Nandroya Planning Report

leddy sergiacomi &
associates pty. itd.

LSA Ref: 45-021

 

2.3.5

2.3.6

AS1547:2000 for a Heavy Clay or Category 6 soil, indicating the plastic nature of the subsoils

encountered.

Laboratory Testing

Results of the geotechnical laboratory analysis carried out by a NATA accredited soil laboratory
have been included in the Morrison Geotechnic Report. The analysis included soil strength
(unconfined compressive strength), shrink swell test and dispersion tests (Emerson Class). The
results indicated that the natural soils of the site have a moderate to high strength (UCS = 200-
500kPa) and a moderate volume change capability (ISS = 1.4-2.8%). The clay nature of the
parent material on the site displayed higher moisture content than desirable, allowing for the low
swelling and high shrinkage capability. Emerson Test results (Class 6) indicated that the clay
soils are non-dispersive, as identified on the site with minimal surface erosion located (apart

from where no surface cover is present above the dam).

Development Constraints

Development of the site may require the excavation of unconsolidated fill material where it is
situated within developable areas of each allotment. Specific attention may need to be directed
towards the areas to be developed as proposed Lot 5 where timber and sawdust fill was
encounted, and Lot 6 where burnt timber was identified in the fill. Soft clays which have been
saturated in the vicinity of the dam on proposed Lot 1 will be located in the proposed vegetation

buffer and should therefore have limited impact on future development of the site.

In addition to physical properties, a series of investigations have been commissioned for the site
by Project Services to determine the presence and extent of contamination occurring on the
property. The site is currently included on the Environmental Protection Agency’s
Environmental Management Register. Initial site investigations undertaken by Douglas Partners
Pty Ltd have confirmed that some minor quantities of contaminated material exist on the site,
primarily in the vicinity of the decommissioned fuel storages and comprising TPH levels above
the health investigation level A criteria. Some other minor contaminants were also noted across

the site, primarily a single deposit of zinc in the vicinity of one of the dams.

 

14 November 2005 Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation Page: 6

Planning Report