Chris Smitt

Background

About Chris Smitt

Chris is currently the Australian Managing Director for EHS Support Pty Ltd and a principal hydrogeologist with over 20 years’ experience in both private and public sector within Australia, North America and the Middle East. After graduating with a degree in Physics and Earth Science, Chris majored in Hydrogeology & Geophysics during his honours year from the Flinders University of South Australia. Chris began his career as a hydrogeologist with CSIRO Land & Water where he developed a large-scale 3D numerical model capable of predicting surface water & groundwater interactions in complex basaltic aquifers across Southern Australia. Since 2006, Chris worked as a hydrogeologist in private industry and has been responsible for project delivery of numerous large scale, technically and logistically complex projects including; CSG and Shale gas resource development projects in Australia and North America (e.g. Cooper Basin, Isa Superbasin, Beetaloo sub-Basin, Gunnedah Basin, Great Artesian Basin, Surat and Bowen Basins); Mine rehabilitation (e.g. rehabilitation of the Anglesea Coal Mine); Managed Aquifer Recharge Projects (e.g. Canberra Integrated Water Management Program and Roma (GAB) pressurization scheme); Sustainable Groundwater Development projects (e.g. Aspire Zone Development, Doha, Qatar); and Catchment and groundwater impacts assessments (e.g. North East Link Project, Mordialloc Bypass Project, Development of an Victorian Index of Groundwater Condition and numerous development and review of State groundwater management plans). Chris is also experienced in preparing and delivering expert witness statements for VCAT and PPV acting on-behalf of both public and private industry. Hydrogeological Specialties: Mine Rehabilitation Oil & Gas Water Management Managed Aquifer Recharge Water Resource Appraisals Expert Witness