Projects Completed
Project investigations typically involve site visits, soil and soil profile assessments, soil / water / plant tissue sampling and testing, and reporting which includes interpretation and recommendations. There is a strong emphasis on beneficial reuse of site resources to minimise the economic and environmental cost of importing soils.
Declan has a gift for communicating complex scientific concepts to support farmers, engineers, planners, growers and designers to optimise soil condition for risk management, enhanced performance, and longevity. He has led a large number of soil investigations and a sample of the breadth of these is provided.
Client: Accounting for Nature
- Development of an Accounting for Nature-approved level 3 method for Landcare Australia to value natural capital on private farming land. https://www.accountingfornature.org/soil-methods
- Development of an Accounting for Nature-approved level 2 method for Kilter Rural to value natural capital on private farming land. https://www.accountingfornature.org/soil-methods.
Client: Mornington Peninsula
- Lead development of a Food Economy and Agroecology Strategy. https://shape.mornpen.vic.gov.au/food-economy-and-agroecology-strategy
- Develop and deliver an 8 week training course on regenerative agriculture for farmers on Mornington Peninsula.
Client: ABC Radio National
- Technical presenter on soil carbon sequestration on ABC Radio National’s The Science Show https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/soils-can-play-a-major-role-in-storing-carbon/12678540
Client: Western Port Catchment Landcare Network
- Develop and host on-line and in-person training on regenerative agriculture https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjE8GJied2s8X_MUTwZxyRDmTxuVY5G-v
Client: Agriprove
- Develop and deliver 7-part webinar on soil carbon sequestration and regenerative agriculture
https://agriprove.io/grow-top-soils-webinar.
Client: Kilter Rural
- Consulting services on soil management and soil health for a range of farming enterprises
- Technical guidance on subsoil manuring with composted biosolids over 500ha for Kilter Rural
Client: Terra Nova
Technical guidance on subsoil manuring for Terra Nova
Client: Van Schaik’s Bio Gro
Technical guidance on compost on broadacre agriculture and production horticulture for Van Schaik’s Bio Gro, Biomix, Enviromix, Veolia, Dulverton and others (e.g. https://www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au/priorities-projects/past-projects/compostundervinemornington/)
Client: Dairy Australia
Delivered workshops on mortality composting, e.g. GippsDairy
Client: Dairy Australia
- Authored the inaugural chapter on Soil Biology for the Dairy Industry’s Soil and Fertiliser Manual (2013 edition) https://fertsmart.dairyingfortomorrow.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Dairy-Soils-and-Fertiliser-Manual-complete-reduced-file-size-3.pdf
Client: Tasmanian Government
- Project management for the development of the Tasmanian Guidelines: Dispersive Soils and their Management with the Tasmanian Dept of Primary Industries and Water.
Client: Melbourne Water
Investigation of Dispersive Soils over 380ha of the Kalkallo Retarding Basin
Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plan and validation assessments at Lilydale Wetlands
Client: Lendlease
- Soil survey for the Harpley Residential Development at Werribee and Aurora Development at Wollert
- Investigation of tree impact on heritage wall for Melbourne Quarter development.
Client: Ground Science
- Sodic and Dispersive Soil Management Plans for a range of locations across the Northern and Western Melbourne growth corridors
Client: City of Melbourne
On-going consulting services for a wide range of installations including Dodds St, Bedford St, Barry St, Docklands Ave, Docklands Park, Enterprize Park, Lincoln Square, Parkville Pavilion and more
Client: Greyhound Racing Victoria
- Review and advise on sand properties for optimal racing conditions
Client: Glen Eira City Council
- Investigation and rectification of poor turf and plant performance on flagship Booran Reserve
Client: WAMA Botanic Gardens
- Soil survey and assessment for the new gardens at Hall’s Gap
Client: Soil Recycling Co
- Assess soil quality for beneficial reuse on site
Client: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Soil design, specification and quality control for re-development of the Arid Garden at the Botanic Gardens, South Yarra
Investigation and quality control of soil constraints for the Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne.
Client: Melbourne Water
Development of soil specifications for soils and landscaping of constructed Melbourne Water assets
Client: Spiire Landscape Architects
Development of soil specifications and provide staff training in site soil management
Client: TCL Landscape Architects
- Guidance on soil quality for Girgarro Botanic Gardens, Girgarre, Victoria
Client: AECOM
- Development of Best Practice Guide to Soil Management for the North-East Link Road Project
Client: Loci Landscape Architects
- Development of technical Practice Notes for the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel Project
Client: Camperdown Compost
Materials testing in support of commissioning of new facility
Client: Van Schaik’s Biogro
- On-going support for compost product quality and development of agricultural markets
Client: Biomix P/L
- On-going soil and compost assessments and advice
Client: Level Crossing Removal Project Caulfield to Dandenong
Undertake detailed assessment of ground conditions, laboratory assessment of amelioration requirements, and design soil remediation strategies for the Skyrail section of the project
Client: ACE Landscape Contractors
Development of bespoke soil profiles for the extension of the Bendigo Botanic Gardens; Remedial Works Plan to manage contamination at Wyndham Park, Werribee; soil contamination investigations at Chipton Pk, St Kilda; soil investigations at the Chisholm Rd prison, Fawkner Cemetery, Bendigo Hospital, Cranbourne Level Crossing Removal project, Monash University, Penguin Parade, Phillip Island, Puffing Billy, Gembrook and more
Client: Verve Projects
Consulting services for street tree planting for the Yarra Bend, Clyde and Talbot Village developments; bespoke tree pit design over landfill at Epping; technical advice to review road construction standards for street trees; sodic soil investigations for two projects in the northern growth corridor
Client: Heritage Insight Archaeologists
Investigation of soil profiles to determine formation and ages of deposits as part of cultural heritage assessment for Rokeby wind farm; assessment of impact of music festival crowds on soils and cultural heritage at Hesse, Victoria
Client: Dept of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Tasmania
Project managed the Government’s Wealth from Water initiative – a state-wide soil management / land suitability assessment to guide investment in agriculture
Client: Private client
Land capability assessment for nut production on 200ha in the Balliang region
Client: Private client
A number of land suitability assessments for cereal production across Victoria’s cropping belt
Client: Bass Coast Landcare
Soil suitability and land use diversification for small business development and climate change adaptation
For quality soil consultancy services, call us on 0407 871 391 or email declan@regensoils.com.au.