schuh, CEO of e.GO Mobile AG, announce the start of production of the e.GO Moove GmbH joint venture.

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Waste + Water Management Australia | Dec 2018/Jan 2019

ACRS - The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd

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