Simon Young Berryman has over 20 years’ experience in contaminated land assessment, environmental management and hydrogeology and has successfully completed projects in Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory and New Zealand.
Before joining EHS Support, Simon built a contaminated land practice within a boutique environmental consultancy firm, becoming the go-to contaminated land specialists for a range of clients, including chemical manufacturers and industrial developers. Simon’s career includes experience in small, medium and large consultancies, as well as in-house and policy development roles. This breadth of experience enables Simon to successfully apply his expertise to projects with varying levels of complexity while meeting project budget and time constraints.
What do you find most rewarding about the work that you do?
The most rewarding part of my work is finding a practical path forward that allows clients to achieve their objectives while meeting their environmental obligations. I enjoy taking what we know about a site – its history, constraints, and environmental issues – and turning that information into a tailored solution that works for all parties. This is particularly satisfying when a site presents unique challenges, such as complex geology, groundwater conditions, contaminant types, or regulatory requirements.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently developing a remediation plan for a large site with a varied operational history, which has resulted in different types of contamination across different areas. Because the client intends to develop the site progressively, we are designing a staged remediation strategy that supports both near-term and future development. This includes removing some contaminated material to landfill where development is planned in the short term, while using other approaches, such as bioremediation, to manage contamination in other areas more cost-effectively and at the right time for the project.
How can our clients benefit from this service/particular innovation?
Clients benefit when we take the time to understand their goals, constraints, and timeframes upfront. Those broader discussions allow us to develop bespoke solutions that are practical, cost-effective, and tailored to the client’s specific needs. I’m always looking for ways to provide better value, and working collaboratively with clients is key to achieving that.
What advice do you have for recent graduates?
Be open to new opportunities and take the time to explore different parts of your chosen field. The early stages of your career are a valuable chance to try new things, understand what interests you, and build a broad foundation of experience. Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – you may discover opportunities you had not previously considered.
