Meet one of our principals specialising in drinking water quality.

Dr Christobel Ferguson – Principal Scientist

Dr Christobel Ferguson has more than 15 years experience specialising in water microbiology and pathogen risk assessment and catchment management.

Christobel's key capabilities include water quality assessments, particularly microbiological quality (marine, estuarine and freshwater systems) and identification and characterisation of sources of faecal contamination in rural and urban systems.

She is also recognised for her expertise in catchment modelling and management planning, including hazard analysis and risk management. Christobel is well known throughout the water industry, and is a board member of AWA and actively involved with the American Water Works Association, IWA, the Water Environment Research Foundation and the WateReuse Association.

Patty Chier - Principal Environmental Engineer

Patty is a chartered professional engineer (CPEng) with an honours degree in chemical engineering and a masters degree in environmental engineering. She has over five years experience covering a diverse range of projects; from recycled water treatment and reuse projects to environmental and HACCP auditing of both industries and water authorities.

As a Principal Consultant, her role is to provide expert advice and guidance on environmental management, risk assessment, environmental impact studies and environmental auditing. Patty is an accredited environmental auditor with RAB-QSA in accordance with ISO 19011:2003 and has audited the food industry, water authorities, mining industry and local councils. Patty also has particular expertise in developing and auditing water quality risk management plans for drinking water, industrial use and water reuse.

Patty brings to ALS skills in the assessment of water, recycled water and wastewater treatment in order to optimise processes and resolve process issues. She has been involved in numerous investigations including validation and challenge testing trials of process equipment and treatment trains.