Jean
Meaklim

Jean is a technical specialist in assessment and management of risks from contaminated land & water and industrial waste and regulation of industrial & agricultural chemicals, based on 30 years’ experience in chemistry, environmental & human health toxicology, risk assessment, environmental auditing, and environmental & public health policy. In regulatory and advisory roles in the Victorian Government, Jean helped to shape the framework for assessing and managing risks related to chemicals in the environment. In EPA Vic, she represented Victoria on national environmental assessment programs including the NEPM (Assessment of Site Contamination) 2013, enHealth and Worksafe asbestos guidance, and on panels accrediting environmental auditors. This followed roles in assessment and regulation of pesticides and other chemicals in the environment to protect public and occupational health (Health Department Vic) and QA chemist for fuels, solvents & finished products (Mobil Oil Aust). Jean has expertise in assessing risks from emerging contaminants such as PFAS and particulate pollution as well as traditional environmental contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, PAHs, solvents, pesticides, asbestos). Her chemistry and toxicology skills, plus extensive public health and research experience, enables targeted identification and assessment of relevant information for emerging and established contaminants in soil, water and air. In her current role as a consultant, Jean provides advice to government agencies, environmental auditors, industry and the public on risks and clean up requirements for contaminated sites and other environmental risks, in line with relevant legislation and State, national and international guidance. She has acted as Expert Witness on cases involving site contamination, asbestos in soil and in the workplace, diffuse pesticide contamination, air quality and dust and Major Hazard facilities, and is involved in stakeholder engagement on Victorian and National Environment Protection legislation and guidance. She actively participates in industry associations including Australian Contaminated Land Consultants Association (ACLCA), serving on the Executive Committee for five years including President and Vice-president; Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) HSE Division; and ALGA; and mentors students and young consultants. Jean is also an experienced risk communicator and regularly runs short courses in environmental awareness, contaminated site management, dangerous goods compliance, and risk communication.