In July iEnvi conducted a preliminary site investigation, soil sampling, and a geotechnical classification on an orchard to determine whether the site was suitable for future use as a 75 lot low-density residential development. All requested tasks had to be completed quickly and to a high standard for the client to obtain financing and achieve settlement on the site.
The site, located in the Griffith City Council area, is zoned General Residential (R1), and is currently being used for citrus fruit production. Based on the history and geology of the site, the risk of contamination is low.
First developed in the 1950s, the site was cleared to make way for citrus tree planting in 1958, and citrus production has continued on site until the present day. Geologically, the site is a mostly flat natural ground surface with minimal disturbed soil and a few remnant citrus trees. Surface water drains off site to the east.
The preliminary site investigation and soil sampling results on 60 samples (number determined after site history was reviewed) were good and indicated no staining, visible waste, or contamination. Accordingly, the soil met the NSW Excavated Natural Material Order 2014 criteria and is considered suitable for applications such as engineering fill or use in earthworks (after organic plant material is removed). iEnvi was pleased to report to the client that the orchard site was suitable for their intended use as a low-density residential development.
Though the preliminary site investigation and soil sampling results were positive, the geotechnical site classification results provided valuable feedback and development parameters. The geotechnical soil classification revealed moderately reactive clay and/or silt soil with movement potential of 20 – 40mm, and site classification set out engineering and design parameters to accommodate and control for this movement.
iEnvi completed the preliminary site investigation, soil sampling, and geotechnical site classification well within the given timeframe, and produced a 320 page report that helped the client receive financing and complete settlement of the site. The client was delighted with iEnvi’s thorough, professional, fast and affordable environmental services.
For a preliminary site investigation or other environmental investigations for your site contact us on [email protected] or 13000 43684 (13000 iEnvi).