People Spotlight: Meet Andrew Rolfe
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting one of our project managers from Germany, providing an insight into their inspiration and work.
Before moving to Germany, Andrew Rolfe was a project manager working in our Sydney office for 15 years, working on major site remediation projects including management of the remediation planning works at the Barangaroo development project in Sydney, which involved the remediation of the former Millers Point gasworks site.
In 2020, Andrew moved to Germany. He recently used his remediation experience to conduct a PFAS groundwater treatment trial at a German military site to assess the highest-performing and most cost-effective remediation solution to mitigate the offsite migration of PFAS impacted groundwater. Based on these studies, we subsequently prepare the remedial design for the groundwater remediation project – one of the first such projects in Germany. The groundwater extraction and treatment works will start later this year.
The project also included a soil stabilization trial which assessed different adsorbents (including biochar) to stabilize PFAS-impacted soils. Because biochar is a waste by-product, it is a sustainable product and generates carbon credits. Andrew continues to work with the German biochar manufacturer to trial other types of biochar.
What inspired you to join the industry?
I studied geology in New Zealand and enjoyed field trips investigating the geological processes which formed the different landscapes. This background led me to enjoy the process of researching the history behind a site’s land use, collecting data to make good remediation decisions and planning the specific requirements of a remediation project. This involves creative thinking. We always try to find the most sustainable approach which sometimes can also be the most cost-effective solution. An example of this is the potential use of biochar for soil stabilisation works because it is a waste by-product and generates carbon credits (i.e. therefore making it cheaper than other carbon-based adsorbents).
I studied geology in New Zealand and enjoyed field trips investigating the geological processes which formed the different landscapes. This background led me to enjoy the process of researching the history behind a site’s land use, collecting data to make good remediation decisions and planning the specific requirements of a remediation project.”
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
The Barangaroo development project stands out as my favourite project I’ve worked on. The transformation of neglected land into a vibrant part of Sydney, complete with new parklands, waterfront promenades and ferry terminals, has enhanced connectivity through this part of the city.
One of the main project challenges was related to the close proximity of the former gasworks site to Sydney Harbour. This required detailed groundwater investigations to confirm to the local authorities that the proposed remediation works would appropriately protect the environment (i.e. the Harbour).
The Barangaroo development project stands out as my favourite project I’ve worked on. The transformation of neglected land into a vibrant part of Sydney, complete with new parklands, waterfront promenades and ferry terminals, has enhanced connectivity through this part of the city.”
The Barangaroo development in Sydney, Australia, present day (Right)
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
I’ve leveraged my remediation expertise to support a significant major global client in a high priority project in Germany (as discussed above). Our client was under pressure from the local authorities and community to take remediation action to mitigate the offsite migration of PFAS impacted groundwater. The start of their PFAS groundwater remediation works later this year will directly improve water quality in the local river which flows through the nearby town.
I’ve leveraged my remediation expertise to support a significant major global client in a high priority project in Germany. The start of their PFAS groundwater remediation works later this year will directly improve water quality in the local river which flows through the nearby town.”
Share a piece of career advice.
AECOM has global expertise across a wide range of environmental remediation technologies — make good use of it! For example, the Australia team offers world-class solutions in tackling the challenges that PFAS presents in the environment and is at the forefront of developing remediation technologies. I have drawn on this global network to help provide sustainable solutions for remediation projects. Think and act globally!