Greener Groundwork
Ecotec Revs Up with the Raymo Electric Mower
Perth-based environmental consultancy Ecotec (WA) is renowned for its expertise in managing remote projects. Established by Managing Director Jeremy Shepherdson in 2000 while based in Kalgoorlie, Ecotec initially provided rehabilitation services to the mining sector, but as its client base grew, so did the services it delivered.
Today, the Perth-based environmental consultancy and contracting company offers a comprehensive suite of environmental management solutions tailored to Western Australia’s mining, construction and agricultural sectors.
“Weed surveys and vegetation control have long been a service we’ve provided in the mining and mineral exploration space, “said Mr Shepherdson.
“In the last few years, weed and vegetation control for solar farms has become a common request. While investigating more efficient methods of vegetation removal for solar farm applications, I came across the Raymo electric mower, which has been a game changer in asset management.”
With its remote control operation and low profile, the machine is ideally suited to solar farm vegetation management. Ecotec purchased the first Raymo mower in Western Australia. Now, it provides annual vegetation control in conjunction with weed spraying for several solar farms across the state.
“Remote control operation provides significant advantages over conventional methods, including operator safety and reduced exposure to noise, dust and debris,” explained Mr Shepherdson.
“An extremely low centre of gravity and 4WD traction allows the Raymo to tackle steep slopes with very little risk of the machine rolling over. The electric drive and cutting motors are extremely powerful with the added bonus of reduced noise and emission-free operation.”
The machine has proven to be extremely versatile. In addition to solar farms, Ecotec’s Raymo electric mower is regularly utilised for vegetation management in wineries, plantations, pipelines, embankments, power lines, mine camps, remote bore fields and even overgrown suburban blocks.
Ecotec is a Department of Health registered weed control company. Annual weed monitoring and spraying is provided for numerous mining clients, in conjunction with vegetation management, or as a stand alone service. Weed control programs are developed specifically for the target weed species and implemented with a range of quality equipment.
The consulting side of the Ecotec business specialises in mining project environmental approvals, assisting clients from the outset with all aspects of the approvals process, from coordinating biological surveys to development of Mining Proposals, Mine Closure Plans, Works Approvals and Environmental Management Systems tailored to meet specific project needs.
Ecotec also provides environmental monitoring services, developing and implementing programs to assess various environmental factors, including conservation-significant flora and fauna, vegetation health, rehabilitation progress, and water quality.
Mr Shepherdson said, “While we are a small company, we aim to provide our clients with a complete environmental service to ensure the required approvals are achieved and compliance obligations are met for the duration of the project.”
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