Staff profile: Karen Marler

Karen said she’s enjoying the challenge.

As Director, Karen oversees the management of incidents and enquiries, as well as the EPA’s large projects and initiatives underway in the Hunter. This includes the critical Dust Stop Program aimed at reducing dust from mining activities.

“In the Hunter region we manage a huge range of incidents and enquiries. There is never a dull day - I love the variety of work.

“When an incident occurs it’s all hands-on deck and staff with different expertise come together to control the situation to limit impacts to the environment and community.

“The collaboration and partnership with emergency services and the different specialist units within the EPA is one part of my job that I really enjoy.

“I recently attended the scene of a truck accident near Gloucester at 2am, where the truck was carrying eight industrial gauges, each containing Cobalt 60 – a radioactive substance. 

“I took expert advice from a radiation specialist within the EPA’s Hazardous Incidents and Environmental Health Branch on handling and management of the gauges.

“We needed to take strict precautions until the scene of the accident was secured and known to be safe.  We had Fire and Rescue NSW crews and specialist hazmat units, and NSW Police also on site each contributing their skills and knowledge towards managing the situation.

“Fortunately all the gauges remained intact and were recovered at the scene. They were transported to ANSTO in Sydney. Radiation monitoring was undertaken and the site was declared safe.

“The incident occurred at night and we were all onsite until the early hours of the morning.

“The dedication and professionalism of officers in an emergency situation is commendable.”

Karen has lived in the Hunter for most of her life and is amongst the EPA’s most experienced staff members. Karen trained as a biologist and moved into the field of Environmental Health starting her career with local government as an Environmental Health and Building Surveyor. With years of local experience in the field Karen brings to the role a wealth of knowledge on key environmental issues such as the Williamtown PFAS contamination.

“Along with mining, historical contamination is a major issue that we regulate in this region,” Karen said.

“We are a very busy team in the Hunter so one thing I am doing as Director is ensuring that local EPA staff are supported. Part of this involves mentoring opportunities, especially for younger and new staff.”

Prior to be being appointed as Director Hunter, Karen held various regulatory and special projects roles with the EPA, including roles as a Senior Operations Officer and Unit Head.  She led the EPA’s formation of the Newcastle Community Consultative Committee on the Environment and has extensive experience as an environmental regulator.