** Shares of SciDev SDV.AX rise 14.5% to A$0.475

** Stock set for its strongest session since July 23, 2024

** Environmental solutions co secures its first contract in the U.S. with consulting firm, Halff

** Says the contract valued at A$396,000 is for treatment of waste contaminated with PFAS chemicals during environmental investigations at Department of Defense sites

** 224,578 shares change hands vs the 30-day average of 204,123

** Stock down 18.1% YTD, including current session's moves

(Reporting by Manasi Dasa in Bengaluru)

((Manasi.DasaSundeep@thomsonreuters.com))