expresso 14 - en

expresso 14 | winter 2018

I’m proud to contribute to solutions that strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection .”

finding a common thread: water Vero Rabemanana, PhD Geophysicist | Gatineau, Quebec

ZIBI PROJECT The Anishinabe word for River,

Vero Rabemanana was only ten years old when, while reading Marie Curie’s biography, it all became clear as water: she was going to be a Doctor of Science. Having grown up surrounded by water in Madagascar, an island also known for its biodiversity and varied terrain, it’s no surprise that Vero developed a great interest for hydrogeology. Already an accomplished geophysicist, Vero set sail for Europe to pursue her studies in the distribution and movement of groundwater. She attended the Pierre et Marie Curie University in Paris, where she earned her master’s and PhD in hydrogeology. With her degrees in hand, Vero spent two years working in Switzerland before changing continents again, heading for the province of Quebec. Known for its wealth of natural resources, Quebec offered many opportunities in drinking water resources management. Rehabilitation project Vero’s multidisciplinary expertise gives her a unique and valuable perspective. Her in-depth knowledge

That unique expertise is what caught the attention of a residential and commercial neighborhood developer — Zibi — on a site previously occupied by a paper mill. Carried out over a ten-year period, the project was required to comply with Quebec’s Environment Quality Act. Vero oversaw all environmental characterization work, as well as the development of the remediation plan, making sure that all regulatory requirements would be met, from start to finish. However, considering the speed at which regulatory requirements evolve and change, ten years can be a very long time. That challenge is one that Vero understands and has integrated to her approach. In addition to being flexible, she anticipated and assessed future amendments to regulations and took them into account when developing a plan that covers the life of the project. “Environmental assessment and remediation are essential in the initial stages of economic development projects. I’m proud to contribute to solutions that strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection. It’s a complex task, but very rewarding.”

Zibi was chosen for this redeveloped community to honor the river and the Algonquin-Anishinabe people. Resting along the banks of the Ottawa River, and located within the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, Zibi was designed to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly living environments. The core strategy driving the design is to rethink and redevelop the community to reflect and adapt to the natural environment. To help ensure sustainability and eco-friendly planning, its design was guided by the ten One Planet Living principles, which range from saving energy and reducing waste, to residents’ health and happiness. The ten principles are a commitment to zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable transport, materials, food and water, land use and wildlife, culture and community, equity and local economy, and health and happiness.

and experience with soil and groundwater characterization and remediation help her anticipate challenges and client requests.

women at EXP | 27