This week at Casey station 5 February 2010
This week at Casey is packed with updates and news on the remediation project, SAR (search and rescue) training, our fabulous pilots, engineers and support crew at the skiway and a number of sensational photos from a recent iceberg cruise.
Environmental Risk and Remediation research 2009-10 season
written by Kirstie Fryirs
Meenakshi, Tim and Kate hard at work
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Tim Spedding, Kate Mumford, Kirstie Fryirs, Meenakshi Arora and Erla Hafsteinsdottir have been slogging it out on three projects this summer. The first is replacing the permeable reactive barrier (PRB) below the main power house (MPH). Tim, Kate and Meenakshi have been sampling the materials and microbes that have been munching away at the fuel flowing through the barrier since 2005. Last Sunday, a stellar turnout was orchestrated by Steve McDonald, the resident "anything is possible" man, officially known as the engineering site supervisor. About half a dozen blokes and two docs helped install heat trace and mix materials to fill the five cages (cage pallets) that make up the PRB. They gave up a Sunday of lounging in the sun to get down and dirty and we thank them immensely, particularly after a late science party the night before!
Replacing the permeable reactive barrier materials
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A couple of weeks ago Kirstie and Erla spent six days at Wilkes taking soil and water samples from the old station, the fuel storage and old landfill site, around the Wilkes Hilton and across Remembrance Ridge. Over 250 water and sediment samples were collected by the intrepid duo who were assisted on the last couple of days by Tim, Meenakshi and Jill. A very successful trip was had. A transportable X-ray fluorescence machine (ably IRB'ed and sledded to the hut) was taken to undertake some preliminary analyses. We'll be analysing these samples for the next six months. On a less serious note, we particularly enjoyed the results of Tim losing multiple card matches – we will say no more!!
Kirstie in the field
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Erla processing samples with the XFR
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Erla and Kirstie continue to sample the leachate from the heavy metal stabilisation experiment located next to the Comms building every two days. You will catch us there every second morning drawing water out of tubes with a syringe. Bizarre – you bet, but for those who are interested, the stabilisation technique seems to be working a treat and the Secret Herbs and Spices added last season are doing a great job. Let's hope we can roll the technique out across other sites in cold regions that have old tip sites.
Erla sampling the drums
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Last Saturday night was science night. A great time was had by all and there were a number of interesting characters – Charles Darwin and Einstein dropped in as well as many lab coats and Tyvex suits. How many people can you fit in a met balloon? Not many here at Casey – we managed to rip two met balloons and only got about six inside. Good try though.
The Environmental Risk and Remediation team on Science night
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There's always time for a party...
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And then there's always time for a party...
That's it from the Environmental Risk and Remediation team for now.
A day in the life of a plumber (and apprentice)
During the week 'Team Plumb' (Bob, Danny and Fitzy) were hard at it cleaning unmentionables in the waste treatment plant and were able to recruit the help of two others... Major Matt and young Tom, Casey's new apprentice general hand.
Major Matt the new recruit on Team Plumb
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Apprentice Tom, Fitzy and Danny all suited up
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Casey Skiway
During the past four months we've all enjoyed the company of the energetic Skytraders Team who are our trusted pilots and aircraft engineers – this team has been a great support all and we'll be sad to see them go. Now that their work has come to an end, next week they are packing up and heading home to the warmer climates.
Skytraders James, James and Roger
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Troy the always-smiling pilot
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Refuelling at the skiway
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Dan and Gadget
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And let's not forget the very hard working AGSOs (ground crew) who spend many many hours at the skiway to support our flying program.
Rob
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Jenn (AGSO) and Al (Pilot)
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The always-accommodating Noel
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Martin, Casey Operations Coordinator
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A very excited Narelle after leaning out the back door of the plane
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SAR training (Search and Rescue team)
The Casey wintering team can now sleep well knowing they will soon be left in the capable hands of a well trained SAR team during the winter months: Tim, Major Matt, Steve, Tod, Danny and Brendan. Kev the doc of course will always be close by and keen to participate in SAR training.
Last week the team spent a day in the field learning new skills:
Simon and Danny
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SAR training
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A spectacular training site
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Tim
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Tod and Kevin
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Berg cruising
And what a way to end the day – berg cruising for ten lucky expeditioners:
Admiral Ken
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Lyn, Rob and others enjoying a berg cruise
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The berg cruise tourists
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This is what it is all about
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Cruising at Casey
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Spectacular site
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Cruising
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Some of the locals
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