MWH Acquires Australia Based Liquid Earth

Broomfield, CO — MWH, a global provider of environmental, engineering and construction services, has announced the acquisition of Liquid Earth, a consultancy firm based in Perth, Australia that provides hydrogeologic services to mining and industrial clients. The move enhances MWH's strategy to build a stronger presence in South Asia Pacific and increase the types of services offered to natural resource industry clients in that region.

"This transaction provides MWH with a significant presence in Western Australia that will enable us to further leverage our service capabilities in the South Asia Pacific natural resources market, in particular the environmental management of mining projects," said Alan Krause, president of the Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Industry division of MWH. "Our business in Australia has been growing steadily over the past few years and, with the addition of the Liquid Earth portfolio of services and hydrogeologic experts, we're now better positioned to pursue a broader range of new opportunities." Formed in 1998 and headed by Doug Brown, Liquid Earth recently won Pilbara Iron's "Provision of Intellectual Services" award for the completion of innovative and cost effective work. "The combination of MWH and Liquid Earth will allow significant opportunities to apply our experience gained in mine site water management and to address the broader water resource challenges facing Australia," said Brown. In addition to a full suite of engineering and environmental services, including the development and management of infrastructure assets – particularly in water, wastewater and stormwater – MWH will also now offer:

• Minesite water management
• Dewatering and impact prediction and management
• Water resource development and management
• Aquifer Re-injection (ASR) as a method of excess dewatering discharge disposal
• Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) management
• Regulatory approvals and compliance

MWH can trace its history in Australia back to 1907, when A.K.T. Sampbell began undertaking water supply projects in Victoria. The company he founded eventually became Scroggie Engineering, which merged with Montgomery Watson – now MWH – in 1993 to form Montgomery Watson Australia. With the acquisition of Liquid Earth, MWH now has six offices in Australia and 26 offices throughout New Zealand.

SOURCE: MWH