SRK Consulting environmental engineer Roanne Sutcliffe recently presented a session on Landform Evolution in a Time of Climate Change at the Annual Conference of the Network for Industrially Contaminated Land in Africa (NICOLA) Conference. During her presentation, Sutcliffe highlighted the role landform evolution modelling played in shaping sustainable waste management practices. “By integrating these considerations into the early phases of project development, stakeholders can enhance ecological outcomes, reduce costs, and contribute to long-term environmental stewardship,” she noted. Sutcliffe further emphasised reasons why companies, ranging from mines to industrial sites, should engage with consulting engineers such as SRK Consulting to undertake such initiatives. “Any company with large waste sites that would require long-term management will benefit from modeling. This serves as a valuable tool in informing the creation of durable waste capping systems. By understanding the evolution of landforms, engineers can optimise designs for longevity and effectiveness,” she said. The modeling process also enables the identification of suitable slopes and landform configurations, reducing the need for frequent redesigns. This approach contributes to both efficiency and cost-effectiveness in waste management projects. Meanwhile, she highlighted that mimicking ecological responses allowed for greater site rehabilitation. “Assessing the possibility of replicating natural ecological responses allows for the development of environmentally conscious designs. This not only aids in the rehabilitation of the site but also sets the stage for achieving ecological restoration.
