Who doesn’t love a lush, green backyard that’s inviting and enjoyable 365 days a year?
It’s a dream shared by many, but in Melbourne’s “four seasons in a day” climate, achieving and maintaining a beautiful lawn can be quite a challenge.
This is where the age-old debate between synthetic grass vs. real grass enters the scene, offering two distinct solutions for your outdoor oasis.
Often referred to as artificial turf or fake grass, this is a man-made surface crafted to mimic the appearance and feel of natural grass.
Real grass, on the other hand, is well… real.
Both options have their merits, and choosing between them can significantly impact the aesthetics and maintenance of your outdoor space.
To help you compare the pair and make the best choice for your needs, we’ll cover:
- A short overview of synthetic and real grass
- Factors to consider when comparing artificial and real grass
- How to match the choice to your home
- And plenty more
Read on as we dive deeper into the characteristics and considerations for each option, helping you make an informed choice that suits your needs and aligns with Melbourne’s unique climate.
Let’s get started!
Synthetic Grass vs. Real Grass – Pros and Cons
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal upkeep. Say goodbye to mowing, weeding, and fertilising.
- All-Year Green: It stays green all year round, even during Melbourne’s hot summers or chilly winters.
- Water Efficiency: In a city known for its water restrictions, this is a water-saving choice.
How to Clean Artificial Grass [The Easy Way]
- Initial Cost: Installation can be costly, including materials and labour.
- Artificial Feel: While it looks real, it doesn’t feel entirely like natural grass.
- Heat Retention: On hot days, it can get much warmer than real grass, making it uncomfortable to walk on.
- Natural Beauty: Real grass offers an authentic, natural look and feel that’s hard to replicate.
- Environmental Benefits: It helps with carbon sequestration, air purification, and temperature regulation.
- Cooler Surface: On hot days, it provides a cooler surface to enjoy outdoor activities.
- High Maintenance: Real grass demands regular mowing, watering, and pest control.
- Seasonal Variability: It can turn brown and require more maintenance during droughts or harsh winters.
- Allergens and Weeds: Real grass can trigger allergies, and it’s susceptible to weed growth.
Synthetic Grass vs. Real Grass – Top Factors to Consider
- Synthetic Grass: When it comes to efficiency, it takes the lead. It requires minimal upkeep, meaning no more weekends spent mowing, weeding, or watering. Melbourne’s erratic weather won’t phase it, and it’s always ready to impress with its uniform green look.
- Real Grass: Real grass demands more time and effort in terms of maintenance. Regular mowing, watering, and pest control can be time-consuming, and it may not stay as lush and green during dry spells.
- Synthetic Grass: The initial cost can be relatively high, but it’s important to consider it as a long-term investment. Over time, you’ll save on maintenance, water bills, and lawn care equipment.
- Real Grass: While real grass may seem more budget-friendly initially, the recurring expenses for maintenance, fertilisers, and water usage can add up over the years.
How Much Does Artificial Grass Really Cost? [Facts]
Durability and Lifespan
- Synthetic Grass: It is known for its durability. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, pets, and the wear and tear of everyday use. Most products come with warranties, ensuring a long lifespan.
- Real Grass: Real grass is more delicate and can be damaged by constant use, pets, or adverse weather conditions. It may require more frequent replacement and care to maintain its longevity.
- Synthetic Grass: It offers a consistently manicured appearance throughout the year. However, some people may find it lacks the natural charm and texture of real grass.
- Real Grass: Real grass has that classic, authentic look and feel that many homeowners desire. It provides a more diverse texture and colour palette, creating a visually appealing landscape.
- Synthetic Grass: While it saves water, synthetic turf is made from non-renewable resources and can generate heat in hot weather, contributing to the urban heat island effect. Disposing of old synthetic lawn can also pose environmental challenges.
- Real Grass: Real grass offers numerous environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration, air purification, and temperature regulation. It contributes positively to the ecosystem and supports biodiversity.
Consider factors like your location, your water conservation goals, and your lifestyle. For instance, if you live in an area with water restrictions, artificial grass might be the more practical choice.
The choice between synthetic grass vs. real grass in Melbourne ultimately depends on your priorities.
Both have their strengths and weaknesses, so weigh the factors that matter most to you – efficiency, cost, durability, aesthetics, and environmental impact.
Choosing the Right Grass: Tailoring Your Selection to Your Needs
Now that we’ve explored the various aspects of artificial turf and real grass, it’s time to match these options with different types of installations.
Your choice should align with your unique circumstances and priorities:
- Perfect for Residential Lawns: If you want a beautifully manicured lawn with minimal effort, artificial lawn is an excellent choice for residential properties. Its low maintenance requirements make it ideal for busy homeowners.
- Ideal for Pet-Friendly Spaces: Synthetic grass is pet-friendly and easy to clean, making it an ideal option for homes with furry companions. Say goodbye to muddy paws and brown patches.
- Great for Commercial Landscaping: Businesses and commercial properties looking for a consistently appealing landscape that doesn’t demand constant maintenance can benefit from synthetic turf.
- For Nature Enthusiasts: If you’re passionate about the authentic look and feel of natural grass, especially in larger garden settings or expansive residential lawns, real grass is your top pick.
- Sports and Recreational Areas: Real grass is the preferred choice for sports fields, golf courses, and parks due to its cooling effect, cushioning, and texture, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
- Environmental Stewardship: If you’re dedicated to supporting the environment, choosing real grass can be seen as an eco-conscious decision, as it contributes positively to biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
When deciding between synthetic grass vs. real grass, consider your specific needs and the purpose of your installation.
Synthetic lawn excels in scenarios where low maintenance and durability are paramount, while real grass shines when you desire the authentic beauty of nature or have environmental concerns.
Your choice of grass should align with your lifestyle, property type, and long-term vision for your outdoor space.
By understanding how each option suits different installations, you can confidently select the right grass for your needs.
Final Verdict: Synthetic or Realgrass?
Let’s wrap up what we’ve learned so far to help you make an informed decision for your outdoor space.
- Pros: Low maintenance, all-year green, water-efficient, and durable.
- Cons: Initial cost, artificial feel, heat retention.
- Pros: Natural beauty, environmental benefits, cooler surface.
- Cons: High maintenance, seasonal variability, allergens and weeds.
Ultimately, the decision between synthetic vs. real grass boils down to your lifestyle, preferences, and priorities. If you value convenience, water conservation, and a consistently green lawn, artificial grass is the way to go.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider the factors that matter most to you, and let them guide your choice.
Ready to Transform Your Lawn? Contact Reelgrass Today!
If you’re ready to take the next step in creating your dream outdoor space, whether it’s with artificial turf or the natural charm of real grass, the team at Reelgrass is here to assist you.
Our team of experts understands the unique needs of Melbourne’s climate and can provide you with personalised advice and a competitive quote to get your project underway.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information, or guidance, or to discuss your specific requirements.
Contact us today for a fast and free quote.


There were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases in 2022, with more than 35 million new cases predicted by 2050.
According to data from Red Electrica Espanola (REE), electricity production from renewable energy sources reached approximately 135,000 GW/h last year, equivalent to 50.4% of the total national energy mix. This figure is eight percentage points higher than the 42.2% achieved in 2022, the first time Spain has exceeded the 50% renewable energy threshold, REE said in a statement.
Wind power was the main source of energy for the second consecutive year, producing 63,000 GWh (23.3% of Spain's total electricity). And solar energy generated 37,000 GWh, or 14% of total electricity, much higher than hydropower's 9.5%," the report states.
Indicators of nuclear power generation remained stable at 20.3% of total production, while gas-fired power production fell by 7 points during this period, accounting for 17.2%. "These figures are indisputable evidence that Spain's green transition is steadily progressing," Beatriz Corredor, head of REE's parent company Redeia, said in a statement.
Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government has pledged to increase the share of renewable energy to 74 percent of Spain's total electricity production by 2030, an achievable goal given the country's abundance of sunlight and wind. As a result, large-scale solar power installation and wind power generation projects are increasing due to massive investment, especially in sparsely populated northern and central regions.
These figures make Spain one of the leaders in Europe in terms of renewable energy sources. Germany also published preliminary data in mid-December showing that electricity generation from renewable energy sources exceeded 50% of total energy output for the first time in 2023.


Position : Waste Treatment Operator
Department: Harbor Waste Treatment
Location : Santa Clara, California
This position involves a delicate balance of material handling and documentation. You will monitor and maintain our Water Treatment System and ensure proper compliance. This will involve properly labeling chemicals, updating waste treatment log books and completing land disposal documentation forms. Additional responsibilities will include handling material to be recycled; performing inspections of emergency showers and fire extinguishers; and keeping all equipment and working areas clean and organized.
We seek individuals with a minimum of 1 year waste water treatment experience, or 1 year experience in a chemical environment. Good English communication skills are essential, and a high school diploma is preferred. The position requires good manual dexterity, and constant standing, pushing, pulling and lifting of heavy objects.
To learn more about us, return to our homepage by clicking on the ECT logo at the upper left corner of this page.


When you think of a country’s water resources, you may not realise that there are many kinds. Some is surface water, such as dams and rivers. There’s also groundwater, which includes aquifers and, in some places, artificial recharge schemes that transfer surface water below-ground to store it.
Ideally, countries should take an integrated approach to water resource management to help reduce strain on specific water resources while also extending the lifespan of a region’s water supply. Crucially, it involves efficiently managing surface and groundwater resources in tandem.


Green ironwork? Yes, indeed. All the solid bar material we use in our projects is on average 97.7% recycled content. Some of our contemporary alloys have 100% recycled content. By using recycled and repurposed material, we can reduce our carbon footprint and turn that old clunker in the garage or the noisy refrigerator from someone’s basement into a beautifully handcrafted work of wrought iron sculpture or art.
Our powder coating system is also eco-friendly. It releases zero VOCs into the environment. The spraying process is more that 99% efficient and all over-spray can be cleaned up and reused. Our facility exceeds EPA and DEP requirements.
In the Old Order Amish tradition, our entire manufacturing facility is completely independent of the electrical grid. We create all the power we use, employing plant-based, bio-diesel whenever possible to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We have also just engineered a first-time-ever system using cooling water and exhaust heat. We run it through an exchanger to make the shop floor toasty warm, further reducing our fossil fuel dependence.
Additionally, the majority of our team members utilize a carpool, minimizing usage and cost of the planet’s resources.


JSPS Science Café was held on September 8th at the JSPS Washington Office. Dr. Chika Mori (Conservation Scientist, Department of Conservation and Scientific Research, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution) gave a lecture entitled “Dye plants in Washington D.C.”
Dr. Mori spoke about the range of dye plants in the Washington D.C. area and where these dye plants may be found. She also explained her research methods and how to extract dye from plants. She introduced various plant samples which were inspected by participants.
After her presentation, her talk spurred a lively Q&A discussion with an audience of approximately 20 participants.


Introduction: Utah County homeowners, are you dreaming of a beautiful and relaxing backyard oasis that requires minimal upkeep? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll explore how to design a low-maintenance Utah backyard that incorporates drought-tolerant plants, hardscaping, and sustainable water features. Get ready to transform your outdoor space into a stunning haven that's perfect for unwinding after a long day, while being mindful of Utah's unique climate and environment.
Drought-Tolerant Plants: The key to a low-maintenance Utah backyard starts with the plants you choose. Opt for native and drought-tolerant species like yucca, Russian sage, and lavender, which require minimal watering and upkeep. These plants will not only save you time but also help conserve water in our arid climate.
Embrace Xeriscaping Principles: Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that emphasizes water conservation and low-maintenance design. Incorporate xeriscaping principles like proper plant selection, efficient irrigation, and mulching to create an eco-friendly and beautiful backyard.
Hardscaping for Function and Beauty: Hardscaping elements like patios, walkways, and retaining walls not only add visual interest but also reduce the amount of maintenance needed in your backyard. Choose materials like stone, pavers, or gravel that require minimal upkeep and blend seamlessly with Utah's natural landscape.
Sustainable Water Features: Water features can be a focal point in your backyard oasis, but it's important to choose ones that are sustainable and low-maintenance. Consider a recirculating fountain, a pondless waterfall, or even a rain garden to add the soothing sound of water without wasting precious resources.
Artificial Turf: If you love the look of a lush green lawn but dread the maintenance, consider installing artificial turf. It's a water-wise and low-maintenance alternative that stays green year-round and requires no mowing or fertilizing.
Permeable Paving: Choose permeable paving materials for your walkways and patio to allow water to infiltrate the soil, reducing runoff and minimizing the need for irrigation. Options include permeable pavers, gravel, and decomposed granite.
Mulch for Moisture Retention: Applying a layer of mulch around your plants helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark, wood chips, or compost also improve soil fertility over time, reducing the need for fertilizers.
Low-Maintenance Outdoor Furniture: Select durable and weather-resistant outdoor furniture that requires minimal upkeep. Materials like teak, wrought iron, and synthetic resin wicker can withstand the elements and maintain their appearance with little effort.
Plant in Zones: Organize your plants into zones based on their water needs. By grouping plants with similar water requirements together, you can create a more efficient irrigation system that reduces water waste and maintenance.
Efficient Irrigation System: Invest in an efficient irrigation system like drip irrigation or a smart controller to ensure your plants receive the right amount of water. These systems help to conserve water and reduce the time spent on manual watering.
Conclusion: Creating a low-maintenance Utah backyard oasis is both achievable and rewarding. By incorporating drought-tolerant plants, hardscaping, and sustainable water features, you can design an outdoor space that's beautiful, relaxing, and environmentally friendly. So, Utah County homeowners, it's time to roll up your sleeves and start transforming your backyard into the oasis you've always wanted. Happy landscaping!


Underneath a tree, the roots are really the workhorse that holds the tree to the earth, fighting the winds and the heavy snows, and struggling to dig deeper into the earth, pushing through and around granite rocks, seeking more grip and more nourishment.
In the high Meadows, the soil is very shallow indeed; not far underneath is granite, either solid or boulder-laden. So, when a seedling takes root, and the roots bump into stone, they get bent and twisted as they struggle mightily to go downward. Going sideways as a last resort, they may bump into other boulders, and get even more contorted. That struggle is evident here.
Lacking root-depth, a tenuous grip on the earth results, and strong winds and heavy snows topple many would-be giants.
This particular tree was about 50 feet tall, not a giant by Sierra standards. For many years its exposed roots were washed by the rain and snow, as it lay near the edge of the Meadows.
This photo was taken in 1981; by the turn of the century the roots would become gray from the bleaching action of the sun.
Which way is "up" in this image? "Whichever way you prefer" is probably the best answer. Usually, a landscape image is oriented to the earth, but in this case these are roots underneath a fallen pine in Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows. In a sense we are looking "up" at the roots from underneath the tree. You might try different orientations --- each has a different "feel".


Sustainable homes are all the rage. What once meant switching to energy efficient washing machines and refrigerators turned to the addition of solar panels to decrease the usage of electricity. Now the trend of sustainability has gone one step further to one of the least eco-friendly rooms in the house: the bathroom.
Sustainable bathrooms are quite the sight to behold. They are spa-fabulous, with what appears to be glossy, porcelain basins accompanied by brilliantly shiny fixtures; but unlike other breathtakingly decorated bathrooms, these are equipped with environmentally friendly toilets, sinks, and tubs that lower the amount of water used, without giving up any of their aesthetic charm.
All the rage in Europe, and now in the U.S, low flow toilets use barely three liters of water per flush. Dual flush systems give users the choice between three and six liter flushes depending on the amount of water usage they require.
The same technology has been passed on to showerheads, with fixtures that use up to 70% less water than their vintage counterparts. This is made possible by an aerator, a device that is put into the end of the tap. It decreases the amount of water used by pushing air into the stream of water.
Tubs and sinks themselves are seeing an eco-friendly change. Instead of ceramic look for cast solid such as “Blu-Stone,” made from quartz. Blu-stone is fired at lower temperatures than ceramic for a much shorter time, adding to its great eco friendliness. Sustainable bathrooms are a trend that is definitely here to stay. Home enthusiasts everywhere eagerly await the next innovation!
By Sarah Clarke


Grow Better Plants With These Great Tips
Gardening is a fantastic and worthwhile hobby as it provides you not only with a creative outlet, but also with fresh produce for you and your family to enjoy. Getting started may provide some challenges, as there are several nuances to successful gardening. This article is meant to provide you with the requisite knowledge to ensure you get the most from your garden.
Use a bar of soap to prevent dirt under your nails. Before you begin gardening, scrape your fingernails across a bar of soap. This will create a barrier that keeps the dirt out. When you are done gardening, the soap will wash out quickly and easily - leaving your nails sparkling clean.
To save space in your garden, try planting your crops in blocks rather than in the traditional rows. Rows end up leaving too much space between plants for needless pathways. Blocks help keep plants tight together without sacrificing production. Small variety kitchen vegetables do best in blocks that are arranged in a wide bed.
When the vegetable season is over, grow a shoulder season crop if possible. Fruits like strawberries or raspberries bear fruit very early or very late in the season before or after the summer vegetable crops take over and can be planted. Raspberries can be planted to bear fruit in the fall and strawberries can be planted to bear fruit in the spring.
See this: https://www.aerogardenreviews.info
Plant crops compatible with each other in order to add even more efficiency to your garden. Plant crops that take longer to mature next to faster growing varieties. You can also get ahead of the season by planting cooler climate crops in the shade of larger summer crops. Greens such as lettuce do great in the shade of a large tomato plant.
Feed your plants. The way your plants are growing can tell you what nutrients are lacking and need replacing. Some plants take up a lot of nutrients early in the growing season and quickly need a new supply. Look for signs of deficiency such as yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Feed the plant with a general purpose fertilizer, unless it has specific requirements. Foliage plants, for instance, prefer a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
Use mulch to add nutrients to your soil. Mulch is a much better way to amend your soil than fertilizers because it comes from natural ingredients in your garden. Commercial fertilizers may contain undesirable chemicals. In addition, mulch is free. All you need to do is compost your clippings and yard waste in a compost bin. Before long, you will have enough mulch for your entire garden.
The use of natural plants can make a garden without any work. Many plants will self seed and grow a perpetual crop without any work at all. Butternut squash, pumpkins, and cilantro will grow and self seed growing new crops year after year with almost no work and become a permanent garden feature. Grow them in areas such as the compost pile or along fences for maximum results.
Improve the health of your soil before your plant your crops and seed. Three or four weeks beforehand use organic compounds like mulch, fertilizer, and compost to increase the nutrient value and retention of your soil. It will also improve the retention of water, create a soil buffer, and more.
From the simplest of gardens to the most grand, there are always rules of thumb that will help ensure you get the best possible results from your garden. By following the tips and advice from this article you will be well on your way to enjoying the fruits, and vegetables, of your labor.


Welcome - An Example Document
Essays on Global Warming
Global warming is a problem confronting all of us and most people and sectors consider it a serious cause for concern. Not only have governmental, economic, and environmental sectors weighed in on the global warming problem but the educational sector has as well. Many educational institutions have taken part in activities such as fund raisers, tree-planting, and clean-up drives to help raise awareness about global warming and to help fight it, but mostly they have taken this environmental issue inside the classroom by assigning essays on global warming. Writing essays on global warming is a particularly effective way to raise awareness about the global warming topic.
Like all the previous papers you have written, when you write essays on global warming you must be able to accurately define and explain your essay topic. By knowing the definition of global warming, you will be able to inform your readers about the environmental predicament we face. Essays on global warming can take many forms such as cause and effect essays, persuasive essays, and descriptive essays, but whichever type you choose, your essay must cite sources that support the points you make. Reading examples of essays on global warming can provide added assistance to your essay writing, for example, in "type essays online" service.
Essays on global warming should be written with the goal of educating your readers. Aside from providing a definition of global warming, essays on global warming should also explain the causes and effects of global warming as well as describe some the research that is being done on this phenomenon. In addition, essays on global warming should look at the doubt that has been cast about the threat of global warming; there are a growing number of scientists who ardently believe that there is no global warming threat.
To complete an essay on global warming, you should not only discuss the causes and effects of global warming, but you should also look at solutions that have been proposed to prevent and control this problem. Providing this information will raise awareness, educate, and hopefully motivate people to learn more about global warming and what can or should be done about it.


As always, the season is unfolding quickly. In the winter, when we think of the growing season, it seems as it is: a six month progression of stages that proceed in a mostly predictable - if weather dependent - way. But when you're in the middle of it, it feels different from that. It feels like it's all happening at hyper-speed. A little tree that was a barren stick seemingly yesterday is now a tree covered with foliage, often with new branches sprouting here and there, crying out for our attention.
And then there's thinning. Here's where an organic orchard may be dramatically different from a conventional one. For many conventional orchardists, this is simply a time to add a new chemical to the regular weekly spray routine. It's a chemical that causes the trees to drop much - but not all - of their fruit. Voila! You have thinned. For us, thinning is very different. It's a time-consuming job that we do by hand, snipping off much of the fruit in order to get better quality apples and an amount that will lead the tree to produce well next year too, rather than slipping into biennialism, where the tree produces a huge crop one year and virtually none the next, alternating.
Here's a small-scale version of what we do. The top picture shows a very small tree set to produce a few apples. Look closely and you'll see three clusters of them. Apple blossoms generally come in clusters of five and when there are pollinators around doing their job (which thankfully has been the case this year), as many as all five will become apples. Some varieties will naturally drop most of these little apples; others try to make five apples from each cluster. Which will result in awfully small apples (and a high risk of biennialism) if we don't intervene.
So intervene we do. The second photo shows the same little tree moments later, after I've gone at it with my shears, removing all but one apple from each cluster and then taking even that one in the case of the middle cluster, as this small tree needs to produce minimal fruit until it reaches full size. We've gone from about ten apples to two.
Multiply this task by 3,389 trees - a few with this much or even less fruit to thin and many with dozens of times as much - and you've got an idea of what thinning is all about.
To have maximum positive benefits, thinning needs to happen within a few weeks of the little apples forming. So it's a big job that needs to happen in a rush. Part of what makes the growing season feel like it's passing at breakneck speed!


January 2012 P1P2P3 (Higher)
January 2012 P1P2P3 (Foundation)
June 2012 P1P2P3 (Higher)
June 2012 P1P2P3 (Foundation)
January 2013 P1P2P3 (Higher)
January 2013 P1P2P3 (Foundation)
June 2013 P1P2P3 (Higher)
June 2013 P1P2P3 (Foundation)
Click links to view videos related to that spec point. New videos are added regularly: please use the contact form if you’d like to request a video for a particular topic.
Spec points in bold relate to the higher tier only (students doing foundation exams do not need to study these).
P3.1: How much energy do we use?
1. understand that the demand for energy is continually increasing and that this raises issues about the availability of energy sources and the environmental effects of using these sources
2. recall the main primary energy sources that humans use: fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal), nuclear fuels, biofuels, wind, waves, and radiation from the Sun
3. understand why electricity is called a secondary energy source
4. understand that power stations which burn fossil fuels produce carbon dioxide which contributes to global warming and climate change
5. understand that when electric current passes through a component (or device), energy is transferred from the power supply to the component and/or to the environment
6. recall that the power (in watts, W) of an appliance or device is a measure of the amount of energy it transfers each second, i.e. the rate at which it transfers energy
7. use the following equation to calculate the amount of energy transferred in a process, in joules and in kilowatt hours:
8. use the following equation to calculate the rate at which an electrical device transfers energy:
9. understand that a joule is a very small amount of energy, so a domestic electricity meter measures the energy transfer in kilowatt hours
10. calculate the cost of energy supplied by electricity given the power, the time and the cost per kilowatt hour
11. interpret and process data on energy use, presented in a variety of ways
13. use the following equation in the context of electrical appliances and power stations:
(Candidates will be expected to consider/calculate efficiency as a decimal ratio and as a percentage)
14. suggest examples of ways to reduce energy usage in personal and national contexts.
P3.2: How can electricity be generated?
1. understand that electricity is convenient because it is easily transmitted over distances and can be used in many ways
2. recall that mains electricity is produced by generators
3. understand that generators produce a voltage across a coil of wire by spinning a magnet near it
4. understand that the bigger the current supplied by a generator, the more primary fuel it uses every second
5. understand that in many power stations a primary energy source is used to heat water; the steam produced drives a turbine which is coupled to an electrical generator
6. label a block diagram showing the basic components and structures of hydroelectric, nuclear and other thermal power stations
7. understand that nuclear power stations produce radioactive waste
8. understand that radioactive waste emits ionising radiation
9. understand that with increased exposure to ionising radiation, damage to living cells increases eventually leading to cancer or cell death
10. understand the distinction between contamination and irradiation by a radioactive material, and explain why contamination by a radioactive material is more dangerous than a short period of irradiation from the radioactive material
11. understand that many renewable sources of energy drive the turbine directly e.g. hydroelectric, wave and wind
12. interpret a Sankey diagram for electricity generation and distribution that includes information on the efficiency of energy transfers
13. recall that the mains supply voltage to our homes is 230 volts
14. understand that electricity is distributed through the National Grid at high voltages to reduce energy losses.
P3.3 Which energy sources should we choose?
1. discuss both qualitatively and quantitatively (based on given data where appropriate), the effectiveness of different choices in reducing energy demands in:
a. domestic contexts
b. work place contexts
c. national contexts
2. understand that the choice of energy source for a given situation depends upon a number of factors including:
a. environmental impact
c. waste produced
d. carbon dioxide emissions
3. describe advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources, including non-renewable energy sources such as:
a. fossil fuels
and renewable energy sources such as:
f. water (waves, tides, hydroelectricity)
4. interpret and evaluate information about different energy sources for generating electricity, considering:
b. economic costs
c. environmental impact
d. power output and lifetime
5. understand that to ensure a security of electricity supply nationally, we need a mix of energy sources.


The majority of states regulate VOCs because the release of these into the environment can, under certain conditions,
contribute to the formation of ground level ozone. Ozone while a good thing in the upper atmosphere is a bad thing at ground level, causing respiratory distress and even death for those members of the population weakened by respiratory illness or age. The Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with state agencies throughout the USA, has set ozone standards. It is these standards that are driving states to regulate VOCs in an effort to decrease the high ozone levels.


Drain Line Cleaning
WHAT CAN GO WRONG?
Little can go wrong with the septic tank itself. Tanks sometimes suffer structural damage and/or deteriorate, but problems occur most often in the plumbing or in the leaching system.
If your plumbing backs up suddenly under normal use in dry weather, temporary blockage is the most probable cause. Blockages in the pipe between the home and septic tank can usually be cleared with plumbing equipment. Some pipe blockages caused by tree roots entering the drain pipes develop over a period of time. We have the knowledge and equipment to clear these blockages.
More serious difficulties occur when the soil surrounding the leaching system becomes clogged. When sludge and scum is not removed periodically from the tank (every three years for dwellings and every year for commercial establishments), they accumulate until they are transported out into the absorption field. The carry-over of solids from the septic tank is the most common cause of leaching system failure. When no maintenance is performed, the perforated distribution drain pipe or the pores in the earth walls of the soil absorption system become clogged.
You can suspect a malfunctioning absorption field if:
1. There are odors, persistent wet spots and/or lush green growth in any areas of your system.
2. Your waste plumbing becomes sluggish over a period of time.
3. Your system backs up into a shower or tub.
4. Problems persist even though the septic tank has been pumped/cleaned recently.


The TravelSheet™ - COOLMAX® Insect Shield® is the perfect travel companion. Made with COOLMAX® EcoMade fabric, it's quick drying and moisture wicking to keep you comfortable no matter where you are. The built-in Insect Shield® repellent keeps bugs at bay so you can focus on enjoying the great outdoors.
Why Insect Shield®?
Insect Shield® is a revolutionary technology which deters insects by using an EPA-approved, molecularly-bonded application of Permethrin. This long-lasting treatment [effective up to 70 washes], offers scientifically-proven protection against; mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, fleas, chiggers and midges [no-seeums] - many of which can carry dangerous diseases such as malaria or Lyme disease. Insect Shield® is colorless and odorless and is effective without needing to apply chemicals [such as DEET] directly onto the skin. Insect Shield® is available in several different products throughout the COCOON® product line.
Insect Shield® protection
- Pocket for pillow insert
- Side opening with VELCRO® closure
- Wide top opening
Machine wash (86°F). Tumble drying (low). Wash colors separately.
Product size 85" x 33" / packing size 7" x 3.8"
WEIGHT 10.8 oz.
ADDED TEMPERATURE TO BAG 8.4℉
Why COOLMAX® EcoMade?
COOLMAX® EcoMade technology provides the same reliable cooling performance you expect from the COOLMAX® brand, but it's made with 100% recycled resources to help the environment. Eco-conscious consumers will also appreciate that this polyester fiber can be made with either 100% textile waste or recycled PET bottles.


NEW RECYCLING BIN CUBEK
Recycling bin in stainless steel. 3 individual bins.
Rounded edges, improved design.
Inside compartments for bin liners storage and old batteries disposal.
The definitive solution for your home.
This product is no longer in stock
Recycling bin CUBEK in stainless steel with three plastic bins in different colours to classify waste easier. Besides, with two accessible compartments due to the top lid (one for batteries and another for garbage bags).
Your recycling bin with a new great design.
* Made of stainless steel.
* Rounded edges to get a better ergonomy and improved design.
* A new top lid for an easy opening and access to bins.
* Plastic containers made of antiodor plastic.
* The 3 containers are in different colors for an easy waste sorting. Each compartment has more than 20 liters of capacity.
* Added 2 new compartments. One for old batteries disposal and the other for bin liners storage.
* Designed to be fixed to the wall, set of screws provided.
* Ergonomics in household waste recycling.
* Capacity, hygiene and design in your kitchen.
* 100% made in Spain.
* Stainless Steel AISI 430
- use a damp cloth.
- do not use chemical cleaning products
Measures: 33,6 x 29,5 x 145 h cm
Ningún cliente revisa por el momento.


We have had to make a few changes to our regular routines in order to reduce exposure to COVID-19 for our guests and cleaning staff. Below are the details. Please contact us if you have any further questions
On the Outer Banks
- In general, if you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the Outer Banks. The Outer Banks Hospital is a very small critical access hospital with no ICU.
- If you develop symptoms: fever, shortness of breath, cough, flu-like symptoms, or changes in sense of taste or smell, please head home immediately.
- Please wear a mask in public spaces. If you are traveling out to stores or restaurants, you will be required to wear a mask.
Around the Atlantic Street Inn
- The shared kitchen and dining areas will be closed until further notice.
- Please make sure you are keeping a safe distance ( 6 feet ) from others in social areas, even outside.
- You are welcome to use the beach equipment, located under the house. Please wipe it down before and after use. There is a cleaning solution there to use; wait one minute after spraying before wiping down.
- Our cleaning staff will wipe down all shared space surfaces daily.
In Your Suite
- We are currently asking guests to bring their own linens and towels, in an effort to reduce exposure to our cleaning staff. Alternatively, you may request our linen package for an additional $75; you will be responsible for putting all linens into provided laundry bags before checkout.
- We ask that you spray your bathroom before check-out. There is a spray bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide solution in your bathroom to spray surfaces. Wait one minute after spraying before wiping down.
- DO NOT spray fabric/material with the hydrogen peroxide solution, as it will stain cloth.
Stay Safe and Enjoy the Beach!


The Chair of Engineering Geology at ETH Zurich invites applications for two PhD positions in the areas of geomechanical modelling, and alpine hydrogeology. These projects form part of a collaborative effort aimed at gaining insight into the manner in which the generation of bedrock fractures due to large scale topographic changes controls groundwater flow dynamics and solute transport in a large Alpine basin (the Matter Valley, Switzerland).
Mountains occupy a critical position within the water cycle. They act as “water towers” which progressively deliver water accumulated during periods of precipitation or snowmelt to surface and groundwater systems at the valley floor. However, the mechanisms of groundwater recharge, storage, and discharge remain poorly understood in such environments. This is, in part, due to a lack of knowledge into i) the distribution of bedrock fractures and aquifer compartmentalization of the mountain slopes and ii) the dearth of hydrological data available. Hydraulically conductive near-surface fractures develop in response to a redistribution of bedrock stresses as glaciers and rivers progressively erode the alpine landscape. A mechanistic description of landscape evolution – combining field observations and geomechanical modelling – can provide critical insight into the spatial distribution of fracture networks driving groundwater flow dynamics. Similarly, hydrological and geochemical observations will provide key information into the degree of bedrock fracturing and its connectivity at the watershed scale. Leveraging the complementary nature of these observations, insights into streamflow recession and groundwater chemistry derived from the parallel hydrogeological investigation, will help constrain the geomechanical study and provide independent verification of assumed spatio-temporal variations in fracturing as a result of valley evolution. The hydrogeological project specifically aims to connect the complementary nature of hydro-geomorphological characteristics of the landscape to better constrain the spatial distribution of groundwater resources and their dynamics.
The successful geomechanical modelling candidate must have an MSc in Earth Sciences, Environmental Engineering or related field and be strongly interested in research. Knowledge and experience in rock mechanics, geomorphology, and / or numerical modelling are important. Good technical and writing skills are desired. The duration of the position is 3 years. You will be tasked with constraining a 3D geomechanical model capturing bedrock fracturing in response to fluvial and glacial erosion since the mid-Pleistocene Transition (~0.94- 0.89 Ma). Characterization of selected tributary catchments will involve engineering geological mapping, evaluation of progressive fluvial and glacial erosion, and interpretation of results from (ambient vibration) seismic investigations. The candidate will be required to work in a multidisciplinary team tasked with synthesizing field observations in order to transfer geomechanical model results to hydrogeological properties (these are required inputs to the complimentary hydrogeology PhD project).
The successful alpine hydrogeology candidate will have strong skills in applied hydrogeology, a passion for Earth sciences and willingness to work in multidisciplinary projects. Candidates with demonstrated field skills are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must have an MSc in Earth Sciences, Environmental Engineering or related field and be strongly interested in research. This position will start in fall 2018 and last for three years. You will be tasked with i) undertaking a geological and hydrological characterization of selected watersheds, ii) deploying a field monitoring system to quantify water and solute fluxes within these watersheds, and iii) modelling the impact of structural heterogeneities on groundwater flow partitioning and solute transport. The candidate will be required to work in a multidisciplinary team tasked with synthesizing field observations in order to transfer geomechanical model results (developed as part of the complimentary PhD project) to hydrogeological properties.
The Department of Earth Sciences of ETH Zurich has been consecutively ranked #1 for four years in the QS World University Rankings, Earth & Marine Sciences. The Chair of Engineering Geology consists of approximately 25 multidisciplinary scientists involved in a leading research and teaching program in quantitative engineering geology and hydrogeology. Detailed information about the Department of Earth Sciences and the Chair of Engineering Geology is available on the website: www.engineeringgeology.ethz.ch/.
We look forward to receiving your online application including a cover letter, a curriculum vitae which describes your complete personal details and career history, complete course grades and transcripts, digital copies of both Bachelor and Master theses, and one representative publication (if applicable). Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal.


- Smith AMS, Lutz JA, Hoffman CM, Williamson GJ, Hudak AT (2018) Preface: Special Issue on Wildland Fires Land 7(2) 46 Link
- Holz A, Hart SJ, Williamson GJ, Veblen TT, Aravena JC (2018) Radial growth response to climate change along the latitudinal range of the world ’s southernmost conifer in southern South America. Journal of Biogeography doi:10.1111/jbi.13199 Link
- Johnston FH, Wheeler AJ, Williamson GJ, Campbell S, Jones P, Koolhof I, Lucani C, Cooling N, Bowman DMJS (2018) Using smartphone technology to reduce health impacts from atmospheric environmental hazards Environmental Research Letters Link
- Yao J, Raffuse SM, Brauer M, Williamson GJ, Bowman DMJS, Johnston FH, Sarah B Henderson (2018) Predicting the minimum height of forest fire smoke within the atmosphere using machine learning and data from the CALIPSO satellite Remote Sensing of Environment 206:98-106 Link
- Furlaud JM, Williamson GJ, Bowman DMJS (2017) Simulating the effectiveness of prescribed burning at altering wildfire behaviour in Tasmania, Australia International Journal of Wildland Fire Link
- Hanigan IC, Williamson GJ, Knibbs LD, Hoesley J, Rolfe MI, Cope M, Barnett AG, Cowie CT, Heyworth JS, Serre ML, Jalaludin B, Morgan GG (2017) Blending Multiple Nitrogen Dioxide Data Sources for Neighborhood Estimates of Long-Term Exposure for Health Research Environmental Science and Technology Link
- Holz A, Paritsis J, Mundo IA, Veblen TT, Kitzberger T, Williamson GJ, Aráoz E, Bustos-Schindler C, González ME, Grau HR, Quezada JM (2017) Southern Annular Mode drives multicentury wildfire activity in southern South America PNAS Link
- Bowman DMJS, Williamson GJ, Abatzoglou JT, Kolden CA, Cochrane MA, Smith AMS (2017) Human exposure and sensitivity to globally extreme wildfire events Nature Ecology and Evolution 1:0058 Link
- Johnston O, Johnston FH, Todd J, Williamson G (2016) Community-Wide Distribution of a Catalytic Device to Reduce Winter Ambient Fine Particulate Matter from Residential Wood Combustion: A Field Study PLOS One Link
- Emmerson KM, Reisen F, Luhar A, Williamson G, Cope ME (2016) Air quality modelling of smoke exposure from the Hazelwood mine fire. CSIRO Australia.
- Williamson GJ, Bowman DMJS, Price OF, Henderson SB, Johnston FH (2016) A transdisciplinary approach to understanding the health effects of wildfire and prescribed fire smoke regimes Environmental Research Letters 11(12) Link
- Prior LD, Murphy BP, Williamson GJ, Cochrane MA, Jolly WM, Bowman DMJS (2016)Does inherent ﬂammability of grass and litter fuels contribute to continental patterns of landscape ﬁre activity? Journal of Biogeography doi:10.1111/jbi.12889 Link
- Harris, RMB, Remenyi, TA., Williamson, GJ, Bindoff, NL, Bowman, DMJS (2016) Climate–vegetation–fire interactions and feedbacks: trivial detail or major barrier to projecting the future of the Earth system? WIREs Climate Change DOI: 10.1002/wcc.428 Link
- French BJ, Prior LD, Williamson GJ, Bowman DMJS (2016) Cause and effects of a megafire in sedge-heathland in the Tasmanian temperate wilderness. Australian Journal of Botany Link
- Bowman DMJS, Williamson GJ, Prior, LD, Murphy, BP (2016) The relative importance of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the decline of obligate seeder forests. Global Ecology and Biogeography DOI:10.1111/geb.12484 Link
- Balch JK, Nagy RC, Archibald S, Bowman DMJS, Moritz MA, Roos CI, Scott AC, Williamson GJ (2016) Global combustion: the connection between fossil fuel and biomass burning emissions (1997–2010). Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 371, 20150177. doi:10.1098/rstb.2015.0177 Link
- Prior LD, Williamson GJ, Bowman DMJS (2016) Impact of high severity fire in a Tasmanian dry eucalypt forest Australian Journal of Botany Link
- Williamson GJ, Prior LD, Jolly WM, A Cochrane MW, Murphy BP, Bowman DMJS (2016) Measurement of inter- and intra-annual variability of landscape fire activity at a continental scale: the Australian case Environmental Research letters 11:3 Link
- Jordan GJ, Harrison PA, Worth, JRP, Williamson GJ, Kirkpatrick, JB (2015) Palaeoendemic plants provide evidence for persistence of open, well-watered vegetation since the Cretaceous Global Ecology and Biogeography Link
- Beeton NJ, McMahon CR, Williamson GJ, Potts J, Bloomer J, Bester MN, Forbes LK, Johnson CN (2015) Using the Spatial Population Abundance Dynamics Engine for Conservation Management. Methods in Ecology and Evolution (Link).
- Romanin LL, Prior LD, Williamson, GJ, Bowman DMJS (2015) Trajectory of change in land cover and carbon stocks following European settlement in Tasmania, Australia. Anthropocene (accepted 4 July 2015).
- Jolly WM, Cochrane MA, Freeborn PH, Holden ZA, Brown TJ, Williamson GJ, Bowman DMJS (2015) Climate-induced variations in global wildfire danger from 1979-2013 Nature Communications 6:7537 Link
- Potts J, Beeton N, Bowman DMJS, Williamson G, Lefroy T, Johnson CN (2015) Predicting the future range and abundance of fallow deer in Tasmania, Australia Wildlife Research (Link)
- Trauernicht C, Brook BW, Murphy BP, Williamson GJ, Bowman DMJS (2015) Local and global pyrogeographic evidence that indigenous fire management creates pyrodiversity Ecology and Evolution Link
- Worth JRP, Williamson GJ, Sakaguchi, S, Nevill PG, Jordan GJ (2014) Environmental niche modelling fails to predict Last Glacial Maximum refugia: niche shifts, microrefugia or incorrect palaeoclimate estimates? Global Ecology and Biogegraphy 23: 1186–1197. Link
- Worth JRP, Harrison PA, Williamson GJ, Jordan GJ (2014) Whole range and regional-based ecological niche models predict differing exposure to 21st century climate change in the key cool temperate rainforest tree southern beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii)' Austral Ecology Link
- Haberle SG, Bowman DMJS, Newnham RM, Johnston FH, Beggs PJ, Buters J, Campbell B, Erbas B, Godwin I, Green BJ, Huete A, Jaggard AK, Medek D, Murray F, Newbigin E, Thibaudon M, Vicendese D, Williamson GJ, Davies JM (2014) The Macroecology of Airborne Pollen in Australian and New Zealand Urban Areas. PLOS One Link
- Bowman DMJS, Murphy BP, Williamson GJ, Cochrane MA (in press) Pyrogeographic models, feedbacks and the future of global fire regimes. Global Ecology and Biogeography 23, 821-824.Link
- Bowman DMJS, Williamson GJ, Keenan RJ, Prior LD(2014). A warmer world will reduce tree growth in evergreen broadleaf forests: Evidence from Australian temperate and subtropical eucalypt forests. Global Ecology and Biogeography Online 13 April 2014 Link
- Williamson, GJ (2013) Tasmanian heat wave history and forecasting Consultant Report, Tasmanian DHHS eCite Link
- Williamson GJ, Prior LD, Grose MR, Harris RMB, Bowman DMJS (2014) Projecting canopy cover change in Tasmanian eucalypt forests using dynamically downscaled regional climate models. Regional Environmental Change Link
- Williamson, GJ, Murphy, BP, Bowman, DMJS (2013) Cattle grazing does not reduce fire severity in eucalypt forests and woodlands of the Australian Alps Austral Ecology Link.
- Bowman DMJS, Murphy BP, Neyland DLJ, Williamson GJ, Prior LD (in press) Abrupt fire regime change may cause landscape-wide loss of mature obligate seeder forests. Global Change Biology 20:1008-1015 link.
- Murphy, B.P., Bradstock, R.A., Boer, M.M., Carter, J., Cary, G.J., Cochrane, M.A., Fensham, R.J., Russell-Smith, J., Williamson, G.J. and Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2013) Fire regimes of Australia: a pyrogeographic model system., Journal of Biogeography 40, 1048-1058. Link
- Tng, Y.P.D., Williamson, G.J., Jordan, G.J., Bowman, D.M.J.S (2012) Giant eucalypts – globally unique fire-adapted rain forest trees?, New Phytologist 196:1001-1014. Link
- Price, O.F., Williamson, G.J., Henderson, S.B., Johnston, F.J., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2012) The Relationship between Particulate Pollution Levels in Australian Cities, Meteorology, and Landscape Fire Activity Detected from MODIS Hotspots PLOS One Link
- Williamson, G.J., Price, I.F., Henderson, S.B., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2012) Satellite-based comparison of fire intensity and smoke plumes from prescribed fires and wildfires in south-eastern Australia International Journal of Wildland Fire 22:121-129 Link
- Little, J., Prior, L.D., Williamson, G.J., Williams, S.E., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2012) Fire weather risk differs across rain forest - savanna boundaries in the humid tropics of north-eastern Australia. Austral Ecology 37:915-925. Link
- Tng, D.Y.P, Murphy, B.P., Weber, E., Sanders, G., Williamson, G.J., Kemp, J., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2012) Humid tropical rain forest has expanded into eucalypt forest and savanna over the last 50 years. Ecology and Evolution 2:34-45. Link
- Prior, L.D., Williamson, G.J., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2011) Using permanent forestry plots to understand the possible effects ofclimate change on Australia's production forest estate.
- de Little, S.C., Williamson, G.J., Bowman, D.M.J.S., Whelan, P.I., Brook, B.W., Bradshaw, C.J.A. (2011) Experimental comparison of aerial larvicides and habitat modification for controlling disease-carrying Aedes vigilax mosquitoes Pest Management Science 68:709-717. Link
- Murphy, B.P., Williamson, G.J., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2011) Fire regimes: moving from fuzzy concept to geographic entity. New Phytologist 192, 316-318. Link
- Williamson, G.J., Christidis, L., Norman, J., Brook, B.W., Mackey, B., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2011) The use of Australian bioregions as spatial units of analysis to explore relationships between climate and songbird diversity Pacific Conservation Biology 17:354-360 Link
- McMahon, C.R., Brook, B.W., Bowman, D.M.J.S., Williamson, G.J., Bradshaw, C.J.A. (2011) Fertility partially drives the relative success of two introduced bovines (Bubalus bubalis and Bos javanicus) in the Australian tropics Wildlife Research 38:386-395 Link
- Murphy,B., Williamson, G.J., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2011) Did central Australian megafaunal extinction coincide with abrupt ecosystem collapse or gradual climate change? Global Ecology and Biogeography 21, 142–151 Link
- Johnston, F.H., Hannigan, I.C., Henderson, S.B., Morgan, G.G., Williamson, G.J., Portner, T., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2011) Creating an integrated historical record of extreme particulate air pollution events in Australian cities from 1994 to 2007. Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association 61(4) 390-398 Link
- Tng, D. Y. P., Sanders, G., Murphy, B. P., Williamson, G. J., Kemp, J., & Bowman, D. M. J. S. (2010). Rainforest expansion in far north Queensland: a preliminary analysis of the Windsor and Carbine Tablelands. Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF) Transition Project Final Report, 23.
- Prior, L.D., Lee, Z., Brock, C., Williamson, G.J., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2010) What limits the distribution and abundance of the native conifer Callitris glaucophylla (Cupressaceae) in the West MacDonnell Ranges, central Australia? Australian Journal of Botany 58: 554-564. Link
- Barbour, R.C., Wise, S.L., McKinnon, G.E., Vaillancourt, R.E., Williamson, G.J., Potts, B. (2010) The potential for gene flow from exotic eucalypt plantations into Australia's rare native eucalypts. Forest Ecology and Management 260:2079–2087 Link
- Garnett, S.T., Williamson, G.J. (2010) Spatial and temporal variation in precipitation at the start of the rainy season in tropical Australia. The Rangeland Journal 32(2):1-12 Link
- Wiggins, N.L., Williamson, G.J., McCallum, H.I., McMahon, C.R., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2010) Shifts in macropod home range in response to wildlife management interventions. Wildlife Research37: 379-391 Link
- Johnston, F.H., Williamson, G.J., Bowman, D.M.J.S. (2010) A review of approaches to monitoring smoke from vegetation fires for public health. Air Quality and Climate Change 44(2):17-20 Link
- Williamson, G.J., Boggs, G.S., Bowman, D.M.J.S (2009) Late 20th century mangrove encroachment in the coastal Australian monsoon tropics parallels the regional increase in woody biomass. Regional Environmental Change 11:9-27. Link
- Bowman, D.M.J.S., Prior, L.D., Williamson, G.J. (2009) The roles of statistical inference and historical sources in understanding landscape change: the case of feral buffalo in the freshwater floodplains of Kakadu National Park. Journal of Biogrography. 37:195-199. Link
- Bisevac, L.B., Franklin, D.C., Williamson, G.J., Whelan, P.I., (2009) A Comparison of Two Generic Trap Types for Monitoring Mosquitoes Through an Annual Cycle in Tropical Australia. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 25(1):58-65. Link
- Jacups, S.P., Whelan, P.I., ; Markey, P.G. ; Cleland, S.J. ; Williamson, G.J. ; Currie, B.J. (2008) Predictive indicators for Ross River virus infection in the Darwin area of tropical northern Australia, using long-term mosquito trapping data. Tropical Medicine & International Health. 13(7):943-952 Link
- Franklin, D.C., Petty, A.M., Williamson, G.J., Brook, B.W., Bowman, D.M.J.S.(2007) Monitoring Contrasting Land Management in the Savanna Landscapes of Northern Australia. Environmental Management. 41(4):501-515 Link
- Williamson, G.J. (2007) Rainfall regime and optimal root distribution in the Australian perennial grass, Austrodanthonia caespitosa (Gaudich.) PhD Thesis, University of Adelaide Media:Williamson_Thesis.pdf


Analyzing Geologic Cross Section 1: A Lab Manual Reference
Geologic cross section 1 in the lab manual offers a fascinating glimpse into the Earth's history and the complex layers that make up its surface. This detailed illustration provides a visual representation of the different rock formations, faults, and folds, shedding light on the dynamic forces that have shaped the landscape over millions of years. By studying this cross section, we can gain a deeper understanding of the geological processes at work and the intricate layers of our planet. Let's delve into this captivating depiction and uncover the secrets it holds about the Earth's intriguing past.
What does a geological cross-section show?
A geological cross-section provides a visual depiction of the layers and structures beneath the Earth's surface, allowing geologists to understand the subsurface geology. By representing the intersection of geological features with a vertical plane, it offers valuable insights into the distribution of rocks, faults, and other geological formations. This tool is essential for interpreting the complexities of the subsurface and for making informed decisions in various fields such as mining, engineering, and environmental studies.
In essence, a geological cross-section is a powerful tool that helps geologists and other professionals visualize the underground geological features. By presenting a clear and detailed representation of the subsurface, it enables a better understanding of the geological structures and aids in making informed decisions regarding resource exploration, infrastructure development, and environmental management. This graphic representation is crucial for accurately interpreting the complexities of the Earth's subsurface and is an indispensable tool in various scientific and practical applications.
What is the first step to constructing a geologic cross-section?
The first step to constructing a geologic cross-section is to create a topographic profile, which displays the elevation and contour of the target area. Once this is done, the geologic data is overlaid onto the profile, allowing for the inference of the subterranean structure. This foundational step sets the stage for a comprehensive understanding of the geologic features of the area.
What does a cross-section diagram show?
A cross-section diagram is a visual representation of the internal structure of a 3-dimensional object. It is created by slicing the object and projecting the cut surface onto a 2-dimensional plane. This tool is commonly used in technical drawing to provide a clear and detailed view of an object's internal arrangement, making it easier to understand and visualize.
By using a cross-section diagram, complex objects can be depicted in a simplified and understandable way. This allows for a more efficient communication of design and construction ideas in various fields such as architecture, engineering, and biology. With its ability to show the internal details of an object in a clear and concise manner, a cross-section diagram is an essential tool for conveying complex information in a visually appealing way.
Understanding the Earth's Layers: A Detailed Examination
The Earth is composed of several distinct layers, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. From the solid outer crust to the molten core, understanding the Earth's layers is essential for comprehending the dynamic forces at work beneath our feet. By delving into the intricate details of each layer, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the planet we call home.
At the Earth's surface lies the crust, a thin, solid layer that encompasses the continents and ocean floors. Beneath the crust is the mantle, a semi-solid layer of rock that extends down to the Earth's core. At the Earth's center lies the inner core, a sphere of solid iron and nickel. By examining the composition and behavior of each layer, scientists can better understand the processes that shape the Earth's surface and influence geological phenomena.
Understanding the Earth's layers is crucial for understanding the planet's geological processes and history. By analyzing seismic waves and studying the behavior of rocks and minerals, scientists can infer the properties of the Earth's layers and gain insight into the planet's evolution. This detailed examination of the Earth's layers provides a window into the complex and dynamic nature of our planet, shedding light on the forces that have shaped its surface for millions of years.
Exploring Geological Formations: A Practical Guide
Are you fascinated by the diverse and breathtaking geological formations found on our planet? Look no further! This practical guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of the Earth's geological wonders. From towering mountains to mysterious caves, this guide will help you understand the forces that have shaped these formations over millions of years.
Embark on a journey through time as you explore the intricate processes that have created the stunning geological formations we see today. Gain a deeper understanding of the forces of nature that have sculpted our world, and learn how to identify different types of geological formations. Whether you're a seasoned geology enthusiast or a curious beginner, this guide is filled with valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your exploration of geological wonders.
Featuring stunning photographs and detailed explanations, this guide is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to delve into the captivating world of geological formations. With its clear and concise information, you'll be equipped to embark on your own geological adventures with confidence. So, grab your hiking boots and get ready to uncover the remarkable stories hidden within the Earth's geological formations.
Navigating Geologic Cross Sections: A Hands-On Approach
Explore the depths of the Earth with our hands-on approach to navigating geologic cross sections. Uncover the layers of sedimentary rock, igneous intrusions, and fault lines as you learn to interpret these intricate formations. With interactive activities and expert guidance, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the Earth's history and the forces that shape our planet. Join us on this journey through time and discover the fascinating world beneath our feet.
In summary, geologic cross section 1 in the lab manual provides a valuable visual representation of the Earth's subsurface layers and the geological processes that have shaped them. By studying and analyzing this cross section, geologists can gain a deeper understanding of the Earth's history and make informed predictions about its future. It serves as a crucial tool in the field of geology, helping researchers uncover the mysteries of our planet and contribute to advancements in various scientific disciplines.


We have been carefully undertaking some essential saltmarsh conservation before work begins on our new clubhouse, and have transplanted a section of the plants by hand to an area safely away from any risk of damage during the construction process.
The plants were growing on a slipway that is to be filled in as part of the development; which will see flood defences built on the site of our current headquarters. The slipway is currently designated as an intertidal habitat, so we are working in partnership with the Environment Agency and Natural England to create compensatory intertidal habitat elsewhere.
In addition to the creation of the new habitat, we decided to protect the existing plants by moving them to a new home at the same tidal height nearby. Local school children will be monitoring them as part of a biology and ecology project.
Our Commodore, Terry Kinch said, “We had agreed with the Environment Agency to provide a new stretch of saltmarsh to compensate for the unavoidable loss of a small area of intertidal habitat as a result of the building work.
“However, we also wanted to try and save as many of the saltmarsh plants as we could, because they are ecologically important to many different species and are an essential part of the aquatic food web.
“After taking advice, we are pleased to have successfully moved the plants and are hopeful that they will survive and thrive in their new location.”


Since its establishment in 2006, EMS’ dedicated team, with over 50 years’ experience in the material processing industry has specialised in tailoring waste recovery systems to suit each customer’s specific waste streams. Their goal is to provide the customer with the best possible solution, along with the best possible return on investment.
EMS has designed a range of processing systems for the recycling industry for C&D, C&I, Co-mingled, Green Waste, Municipal Solid Waste, Waste to Energy RDF & Fines treatments.
EMS has been installing equipment in many countries and has recently installed two more plants in the UAE and one in the UK. Over the past year the company, due to the need to complete larger projects have formed a partnership with Redrock Machinery Ltd, who have acquired the IP and manufacturing rights from EMS and have taken on their existing staff to ensure continuity. EMS will continue in a sales and marketing role for Redrock Environmental Ltd. Redrock Machinery Ltd has established a solid reputation as a market leader for producing robust, high quality products and services for agricultural, construction and recycling sectors. Redrock’s 75,000 square foot factory includes hi-definition plasma, CNC machine shop, robotic welder, paint shop and press brakes.
Together, they have a team of engineers and sales people experienced in the development and manufacture of full turnkey and mobile waste recycling solutions and can offer consultations on design and proposed layouts, site analysis, full CAD drawings and effective project management for every installation. Their systems vary in size, from large-scale bespoke MRF installations to single pieces of plant, such as shredders, trommel screens, metering hoppers, manual sorting/picking Stations, air/density separators, flat screens and conveyors.
As their companies design and manufacture agricultural and waste recycling products, they understand the importance of sustainability in design, delivery and continuing operations, so they ensure that the products adhere to all relevant environmental laws and regulations, says EMS. Their product range includes: SRS shredder; trommels; turbo clean; density separators; bag opener systems; vibraflow; air knife; picking stations; metering hoppers; bag suction.
Telephone:+44 (0) 28877 89535 | W: www.emswasterecycle.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 28375 52390


Big Island’s stunning and pristine beaches are known as ‘famous hidden treasures’. Located along the Kona and Kailua coast, as well as on the south side of the island, they are nothing less than a beach lover’s paradise for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing in the shade of beautiful palm trees.
Most beaches have no lifeguard and many don't have drinking water. Be sure to check the location of the beach you are visiting for information on what amenities are available.
The ocean is beautiful and there for all to enjoy, but it can change from friend to foe in a split second. Please exercise caution at all times while engaging in water-related activities. Don't snorkel or boogie board where you don't see anyone else doing it (not counting young local guys who grew up on a boogie board!), and don't turn your back on the waves!
Anaehoomalu is best known for its sunsets, snorkeling and historic royal fishponds. The gentle slope from shallow to deep water make it an excellent choice for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and windsurfing. Located in front of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, the beach is open to both hotel guests and locals. Equipment rental and snorkeling, scuba, and windsurfing instruction are available at the north end of the beach. Amenities include rest rooms, showers, picnic tables, and plenty of parking.
At the far edge of the bay, you’ll find a rare-turtle cleaning station where snorkelers and divers can watch endangered green sea turtles line up, waiting their turn to have small fish clean them.
This golden sand beach at the foot of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is sheltered by two black-lava rocky points, making it a wonderful place to swim and snorkel in calm waters. Bordered by a coconut grove, the sandy bottom of the bay slopes gently into the ocean, and often fills with schools of tropical fish and green sea turtles. The turtles frequently come ashore for long naps in the warm sun. Swimming is excellent year-round, except during rare winter storms.
Access to the beach is through the resort hotel. Facilities include rest rooms, showers, and ample parking, however, there is no lifeguard. A limited number of public access parking spots are available.
Two additional small white sand beaches (the Kauna'oa Waiulaula Beach and Mau'umae Beach) are accessible via a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) walk north of Kaunaoa.
Rated the "Number one beach in America" by Conde Nast Traveler, Hapuna beach is located off of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, slightly south of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.
Favored by locals for swimming, body surfing and snorkeling (especially in the summer months when the water is calm), Hapuna is a beautiful, wide beach, approximately half a mile long and 200 feet deep.
Amenities include A-frame cabins for camping, pavilions, rest rooms, showers, and plenty of parking.
Directions: Take Highway 19 north from Kona. Turn left at the access road just before Mile Marker #69. Go to the end of the road, turn left and then take an immediate right. Follow this road to the parking.
The most popular body surfing and body boarding beach in North Kona, the White Sands Beach park is the site of the Annual Magic Sands Bodysurfing Championship. Located on Alii drive, this isn’t a particularly interesting or impressive beach, however, it’s lively location makes it a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.
The beach offers good boogie boarding when the ocean cooperates. Conditions are also favorable for both snorkeling and scuba diving (shore diving), as you can find nice caverns and lava tubes at about 60 feet depth.
At times, the White Sands Beach is referred to as the "Disappearing Sands" because the shore-break erodes the small pocket of white sand very quickly (often within 24 hours), washing it all away and leaving only exposed lava rock. When the wave action ceases, regular ocean currents slowly move the sand back. It can take a few months for the sand to be restored, however, this periodic and complete flushing keeps it very white – and famous for precisely that!
Directions: Located just north of mile marker 4 on Alii Drive.
One of the largest beaches between Kailua and Keauhou, the darker sand Kahaluu beach is a place where natural beauty and human ingenuity met long ago. In the early 1800’s, during the reign of King Kahehameha, workers constructed a seawall to keep the cove protected and safe for swimming. More than two centuries later, the cove (or bay) remains a fantastic spot for swimming, and notably snorkeling, as fish are abundant and turtles also frequent the area. Surfing here is also popular, with a surfing school located across the street from the old canoe landing.
Amenities include picnic areas, a parking lot open from 7am to 11pm, and lifeguards on duty during certain hours.
Directions: This dark-grey sand beach is located next to St. Peter's Catholic Church and Ku'emanu Heiau.
When the first Kona Airport closed in 1970, its runway became the parking lot for this mile-long beach that offers easy access to the ocean. Although not very wide, the beach is usually not crowded and an interesting place to visit, as you’ll find many tide pools with plenty of small marine creatures to admire. The small, sandy inlet at the south end has the best swimming.
Adjacent to the beach are good areas for walking or running, and community recreation fields just south of the runway. Shore diving is possible from this location.
Directions: Park at the far end of the old runway and enter the water about 25 yards north. Take Highway 19 one mile north of Kona. Turn left on Makala Boulevard, just before Mile Marker #99. Go to the end of the road, turn right on Kuakini to the old runway.
Because of constant volcanic activity, you'll find white sands, green sands and black sands on Hawaii’s Big Island. Located on the south-eastern Kau coast, between the Volcanoes National Park and the small town of Naalehu, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii. Fringed by coconut palms, the jet-black shores are a truly unforgettable sight!
Although swimming is possible, Punaluu beach is mostly about enjoying stunning views and relaxation. The beach features a picnic area and the potential to enjoy lunch while nearby, large honu (Hawaiian Green Sea turtles) bask in the sun.
Although it may be tempting, do not touch these protected turtles, and do not remove any black sand from the beach.
Restroom facilities are available.
Directions: Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is located just south of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a good place to stop to enjoy the view or have a picnic. If you are driving to the Volcano from Kona, however, stopping at Punalu’u may be tough with your already long day due to the 2.5 hour drive back to Kona. Hilo visitors will find the trip South to Punalu’u a rewarding one.
Papakōlea Beach (also known as Green Sand Beach or Mahana Beach) is Hawaii’s sole green sand beach, located at the southern tip of Big Island, about 3 miles west of South Point. This is one of only two green sand beaches in the world - the other is in the Galapagos Islands. The sand gets its distinctive coloring from the mineral olivine found in the enclosing cinder cone.
Although this unique natural treasure is accessible (driving or hiking), organized tours are not available. Reaching the beach by car involves a 2 and ½ hour drive up from most resorts along the Kohola Coast. The drive is rather difficult due to the poor conditions of the unpaved road. Most visitors opt for a 2.5 mile hike each way along the wind-swept and hot, dusty, deep-rutted jeep roads: a rewarding, even if a bit ambitious, adventure.


Preparations are beneath manner for the ability’s ‘cooling and switch to a chilly state’, in line with the Ukrainian company in cost.
The final operational reactor on the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine has been absolutely stopped as fears of a radiation catastrophe proceed.
Energoatom, the state company answerable for the plant, mentioned on Sunday that work on the facility was “fully stopped” after it disconnected the Quantity 6 energy unit from the grid at 3:41am (00:41 GMT).
“A call was made to close down energy unit No 6 and switch it to the most secure state – chilly shutdown,” it mentioned on Telegram.
The six-reactor Zaporizhzhia plant was lower off from the grid final week in spite of everything its energy strains have been disconnected on account of preventing within the space. It ran in “island mode” for a number of days, producing electrical energy for essential cooling methods from its solely remaining operational reactor.
Energoatom mentioned it restored to operational capability a communications line to the facility system, permitting the plant to be powered by Ukraine’s power system lengthy sufficient to provoke the shutdown.
The corporate mentioned the shutdown was as a result of the chance of additional harm to the facility strains “stays excessive”, which might disconnect the plant fully from the facility grid once more.
When disconnected from the grid, the plant is compelled to depend on “diesel turbines, the length of which is restricted by the … quantity of accessible diesel gas”. The plant reportedly solely has diesel gas for 10 days.
Russia and Ukraine accuse one another of damaging energy strains supplying the plant with rocket and artillery hearth, risking a nuclear catastrophe.
Kyiv on Wednesday known as for residents of Russian-occupied areas across the plant, Europe’s largest, to evacuate for their very own security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has known as for the encompassing space to be demilitarised.
The atomic facility, one of many 10 largest nuclear energy stations on the planet, has been occupied by Russian forces because the early levels of the warfare.
Energoatom urged Russian forces to go away the Zaporizhzhia plant and permit for the creation of a “demilitarised zone” round it.
Additionally calling for a secure zone across the plant is the Worldwide Atomic Vitality Company, the United Nations nuclear watchdog, which has two consultants on the plant.


Naturally we wanted the purest, most environmentally sustainable manuka honey to use in our premium natural skincare products. Enter Watson & Son, a New Zealand company that specialises in the production of premium manuka honey and whose cornerstones of sustainability, quality and science fit perfectly with our own.
Founded by scientist, beekeeper and nature lover Denis Watson in 2004, the highly-respected company is based among the rolling hills and lush pastures of the Wairarapa, a beautiful rural region an hour north of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, where we are based.
Watson & Son currently owns over 40,000 hives, harvesting from regions in the North Island of New Zealand with very dense manuka trees. Many hive sites are located in some of the most remote areas of New Zealand, where only a helicopter can reach.
“We are fully integrated from beehive to market, placing us in a unique position of being able to manage every stage of the production process and to ensure full traceability back to the hive,” says Denis.
Harvesting manuka honey from New Zealand's wilds
Harvesting the honey is a sophisticated operation, says Denis, whose son Dan Watson manages the apiary department. Each hive is strategically placed to ensure honey bees draw from only the best mono-floral (or manuka only) areas. Each site is government-registered, and identified with a GPS locator.
Because their hives are located in very isolated and bush-clad areas of land, Watson & Son has formed strong partnerships with dozens of landowners across New Zealand's North Island including in Spirit's Bay, Mangawhai, East Cape and Mount Bruce.
The manuka honey harvest takes place between early December and late March. Because manuka in different regions of New Zealand flowers at different times, beekeepers 'chase the flowers', moving hives around as they go. But with mountain ranges, dense bush and rugged coastal expanses, getting to the hive sites can be a difficult and at times a challenging job.
Luckily Watson & Son works with an adventurous team of beekeepers. Year round they travel through wild remote terrain to monitor each colony. To ensure the health of the hive and purity of the honey, their beekeepers follow a strict hive management system. From the materials and foundations of the beehive to feeding and protection from pests and disease, every detail is carefully monitored.
“When the frames in the hive boxes are full, they are transported to our Wairarapa headquarters. There they go through a machine that shakes them gently to release the honey. The honey is then filtered to ensure it is as pure as possible.”
All Watson & Son Manuka honey is tested at their own international standard ISO17025 accredited laboratory.
Looking to the future of manuka honey
Given manuka honey’s ability to act as a bacterial barrier – scientists have discovered that manuka honey has far greater beneficial properties than any other honey due to a special compound called methylglyoxal which is found in high concentrations in manuka honey - a key focus for Watson & Son is its medical products.
“Science is the foundation on which we are built and we are firm believers in the natural power of bee products. We see real value in manuka honey’s beneficial properties in a medical setting, and we currently have a team of scientists working on new research around the application of our honey in medical products.”
Meanwhile, you can find manuka honey as a key ingredient in many of Antipodes natural cleansing and moisturising products.
What is manuka honey?
Manuka honey is a high-performance bioactive ingredient that helps promote youthful, fresh and blemish-free skin.
This rich honey – famous around the world for its extraordinary properties - is produced only in New Zealand. Here, bees harvest the nectar from the petite pink and white flowers of wild-grown native manuka shrubs.
The honey is rich in antioxidants that are sought after for skincare. Manuka honey can help you:
- clear blemishes
- draw moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple
- protect the skin from harmful UV rays
- balance pH levels.


Everyone on this earth, particularly those living in heavily industrialized and congested cities, need room to breathe. Now, more than ever before, living and working space is at a premium. Fortunately, clean air acts have long since been promulgated and beware the industrial business owner who does not fully comply in accordance with the law. But the clean air policy, still to this day, tends to remain a little more challenging when it comes to policing and monitoring indoor air environments.
The local and federal governments’ officials already have their hands full. Fortunately, there is much that commercial stakeholders can do to help alleviate the challenges of stifling indoor air environments. Not being able to be fully dependent on state and municipal authorities, they exercise own initiative by indulging a little further into private enterprise, in this case the commercial ventilation contractors minneapolis network.
Service providers enrolled on a fulltime basis within this network need to be fully licensed and registered to carry out a service to the public, not just commercial and industrial but also to residential property owners. You see what is at stake here. Whether publicly administered or privately run, the hospital and related health services’ buildings cannot afford to endanger the lives of its patients.
This could so easily have happened had the interiors of such centers of health care not been properly ventilated. And no ventilation system installed will be one and the same. Designers and engineers, and those who will do the necessary installations, maintenance and repair work, are acutely aware of how a commercial property’s indoor infrastructure is set out, and subsequently know how to respond in kind.
The ultimate goal always is to provide consumers with clean air and plenty of room to breathe.


Langs are experts in all things timber. Sustainably sourced, locally grown and mechanically graded—our range includes quality timber for any project. We know timber inside and out, so talk to us about the best product for your needs.
We stock a wide range of sustainable structural timber. Talk to us about your project, and we’ll recommend the best option for you.
We stock a range of timber suitable for decking—it adds natural character to any outdoor space and is durable to withstand the elements.
Combine structural integrity with style with our range of natural timber posts. We have posts for in-ground and above-ground projects.
We stock Australia’s leading pre-primed treated timber products, providing eco-friendly solutions for builders.
Blend structure with nature by using quality timber for your landscaping applications.
Comfort on the inside and style on the outside. Protect homes against the elements with cladding of all kinds for all designs.
Discover quality timber flooring to suit all styles, built with precision for easy, seamless installation.


At The Remington our Environmental Policy is based on a belief that the environment is the responsibility of all persons. Prevention of pollution and a proactive approach to environmental protection is a major priority and must be considered during all work performed on our behalf.
A clean and unpolluted environment is an important asset and its protection is our responsibility.
The objectives of our Environmental Policy are:
- To comply with all laws, statutory obligations, Regulations and Codes of Practice;
- To identify and control all potential environmental hazards in the workplace through hazard identification and risk analysis.
- To involve our employees in the decision making processes through regular communication, consultation and training.
- To make environmental awareness an integral part of our business.
- To prevent pollution.
- To ensure the environment is considered in all planning and work activities.
- To provide a continuous program of education and learning to ensure that our employees work in the least possible destructive manner to the environment;
- To ensure all potential pollution accident/incidents are controlled and prevented.
- To strive to conserve resources such as water, energy, and reduce waste.
The success of our environmental management is dependent on:
- Ensuring the work team is totally committed to achieving our objectives.
- Pro-active planning of all work activities with due consideration given to implementing environmental controls that are suitable to each given situation.
- Understanding the total work process and associated environmental risks.
- Ensuring that open and honest communication exists between management and all employees.


Good drinking water is very important to keep animals healthy. But what is good drinking water? GD Animal Health tests various aspects of water, such as the microbial count (colony forming units), content levels of various minerals and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). But the main test carried out by GD Animal Health is the one for suitability as livestock drinking water. Water testing at GD Animal Health is based upon on three pillars:
- water must be available at the location where the animals drink: the pipes cannot be clogged up, the flow of the water from the nipple must be good if the animal wants to drink;
- water must not be harmful – this speaks for itself, as the production, growth and health of the animal must not endangered;
- water must be tasty, i.e. the animals are willing to drink the water.
Nowadays the quality of products meant for human consumption (meat, eggs, milk) is being increasingly monitored. These products must be of a high and unsuspicious quality. The water the animals drink must not threaten the quality of the meat. GD Animal Health analyses water designated for livestock drinking water. The results show to what extent the above mentioned criteria are met.
Three important reasons why water is submitted for laboratory analysis are;
- Quality control of an existing well
- Quality control of a new well
Drinking water tests
The main thing a livestock farmer wants to know about the water at his farm, is its suitability as livestock drinking water. If the water is not suitable, GD Animal Health gives advice on options for improving the quality. For water testing, GD Animal Health has created what it refers to as drinking water packages. A water sample is subjected to many tests: e.g. chemical, bacteriological and organoleptical tests. Individual tests for water samples are possible as well, and individual packages can be created too. Water testing is a fine example of the versatility of GD Animal Health. The results of various laboratory departments that test the water are combined. That gives a complete picture of the suitability as drinking water. The advice that is linked to the results is specific for every submitted sample.
Techniques used for water testing include the following;
- Ion chromatography: a chemical compound is used to separate ions such as nitrate, chlorine, and sulphate, and then they are measured using UV detection.
- ICP: for metals and minerals (induced coupled plasma: the sample is dissolved in an acid environment and this acid is atomised in argon plasma of 10,000 °C; then metals and minerals emit specific light that is detected by a chip).
- Automated colorimetric methods: some tests are carried out using a colorimetric method (ammonium, nitrite) in accordance with the Standardised NEN methods prescribed in the Netherlands.
- Bacteriological testing


We believe in designing all of our projects with the needs of our clients, the public, and the environment in mind. This holds true, especially for our retail and commercial projects. We understand project components can often entail more design considerations during and after construction. Specialized drainage designs are included to meet sustainable requirements and help reduce expensive water and maintenance costs for our clients. Our team puts creativity and sustainability at the forefront of our designs to ensure the public’s use of these development is enjoyable for generations to come.


New on the block
Spring is here and optimism fills the valley due to much needed rainfall that was evenly spread throughout this winter. After three consecutive years of below average precipitation, we’re thrilled to see that all vineyards have already reached the valley average. We even had the rare occurrence of snow blanketing The Vacas and Mayacamas last week! Our soil profile is filled with moisture, giving our vines the benefit of easily accessible water right before budbreak occurs. The storms in November conveniently came through soon after planting our mixture of cover crop.
We refer to this mix as “The Hoxsey Mix”, since Andrew Hoxsey strategically selected each component to bring numerous benefits to all of his vineyards. The Hoxsey Mix is composed of Winter Peas, Oats, Purple Vetch, Bell Beans, and Mustard. Each species within this mix serves a specific purpose that provides an array of natural benefits to both the soil and the vines, along with being visually stunning. Some key benefits include disease and pest suppression, nutrient addition/redistribution, and increase in biodiversity (both above and below ground). Continual incorporation of this insightful blend over many years has greatly enhanced soil health on all of our properties.
We’re currently observing sap flow on all of our recently pruned vines. However, budbreak will likely occur later than last year due to a cooler winter.
Andrew W. Pickett and Jack R. Onysko, the 6th generation of the family joined Elizabeth Diana who is the eldest of our 6th Generation family members. Wishing a congratulations to Jake and Morgaen Pickett, along with Jeff and Kendall Onysko. It’s delightful to see the next generation already exploring our winery and vineyards!


Our Environmental Philosophy
The Morobe Mining Joint Venture (MMJV) is committed to achieving an excellent standard of environmental performance in all its exploration and mining activities in Papua New Guinea. At MMJV we believe it is everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment. The Hidden Valley Mine, the first of MMJV’s projects to be developed, is also the first to be approved and commissioned under Papua New Guinea’s modern environmental protection regime. The Hidden Valley Mine operates under a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan, which is founded on world’s best practice.
An integral part of this practice involves an extensive onsite and offsite monitoring program by HVJV environmental staff and the facilitation of continual specialist inspections, reviews and audits of the Hidden Valley EMP by independent international organisations such as Klohn Crippen Berger and SMEC among others. This helps ensure the HVJV EMP is constantly monitored for compliance as well as provided for with alternatives to continuously improve upon.
Environmental Challenges and Solutions
The mine is located in a high rainfall area with permanently flowing streams at altitudes of around 2000 metres. The year round rainfall produces substantial water run-off from the site, and particular attention is paid to water quality, soil stabilisation, waste management, and containment of tailings generated by the mine’s mineral extraction processes.
All water used in our process plant is recycled, being first treated and then re-used in the milling and metallurgical circuit. This reduces the amount of fresh water required from local water sources.
Tailings from the processing plant are treated and stored in a purpose built Tailings Containment Facility, the only one of its kind in Papua New Guinea. All mine tailings, the residues of the gold recovery process, are permanently stored in this large and stable facility. No tailings are discharged from the Hidden Valley mine. From the earliest days of mine development and construction, extensive rehabilitation and revegetation has taken place. Most of the species planted are native to the area, with a limited number of plant varieties introduced from external sources because of their particular value to the rehabilitation process. Many local people have found employment in stabilising earth banks, and planting shrubs and trees as part of this ongoing revegetation program.
The construction of a 4.5 kilometre state-of-the-art overhead conveyor to carry ore to the mill further lessens the impact of the mine on the natural environment, by partly reducing the need for trucks and haul roads.
Very detailed studies have examined the possible impact of the mine on the river system, and on local communities living downstream of the area of operations. Baseline studies have recorded the levels of natural turbidity occurring in the streams, which are tributaries of the Watut River. Levels of suspended solids are naturally high in most PNG rivers, caused by high rainfall and run-off, erosion, landslips, gardening and other events not related to mining activity.
These studies, which include the collection and testing of aquatic life forms from the river system, and observations of forest life, contribute to a large database of knowledge relating to the natural environment close to the mine and further downstream. Environmental studies are ongoing, and will continue throughout the life of the mine. Advanced monitoring technology is employed
Sedimentation in the Watut River
Sediment entering the Watut River during the mine construction period has caused concern amongst local communities. The mine transitioned from construction to operation in October 2010 and mine sediment run-off is now significantly lower due to extensive mitigation measures. These included ceasing side casting of waste rock and overburden, ongoing revegetation of exposed slopes, erosion control and storage of waste rock in engineered waste rock facilities.
The Hidden Valley mine places a high value on responsible environmental management and its relationship with local communities. As an example, the HVJV has been making voluntary garden compensation payments to communities along the Watut River for flood damage to crops and gardens, regardless of whether the damage was due to additional sediment run-off from the mine construction or from natural events such as landslips and heavy rain. To date, the HVJV has paid a total of K3.8 million to 3,700 Watut River landowners.
As a contribution to the betterment of village life, HVJV has sponsored water supplies to provide clean, fresh water to village taps which delivers a more healthy, convenient and reliable water source than seasonal river flows. Other HVJV environmental programs include ongoing health and sanitation awareness.
The green credentials of the Hidden Valley Mine are further enhanced by the increasing use of hydro-electric power from the Yonki and Baiyune power stations. This greatly reduces the use of fossil fuels on site.
Environmental Consultation and Advice,
There is an ongoing program of consultation with stakeholders, including landowners, downstream communities, and local, regional and national governments about the Hidden Valley Mine’s environmental activities and programs. An External Stakeholder Advisory Panel (ESAP) has been formed to provide the HVJV with independent and best practice advice on its environmental and related social impacts and activities.
Hidden Valley Mine is committed to minimising its impact on the environment and meeting all its environmental permit conditions.