Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:1850:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1850 (pt 2/117)
Character Range: 350332–353541

geological/hydrogeological component of the desktop investigation may include review of the following types of published data:
    * surface elevation
    * regional and site-specific soil and geological records
    * geophysical data
    * drilling logs which clearly identify imported and locally derived fill (including refuse) and natural strata
    * well logs including strata, casing or construction details, and water level, quality and pump/discharge rate information
    * aquifer types (unconfined, semi-confined, confined) and aquitards/aquicludes present
    * direction and rate of groundwater flow
    * regional and site-specific hydrogeological information, including groundwater quality
    * current usage/resource potential
    * existing monitoring wells and records of registered production wells or survey of surrounding landholders to determine the existence of wells where the resource may potentially be used in the vicinity of the site.
For more comprehensive assessments, for example where groundwater fate and transport modelling is to be undertaken, desktop studies may also consider:
    * values for soil bulk density and porosity
    * aquifer storativity or storage
    * soil organic matter content
    * cation exchange capacity (CEC)
    * soil pH and redox (Eh) potential measured in situ
    * hydraulic and piezometric heads and hydraulic gradients
    * hydraulic conductivity
    * transmissivity
    * other parameters as appropriate.
Appendix III of the Guidelines for groundwater protection in Australia (ARMCANZ & ANZECC 1995) gives helpful advice on hydrogeological desktop studies.

These data form the basis of an initial appraisal of the potential risk to a receptor. When the likelihood of an unacceptable groundwater impact is identified, Schedule B6 should be consulted.

3.6              Site inspection
A site inspection should be conducted by a professional who is suitably qualified and experienced in the assessment of contaminated sites. For further information on suitable qualifications and experience, refer to Schedule B9.

A comprehensive site inspection is a critical stage of the site assessment process. It validates anecdotal and historical information and can identify additional evidence of potential contamination.

The complexity and detail reported in a site inspection may vary depending on the level of historical information and anecdotal information relevant to the site and the complexity and detail of the site itself. The following features, among others, should be noted:
    * current uses of the site and surrounding land
    * disturbed, coloured or stained soil
    * bare soil patches
    * disturbed or distressed vegetation
    * unusual odour
    * quality of surface water
    * sheens on water surfaces
    * site topography and surface water drainage
    * presence and type of groundwater bores on the site and adjacent landholdings
    * condition of groundwater bore headworks
    * measurement of groundwater (water table and/or piezometric) levels
    * condition of buildings, concrete and bitumen floors and roads, etc.
    * building construction  (slab-on-ground or other, presence or absence of crawl spaces