HEC is based at Jamberoo within the Illawarra. This consulting business specialises in soil and water management, on site wastewater management and storm water management. Over the last 6 years, HEC has provided a service for over 450 companies and individuals located throughout the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, South West Sydney, Sydney Region, Southern Tablelands, Shoalhaven and Far South Coast.
The principals, Sean and Kate Harris are qualified environmental scientists with over 20 years professional experience. They have built up a large network with other professionals within the industry, regulative bodies and fellow practitioners. Environmental consulting is a fast moving world and HEC ensures all projects are undertaken using the most up-to date knowledge of industry guidelines, regulatory requirements and best management practices and technologies.
And how do biological engineering solutions fit in to all of this? While working in the industry as consultants, the principals saw numerous situations where biological engineering systems could provide simple and effective solutions for treating environmental issues. In particular, the concept of using floating reedbeds to treat polluted water captured their imaginations and led them to undertake extensive research and development into various designs for Floating Treatment Wetlands.
In 2004 HEC successfully developed its first FTW system (Rafted Reedbed) to solve a severe blue green algae outbreak in a storage reservoir used for recycling treated effluent. The demand for these rafts has been steadily growing and so has HEC’s knowledge and experience on how to create a natural, long term and durable water treatment system. The application of the rafts soon broadened into specific systems for river bank protection and rehabilitation as well as using advanced reed mats on exposed sites where nursery stock wetlands are difficult to establish.
Kate has worked as an environmental professional for the Australian Heritage Commission, NSW Soil Conservation Service and several local governments of Australia, and as a private consultant for a number of established firms and NGOs before establishing HEC in 2003. In particular she has specialized in riparian corridor management and restoration.
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Kate Harris
She has worked as an environmental professional for the Australian Heritage Commission, NSW Soil Conservation Service and several local governments of Australia, and as a private consultant for a number of established firms and NGO’s before establishing HEC in 2003. In particular she has specialized in riparian corridor management and restoration.
For three years she co-coordinated the Greening Australia Central West Landcare Environment Action Program, managing a number of projects involving river bank rehabilitation, ecological restoration of platypus habitat, seed collecting, wetland establishment and, extensive native endemic tree corridor plantings.
She has developed riparian corridor management plans for Kiama Council and developed rigorous environmental review system for creeks and stormwater management for Wollongong Council Works Division. She was also an Environment Delegate for Shoalhaven / Illawarra Water Management Committee (2001), to develop NSW Water Management Act, 2001; and is currently a Member of the Kiama Sustainability Advisory Committee.
Kate’s formal qualifications include a Post Graduate Diploma Environmental Management for Business, University of Hertfordshire, UK (2004) - High Distinction; Post Graduate Diploma, Natural Resource Management, University of New England (1997) and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Merit), University of Western Sydney (1989)
- Area of expertise includes:
- Riparian Zone Management
- Environmental Management Systems
- Environmental Impact Assessment;
- Environmental Training;
- Environmental Management Plans, Statement of
- Environmental Effects;
and Review of Environmental Factors; - Co-ordination and administration of complex projects;
- Production of a diverse number of technical documents and maps;
- Floating Treatment Wetlands and biological engineering systems for ecological restoration and water pollution control;
Sean worked for the NSW Soil Conservation Service for 5 years, followed by 10 years experience in the private sector as a specialist in on-site wastewater, soil and water management and environmental impact assessment generally. During this period he gained accreditation (currently lapsed) as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control and Member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management.
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Sean Harris
Sean worked for the NSW Soil Conservation Service for 5 years, followed by 10 years experience in the private sector as a specialist in on-site wastewater, soil and water management and environmental impact assessment generally. During this period he gained accreditation (currently lapsed) as a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control and Member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management.
His experience includes two years with a leading UK environmental consulting firm where he was responsible for the design of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, including the use of rafted reedbeds that have since been developed into HEC.
Sean’s formal qualifications include a Masters in Environmental Science, University of Wollongong (1996-1998), Post Graduate Diploma, Natural Resource Management, University of New England (1997) and a Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Western Sydney (1989)
Area of expertise includes:
- Stormwater management
- Soil & Water Management
- On-site Wastewater Management
- Bushfire Hazard Assessment
- Water Management Plans
- Floating Treatment Wetlands and biological engineering systems for ecological restoration and water pollution control
Membership of Professional Societies
- Australian Water Association
- Australian Soil Science Society
- Member Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand
- Stormwater Industry Association
Call Harris Environmental on 02 4236 0954 or send an email