Principle Environmental Practitioner
Sasol - Sasolburg Operations
Total des années d'expérience :21 years, 11 Mois
This involves:
• I am evaluating all EIAs, EMP and Scoing Report-documents to determine if the conditions for the EA (Record of Decision) are met and that there is evidence to proof this. This process involves quality checks and updating 85 EAs on SAP. Up to now over 4000 conditions were uploaded onto SAP. I have to ensure that the more than 90 employees are trained to upload the documents to proof that Sasol is Compliant with the conditions. I also have to Manage and facilitate the training, uploading and compliance of the documentation.
• I am also responsible for managing response plans for Key Undesirable Environmental Events.
• I am also responsible to assist the Business Units with evaluation of their Environmental Risk Assessments
I evaluated air legislation and foreseen future air legislation and how the legal requirement could impact on future operations of the different Sasol Business Units (BU’s). This enables the business units to proactive take steps in order to comply with legislation and remain operational.
I provided BUs with solutions and recommendations for atmospheric related problems. This enabled business management to take informed decisions in terms of future planning and necessary abatement.
I advised the BUs in the most suitable air sampling methods and techniques for unique sampling sites, to ensure reliable accurate standardised sampling and sample results. This ensures reliable timeous data.
I proved to be effective in air sampling, analyses and interpretation of data. I evaluated data obtained from Air Quality Stations and sampling campaigns to highlight potential deviations in advance.
I am also part of research collaboration where we are investigating the impacts of emissions on the biosphere in South Africa (although we are also networking internationally). This collaboration is with universities (NWU, KZN, WITS) and external companies (Eskom) to direct air research that is related to typical emissions from Sasol's processes. This is done to ensure reliable, independent, external feedback on emissions and atmospheric processes and the impact of the emissions on the biosphere. It also reduced cost for the company and ensured networking in the air environment.
I successfully initiated a system for storing the Sasol/ Eskom collaboration information. This will enable easy access within Sasol to data and research outputs.
Budgeting for proposed studies and new equipment
Managing of time and projects during the executing of the projects
I trained technicians and new personal in sampling and the evaluations of data. This ensured capacity building but also the growth of the research capacity.
Balance different types of Research and Development according to priorities: Operational support vs: Application Research and Development support
Compiled reports and contributed to technical progress report
Managed and provided technical and subject specific feedback and recommendations (reports and power point presentations and stakeholder meetings) to BUs
I completed environmental projects for the BUs that include studies to determine if Sasol’s environmental footprint is/was a reason for concern.
I also had to evaluate and review reports from external consultants and give feedback.
• Evaluation of gate documents for future Sasol projects in order to determine if the emissions from the activity, the technology or operation could trigger any EIAs, any MES, any ambient air legislation or could trigger occupational health regulations. These Gate documents are not limited to projects in South Africa and therefore I have to review air legislation in other countries as well.
• During Sasol’s application for exception of MES a, I assisted the SHE center with questions on mercury, secondary aerosol formation as well as the environmental impact of emitted pollutants on the ecosystem including water and soil.
• During this process I also answered questions from the external consultants
• I have to peer review the “offsetting” studies from NWU. These studies form the basis of future offsetting projects to improve the air quality in (especially) low-income settlements.
• I had to peer review a vehicle emission study for the CSIR.
• I had to peer review impact studies from WITS and UKZN.
After Group Technology was accused of poor performance, I was responsible for Group Technology stakeholder management from June 2013 till December 2013. I was responsible for building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and in particular:
Identify stakeholder concerns, and develop a plan and identify stakeholder interfaces in Group Technology.
I was responsible for the practical training and lectured Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry for the B.Tech student for 10 years. I was also involved in the Projects that the B.Tech students had to submit. I was responsible for the third year Analytical Chemistry classes as well as the practical training for this group of students. I also lectured an analytical course for the Biochemistry students.
In addition to this I some semesters was responsible for practical training for certain groups of analytical and physical chemistry students as well as the lectures for different groups of students.
Therefore I also had to contribute to the development, planning and implementation of a high quality curriculum. I had to assist in the development of learning materials, preparing schemes of work and maintaining records to monitor student progress, and achievement. I participated in departmental and faculty seminars aimed at sharing research outcomes and building interdisciplinary collaboration within and outside the department
• Developing and implementing an overview: Reversed practical experiments to meet the need for larger classes that led to better utilization of the laboratories without affecting the quality of education. I was responsible for evaluating all the Chemical practical experiments for all the Chemistry courses offered at the University.
• Creating a vision: Changing instruction in the practical guides so that the practical training became simple and logical and structured adding lasting value.
• Management and planning ahead so that learner guides and textbooks were available when students register in order to assist students to organise their studies.
1997 - 2006 Lecturer - Vaal University of Technology (formerly: Vaal Triangle
Technikon) (Vanderbijlpark) July 1997 - October 2006
Part-time Lecturer - Vaal Triangle Technician (Vanderbijlpark) January 1997 - May 1997
I taught Science (Chemistry and Physics) and Biology (Zoology and Botany) to Gr8 - Gr11 pupils
Ph.D. Environmental Management (focused area Chemistry) 2006 Dissertation thesis: Identification and comparison of volatile organic compound concentrations in ambient air in the Cape Town metropolis and the Vaal Triangle Study leader: Prof. J.J. Pienaar (Northwest University formerly known as PU for CHE). – Dr. L Fourie (Northwest University formerly known as PU for CHE)
Dissertation title: The roll of atmospheric iron compounds in the oxidation processes of sulphur (IV) with oxygen Study leader: Prof. J.J. Pienaar (Northwest University formerly known as PU for CHE)
Chemistry (Hons)