Site characterisation activities

A handheld meter measured the levels of naturally occurring radiation at the ground surface. Workers measured properties near the site and roads near the site and towards Kimba.

Workers used a hand trowel or similar tool to collect soil samples from the ground. Laboratory staff then tested these samples.

No testing occurred on or near identified heritage sites under the Cultural Heritage Management Plan.

This activity will involve about 2 workers.

Flora and fauna surveys involved observing and documenting species. 

Workers measured ambient light levels on the site using cameras and hand held lux meters.

This created baseline levels for comparison during project construction or operation.

An on-site weather station recorded climate data such as wind direction and speed, rainfall and temperature.

Workers will also regularly collected dust, air and radiation samples using equipment attached to tripods and stands.

Workers used equipment to extract soil, rock and any underground water samples for laboratory testing.

Thin bores varied in diameter between 50mm and 250mm and ranged in depth from 3 to more than 100m. 

Workers placed sensors or extraction tools down the holes to characterise the sub-surface conditions underground and extract samples. 

Workers decomissioned and backfilled any boreholes not needed for ongoing work.

Workers collected water samples from nearby farm dams, drainage lines and rainwater gauges or tanks.

A geophysical survey collected information on the structure of soil and rock beneath the site.

A vibrating steel plate attached to a vehicle sent energy waves underground. Sensors then measured the energy waves that bounced back from the different soil and rock layers. Workers repeated this process along survey lines across parts of the site.

Workers dug pits or trenches between 1 and 3 m deep using equipment that is commonly used on farmland and for industry. Workers used these pits or trenches to document soils and rock and to collect samples for testing by laboratories. They temporarily drove thin metal rods up to about 2m into the ground to measure the ability of the soil to bear a load.

After they drilled the boreholes, they backfilled the pits with grout.

We expected the future facility would need a solar microgrid. A microgrid has a series of solar panels fixed to steel piles which are driven into the ground. 

As part of site characterisation works, geotechnical surveys measured the strength and resistance of the soils using specialised equipment.

Workers measured the amount soil resists or conducts electricity where the microgrid and other electrical equipment would be.

Workers used hand-held tools including ground penetrating radar to locate underground services such as existing water mains, communications cables or power cables.

Where there was a need to visually identify the type and depth of the underground service, workers used a high-pressure water jet and a vacuum hose.

An archaeological survey assessed culturally sensitive areas and objects located on and off the site. This included identifying any potential archaeological sites and objects.