40 | Enviroscope T T Kim Bowden Helping limit environmental impact “We bridge that gap, translating policy into practical, onthe-ground solutions. And for us, it’s about doing that in a pragmatic way that achieves good environmental outcomes.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Earthworks are reshaping pockets of the Southern Lakes landscape at a rapid pace. But that transformation isn’t just about progress – it’s about responsibility. That’s where Enviroscope steps in, helping clients navigate complex regulations while protecting the environment. The environmental consultancy, based in Wānaka and Queenstown, and working mostly with clients across the two towns and surrounds, helps developers implement environmental management and erosion and sediment control measures that keep the land – and waterways – intact. “A large part of what we do is preparing, monitoring and implementing environmental management plans,” company director and principal environmental consultant Tom Grandiek says. “And a huge focus of that is on earthworks.” Tom says over the past five to eight years, expectations around environmental compliance have “really ramped up,” driven by both community expectations and stricter oversight from agencies like the Otago Regional and Queenstown Lakes District councils. Developers face growing scrutiny and increasingly complex consent obligations. But in that space between regulation and real-world application is where Enviroscope thrives. “We bridge that gap, translating policy into practical, on-the-ground solutions,” Tom says. “And for us, it’s about doing that in a pragmatic way that achieves good environmental outcomes.” One standout project for Enviroscope’s seven-strong team has been working on Cardrona Alpine Resort’s expansion into the Soho Basin, opening more skiable terrain accessed by a new chairlift. But building on the side of a mountain presents a whole different set of challenges when it comes to erosion and sediment control. Tom says some standard industry tools don’t suit the sensitive alpine environment – plastic-lined silt fencing, for example, doesn’t stand up to the harsh alpine climate and poses a risk of bioaccumulating in the area’s unique flora and fauna. While careful thought about the sustainability of mitigation measures is critical up on Cardrona where the ecological values are high, Tom says this mindset is the default for the Enviroscope team. Looking ahead, Tom sees a growing need for the industry to rethink not just how erosion and sediment are managed, but what materials are used to do it. “Sustainable products are a bit of an elephant in the room at the moment,” he says. “It’s not something everyone’s openly thinking about yet.” From avoiding single-use plastics to encouraging local councils and clients to consider the full environmental footprint of their projects, it’s a shift Enviroscope is already advocating for. We’re trying to encourage that conversation,” Tom says. For Tom, his work isn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes – it is about protecting the place he calls home. He has spent close to a decade living in the Southern Lakes, enjoying exploring as a keen tramper and hunter. “I feel like I have a responsibility to try and protect those awesome natural resources we have all around us, and the work I do is one way of making sure that we can all keep enjoying them into the future.” Roading Retaining Structures Reticulated Services Ponds &Water Features Earthworks Demolition OUR SERVICES Civil Contracting & Earthworks SERVICING THE QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT Subdivision Public Infrastructure Commercial Development Residential Development Resource Infrastructure Project Management +64 3 409 8280 www.basecontracting.co.nz office@basecontracting.co.nz CONTACT BASE
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