A newsletter for friends and colleagues
Winter Edition
2003
(To open the original Word version of this newsletter, click here - 964kb
or download a zipped pdf file here - 328kb )
 
Introduction

This newsletter forms the Winter 2003 edition of the phone. It comes to you with the warmest wishes from Morris Environmental & Groundwater Alliances (). We bring you news, views and an update on environmental issues. To view more editions of the phone, please click here.

We trust that you will enjoy this edition. “Siyaphambile”– ‘moving forward together’.
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Newsflash Items
  • Our web site continues to receive favourable comment for its ease of use and available information.
  • The concept of ‘Client-Project Partnerships’ has been well received and is growing in favour.
  • is successfully putting together specialist teams with the right set of skills for more and more larger projects.
  • is a joint initiative with our Durban partner – you can read about this here.
  • is currently involved with projects in seven different centres throughout southern Africa. In the past year our team members undertook visits to over 48 towns throughout South Africa.
  • Have you heard about Odyssey Technologies Pty Ltd? Read more here about this specialist environmental service provider.
  • Coleen Bullock, our office administrator, has been with for close on a year now - mega@megateam.co.za
  • The company logo continues to receive favourable comments, especially with regards to its layout and colour coding. The nuance of the logo is often queried and so we provide information on this here.
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PHYTOTECHNOLOGY – Not just landscaping
In March 2003, at the invite of the US EPA, Ritchie attended the International Applied Phytotechnologies Conference in Chicago. Phytotechnology is the innovative use of plants and trees in scientific applications including, treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater (phytoremediation), hydraulic barriers, evapotranspiration caps over landfills and several others. Ritchie had opportunity to display a poster at the conference. See more here.

Our principle consultants include:

Ritchie Morris Pr Sci Nat, BSc Hons
Ritchie is the founder of and is an Environmental Hydrogeologist with over 17 years of experience in the southern African region. Ritchie undertakes work for industry, the public and private sectors. He also provides ‘expert witness’ and technical appraisal / review services. For a detailed CV, click here.

Mary-Jane Morris BSc Hons
Mary-Jane is an Environmental Management Specialist and she joined the team in January 2001. Previously Mary-Jane was with Deloitte and Touche where she managed the Environmental Business Services Group. Mary-Jane has extensive experience with environmental matters throughout southern Africa having worked in consultancy, the petroleum industry, local government and business. For a more detailed CV, click here.
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– a partnership of choice

In our previous newsletter we discussed the - Geosure (PTY) Ltd Durban working partnership. Deven Naidoo (BSc Hons) of Geosure and Ritchie Morris of are cementing this partnership through establishment of the joint subsidiary:
INDUSTRIAL GROUND&WATER MONITORING SERVICES

offer services mainly to industry and local municipalities in the fields of surface and subsurface monitoring of both environmental and geotechnical issues. The complimentary skills of the Geosure - lliance are well placed to offer a quality environmental service at a competitive rate throughout the country. See more here.

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staff monitoring soil and groundwater at industry sites.
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Odyssey Technologies (Pty) Ltd

Odyssey Technologies (Pty) Ltd is a newly formed company that amalgamates 45 years of experience in environmental and business consulting. Its founders are Mary-Jane Morris, Sadia Chand and Julio Graham. The company has entered into joint venture projects with software development companies to bring a range of web-based products to the market. These include, Environmental Operating System (EOS), Strategic Implementation Programme (SIP), Corporate Governance & Reporting (CG&R) and Systematic Project Management (SPM). Key to the success of these products is the fact that they have been designed by experienced environmental specialists and are practical in their application to industry and business needs. For more information, please contact Mary-Jane at: mj@megateam.co.za or on 082 789 4139.
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THE GREEN BAG

is pleased with new legislation aimed at reducing the impact of plastic bags on the environment. To support this initiative & assist those of us who ‘still’ forget to take old bags to the shop, we have made the GREEN BAG. Each bag is individually hand painted by Gabby Thomson, a teacher and artist, who runs ‘Get Creative Arts and Crafts School’.
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drums up a social


At the end of 2002 the team entertained special clients and friends to a drumming session. 28 African drums were brought-in and rhythmic ‘green’ messages sent across the Hout Bay valley. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all as is shown in the photos.
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Conference attendance


The International Applied Phytotechnologies Conference was attended by about 240 scientists from around the world. This conference was sponsored by the US EPA and thus there was no attendance fee. The photograph above centre shows Mr Steven Rock of the EPA giving the welcoming speech. We collected documentation on phytotechnologies and made many good contacts. Should you require copies of information, please call Ritchie Morris or go to: www.clu-in.org
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training

This year has sponsored Mr Eugene Afrika, a matric student from the Hout Bay Imizamo Yethu settlement, to attend an after hours computer training course at a local computer school. Eugene is a diligent student and is hoping to enter Technikon next year.
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The logo

The Yin Yang symbolises the balance between the surface (green) and subsurface (brown) linked by water (blue).

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Should you have any queries or require proposals for work, please call us.


Ph: +27 (0)21 790 5793
Kind regards
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