2 osborne st & 40 retreat rd flora hill preliminary …...with the topography of the area...

Sandhurst Geotech Pty Ltd, Trading as Geotechnical Testing Services – Southern. ABN: 18 169 924 109 ACN: 169 924 109

Email: [email protected]; Ph: 03 5441 4881; Fax: 03 5441 5089; Mail Address: PO Box 13, STRATHDALE, Vic, 3550 Offices: • La Trobe University Applied Science 2 Building 7 Sharon Street, Flora Hill, VIC 3550; • Shed 3, 140 Ogilvie Avenue, Echuca , VIC 3654,

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2 OSBORNE ST & 40 RETREAT RD

FLORA HILL

PRELIMINARY SITE ASSESSMENT (Phase 1 - ESA)

PREPARED FOR

Executive Director, Infrastructure & Operations, La Trobe University, Vic 3086

C/- Jeremy Wah (Commercial Development Manager)

PREPARED BY BRAD BISHOP (BA)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT GEOTECHNICAL TESTING SERVICES SOUTHERN P/L

P.O. BOX 13, STRATHDALE, VIC, 3550

(03) 5441 4881 4 December 2015

GTS 15C-905

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DISCLAIMER This investigation has been carried out in goodwill and under the instructions of La Trobe University, Bundoora. The investigation has been undertaken with the care and skill of competent personnel as defined within Geotechnical Testing Services quality system. It is not a comprehensive investigation but a guide to the conditions throughout the designated area. The results from this investigation relate to the specified sites labelled throughout this document, and hence the information obtained may need to be extrapolated to the rest of the designated area. If variations from this report are found during future excavation/construction works, Geotechnical Testing Services should be notified so it can be assessed and the appropriate advice provided. It is possible that additional testing and analysis might produce different results and/or opinions. However, GTS has limited this investigation to the scope agreed upon by La Trobe University, Bundoora. GTS’s professional opinions contained in this document are subject to modification, if additional information is obtained through further investigation, observations, analysis or validation testing and analysis during remedial activities. This document has been prepared for La Trobe University, Bundoora and hence no responsibility or liability is being accepted to any third party, where any part of the report is used in either isolation or without consideration of the whole document. This document is not appropriate where there has been a significant change in the project or either for the specific needs of the reader.

Brad Bishop (BA) ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT [email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND 4 2 SCOPE OF WORKS 4 3 SITE DESCRIPTION 5 4 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 5 4.1 Topography & Hydrology 5 4.2 Geology & Hydrogeology 5 5 LIMITATIONS OF REPORT 7 6 HISTORICAL REVIEW 8 6.1 Aerial Photography 8 6.2 Historical Certificates of Title 11 7 POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION 21

7.1 Onsite 21 7.2 Off-site 21 8 SITE INSPECTION & DESCRIPTION 22 8.1 Potentially Contaminating Activities 27 8.2 EPA - Priority Sites Register 27 8.3 EPA - Statements & Certificates of Environmental Audit 28 8.4 Previous Environmental Site Assessments 28 8.5 Site History Search 28 9 RESULTS & DISCUSSION 29 9.1 Site History & Site Inspection 29 9.2 Potential Areas of Concern 29 9.3 Conclusions & Recommendations 30 10 DISTRIBUTION 32 11 REFERENCES 33

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APPENDICES Appendix A Site location 1 page Planning scheme (zoning) 1 page DEPI Hydrology Map 1 page Regional Contour Plan (COGB) 1 page Appendix B DEPI - Geological and Mining Maps 2 pages Available Mine Shaft Information (DEPI) 3 pages DEPI - Groundwater Resources 2 pages Appendix C Aerial photography 1945 1 page

1967 2 pages 1985 2 pages 2015 2 pages

Appendix D Fiegl and Newell Historical Title Search 24 pages Appendix E Site Plan - ‘Proposed Sampling Locations’ 1 page On-site photographs 17 pages

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1 INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND Latrobe University, Bundoora commissioned Geotechnical Testing Services (GTS) to undertake a limited Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) at their Osborne St, Flora Hill complex. The investigation was undertaken to fulfil La Trobe’s own due-diligence requirements when assessing the future development potential of the property for a pending future sensitive use purpose. The intention of this assessment was to provide an Environmental Review of the site to determine the possible extent of any detriment (if any), which would require rectification prior to approving rezoning & planning consent. Consisting of both 2 Osborne Street & 40 Retreat Road, a review of the information available identifies that the site is situated approximately 2.5km south-east of Bendigo’s CBD, within Flora Hill (an inner suburb). Consisting of two titles, the site is approximately 12.3 hectares in size and currently zoned ‘Public Use Zone - Education’ (PUZ2) under The City of Greater Bendigo’s Planning Scheme. A site location plan is provided in Appendix ‘A’. 2 SCOPE OF WORKS This Phase 1 - Environmental Site Assessment (including onsite inspection) was undertaken to ascertain if there are any areas of potential environmental concern at the site. The objective of any Phase 1 ESA is to identify any potential contamination concerns associated with previous site and neighbouring usages, which may impact on any potential future developments. This ESA has addressed the following requirements: • Completion of a walkover inspection of the site to identify the general site conditions and current site

use / practices; • Review of regional geological and hydrogeological conditions for the site; • Identification of past uses; • Conduct a groundwater database search of registered wells for the site and surrounding area; • A review of historical aerial photographs, historical maps, council records & the EPA priority site’s

register (where made available); • All past and current land titles; • Identify whether an environmental assessment is necessary, highlighting the number of test points and

proposed borehole location plan; and • Consideration & identification on whether groundwater contamination may be likely and its potential

to pose detriment towards any future redevelopment of the site.

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3 SITE DESCRIPTION The site is approximately 12.3 hectares in size and is bounded to the north & east by Osborne Street and subsequent surrounding residential developments (GRZ), to the south by Cook Street and existing residential developments (GRZ) and by Retreat Road to the west and subsequent long standing residential developments (GRZ). Spring Creek is also seen to exist approximately 160m outside of the site’s western boundary (at its nearest point). At the time of the onsite investigation, the site contained the following features, including: • Northern section of the site - Long standing teachers college and student accommodation complex (now

vacated); • Southern section of the site - A sports pavilion, sports field and athletics track in the site’s southwest

corner & adjoining large open and undeveloped grassed areas throughout the site’s south eastern aspect (horse paddock);

• Eastern section of the site - Continuation of the early teaching complex, associated shedding and undeveloped grassed area; &

• Western section of the site - Vacated student residences, athletics facility and associated car parking. Appendix ‘A’ shows the site is zoned ‘Public Use Zone 2’ (PUZ2 - Education). Land surrounding the site is zoned General Residential (GRZ) in all aspects. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 4.1 Topography & Hydrology: The topography of the site is generally flat, exhibiting slight-moderate fall towards the west and the Retreat Road property boundary. With a gently undulating landscape to the east of the site, the surrounding regions western aspect gives way to a named seasonal drainage line (Spring Creek) which traverses the greater region in a north/south aspect (Appendix ‘A’). In general, the site & surrounding area slopes westerly towards Spring Creek, which is approximately 160m from the site at its nearest point. With the exception of the surrounding formal roadside drainage, Axe Creek Channel was the only other receptor seen to exist in the immediate surrounding area (approximately 550m to the east of the site - upslope). 4.2 Geology & Hydrogeology: The local geology of the property was determined by reference to the Department of Environment & Primary Industries ‘Geovic Website’ (Appendix ‘B’) (with reference to the Geological Survey of Victoria) which indicates that the property is affected by Quaternary (Pleistocene) Sedimentary (Non-Marine (Colluvial)) soil comprising:

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• Prior stream deposits and minor alluvium: shoestring channel sand deposits, fine grained sand clay; levee bank deposits: clay, silt. Fine to coarse grained sand/sandstone of quartz, mica, feldspar & ironstone; quartz gravel/conglomerate; well to poorly sorted, variably consolidated - ‘Nws – Shepparton Formation’ (Ref: PARENZAN, M.A. EDWARDS J. & SLATER, K.R., 2001 Bendigo 1:50,000 Geological Map).

Furthermore, the above profile is seen to be underlain by Early Ordovician (Bendigonian) Sedimentary (Marine) deposits consisting of Deep marine turbidites and hemipelagic sediments: sandstone, mudstone, black shale, minor granule quartz conglomerate; sandstone mostly thick bedded, coarse to fine grained, often graded, diffusely stratified to cross laminated, moderately to well sorted; black shale richly fossiliferous with graptolites & phyllocarids ‘Ocb – Castlemaine Group’ (Ref: PARENZAN, M.A. EDWARDS J. & SLATER, K.R., 2001 Bendigo 1:50,000 Geological Map). Additionally, appendix ‘B’ highlights the documented historical mining activities known to have occurred both on the site and in the immediate surrounding region. With little information available to collate a detailed history of the immediate mining era in question, five named/unnamed mine sites were seen to have once existed within varying proximity of the allotments eastern & western boundary (within an approx. 400m radius). Although somewhat simplistic, available information from the Department of Environment & Primary Industries ‘Geovic ‘ website (Appendix ‘B’) suggests that although no specific mining activity was ever documented to have occurred onsite, mines in the surrounding area were typically seen to be between 18-30m in depth and backfilled with mullock. The nominated shaft localities as shown on the geological maps were all reported to be within a 15-30m radius of the given GPS co-ordinates & documented locations given. While long standing visual evidence of a bygone mining era exists in the greater surrounding area only, there was no visual shaft locality in existence on the allotment or in the immediate area surrounding the site at the time of the onsite investigation. Additionally, it is noted that Shaft ‘50685’ was documented to have subsided on the 11th March 1986. Furthermore, the unnamed shaft locality to the immediate south of the named ‘Moorhead’ shaft location was also recorded to have collapsed on the 18th March 1994. There was no further information available for any of the aforementioned historical localities. A review of the Victorian Water Resources Data Warehouse (Groundwater Database) identified eleven registered bores exist within a 1.5km radius of the site. With relevant data sparsely available for the eleven

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wells, the DEPI ‘Office of Water’ Water Data Website was accessed to provide region specific groundwater information as provided in the ‘Groundwater Resource Report’ provided for the area under investigation. ‘Pages A9-A10’ highlights the groundwater data for the VICGRID94 co-ordinates (easting/northing) selected, being the Osborne St site. As updated on the 31 May, 2014 the depth to the water table is recorded to exist between 5-10m below (natural) ground level (bgl). Furthermore, water table salinity has been recorded to exist between 1001-3500mg/L (TDS – Total Dissolved Salts/Solids). In accordance with the State Environment Protection Policy ‘Groundwaters of Victoria’, a TDS of this range falls within Segment B (1001-3500mg/L TDS) requiring the following beneficial uses of groundwater to be protected: • Maintenance of Ecosystems; • Potable Mineral Water Supply; • Agriculture, parks & gardens; • Stock Watering; • Industrial Water Use; • Primary Contact Recreation (Bathing / Swimming); & • Buildings & Structures.

With the topography of the area sloping westerly towards Spring Creek (approx. 160m outside the site’s boundary across Retreat Rd), it is possible that hydraulic gradients will direct groundwater flow in this direction. In this case, the nearest receiving water body would be Spring Creek. As based upon this desktop assessment, all bores identified on the groundwater data base are considered to be a sufficient distance away from the site to be unaffected by any potential impacts occurring on site. For this region, the water table is likely to be sited within sedimentary bedrock consisting of sandstone / siltstone materials (ie: fractured rock: 0 - 200m depth below surface). It is anticipated that the underlying Ordovician geology may help to create a perched water table (in the area) due to the close proximity of Spring Creek. Although, the onsite groundwater table would be expected to exist at a significant depth as the site is significantly higher than the drainage lines in the surrounding area. 5 LIMITATIONS OF THIS REPORT This report has been prepared in accordance with the scope of works described in the previous sections of this document for the sole use of the client.

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GTS’s assessment is limited strictly to identifying typical environmental conditions associated with the subject property, which does not include evaluation of the structural conditions of any buildings or any building related concerns. As requested, GTS has not conducted soil, air, wastewater or any other analyses including asbestos or performed contaminated sampling of any kind with this preliminary investigation. Additionally, GTS has not investigated or scrutinised the site’s waste management practices. The results of this assessment are based upon a site inspection conducted by GTS personnel and/or information from interviews/general discussion with those that have knowledge of site conditions and/or information provided by regulatory authorities. While normal assessment of data reliability has been made, GTS assumes no responsibility or liability for errors in any data obtained from regulatory agencies, statements from sources outside of GTS or developments resultant from situations arising from findings outside the scope of this project. All information provided in this document is considered to be accurate at the date of issue. Surface, subsurface and atmospheric conditions can vary across a particular site which cannot be defined solely by a desktop assessment. As such, it is unlikely that the results & estimations presented within this report will represent the extremes of conditions within the site that may exist. Subsurface conditions including contaminant concentrations can change in a limited period of time and typically have a high level of spatial heterogeneity. The identification of hazardous materials associated with(in) any building structure needs to be documented by a hazardous materials report or building audit as undertaken by a qualified professional which is outside the scope of works of this soil based investigation. This assessment of the site has concentrated on its soil based characteristics, where GTS’s professional opinions are based upon professional judgement, experience & training. It is possible that direct testing and analysis might produce different results and/or opinions however, GTS has limited this investigation to the scope agreed upon by the client. GTS believes that the opinions provided for in this report are reasonably supported and have been formed according to a professional duty of care. Other opinions and interpretations may be possible. 6 HISTORICAL REVIEW 6.1 Aerial Photography GTS was able to acquire a number of historical aerial photographs of the site & surrounding region. The photos were chronologically ordered and reviewed as shown in Appendix ‘C’. A brief overview of the aerials and site apparent features follows on the subsequent pages:

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Year 1945 On-site: Three separate residences and associated shedding appears to exist on different titles of the site. Surrounded by unsealed roads on all sides, the site is presented as a large open grazing allotment comprising little to no significant vegetation and two large dam water storages in the site’s south-east. A gully or creek appears to be crossing the central aspect of the site on an east-west aspect. Immediately surrounding: North Sporadic residential development is present to the north, segregated by generally large cleared undeveloped land masses. A water channel is seen to traverse the greater north-eastern aspect. East Sporadic residential development is present surrounded by large undeveloped and cleared land masses. South Consists of several large undeveloped grazing allotments (sparsely vegetated). West Consists of a series of large undeveloped (grazing) allotments (sparsely vegetated) & the Spring Creek locality. Year 1967 On-site: With the establishment of the ‘Bendigo Teachers College Complex’ buildings and other permanent infrastructure have been added to the northern end of the site. A sports field/oval has been created in the south, along with two new residential allotments adjoining the site’s eastern & western boundaries. Removal of a previous existing dwelling/structure towards the centre of the site and the backfilling of the northern most dam has occurred. Retreat road and the northern half of Osborne St are now sealed. Irrigation practices appear to be occurring in the site’s south-east corner. Immediately surrounding: North An increase in residential development has occurred to the north, with the water channel still persisting. East An increase in residential development has occurred to the east, with the water channel still persisting. South An increase in residential development has occurred to the south. Irrigation practices are also occurring. West An increase in residential development has now occurred to the west adjoining Spring Creek.

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Year 1985 On-site: Little visual changes appear to have occurred over the site since 1967. It is noted that the addition of shedding in the site’s south-east aspect has occurred. A visual increase in vegetation cover is observed across the site. All roads encompassing the site are now sealed. Immediately surrounding: North An increase in residential development has occurred to the north, with the water channel now piped or backfilled. East An increase in residential development has occurred to the east, with the water channel now piped or backfilled. South A further increase in residential development has occurred to the south. West A further increase in residential development has occurred to the west. Year 2015 On-site: Little visual changes appear to have occurred over most the site since 1985. Removal of several small structures across the allotment including most of the development (shedding) in the site’s south-eastern aspect has occurred. The addition of the La Trobe University Bendigo Athletics Track is observed to exist in the site’s south-west (which was opened on 4 Dec, 1999). Immediately surrounding: North The area has now been fully developed (General Residential Zone). East The area has now been fully developed (General Residential Zone). South The area has now been fully developed (General Residential Zone). West The area has now been fully developed (General Residential Zone).

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6.2 Historical Certificates of Title GTS employed Fiegl and Newell, professional title searchers, to undertake a search of the historical land titles associated with the Osborne St complex. Currently consisting of two registered titles, the allotment originally consisted of fourteen historical titles that were progressively subdivided, realigned & consolidated to create the existing land parcel(s) which exist today. Subsequently, Fiegl and Newell provided all associated titles. A summary of each historical title associated with the site is seen on the following pages:

(Original configuration of titles - circa 1870’s)

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Crown Allotment ‘261L’ as first registered in 1905 to James Curnow (Auctioneer):

Crown Allotment 261K as first registered to William Dunlop (Salesman) in 1904:

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Crown Allotment 261J as first registered to James Curnow (Auctioneer) in 1902:

Crown Allotment 261A as first registered to Mary Leahy in 1871:

(subdivided as part of Retreat Rd reserve: 1880-1898)

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Crown Allotment 261F as first registered to James Curnow (Auctioneer) in 1899:

Crown Allotment 261Q as first registered to Harry Friswell (Dairyman), Charles Friswell (Butchers Assistant) & Julius Leypoldt (Solicitor) in 1911:

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Crown Allotment 261B as first registered to Edward Tyson in 1872:

(original title - Sept 1872) (subdivided in April 1951)

(James Curnow ownership from 1910) (Louis Wells ownership from 1911)

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Crown Allotment 261 as first registered to Edward Tyson in 1870:

(Annie McCarthy ownership from 1873 upon subdivision) (Barbara Carter ownership from 1875 upon further subdivision)

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Crown Allotment 261R as first registered to James Curnow (Auctioneer) in 1909:

Crown Allotment 261D as first registered to Ah Foo & Gee Con (Gardeners) in 1897:

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Crown Allotment 261P as first registered to James Maranta (Charcoal Merchant) in 1909:

Crown Allotment 261E as first registered to Ah Foo & Gee Con (Gardeners) in 1897:

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Crown Allotment 261G as first registered to Hebert Keck (Orchardist) in 1908:

(Power Easement created across south of title)

Crown Allotment 261S as consolidated & registered to La Trobe University in Sept 1998:

(Original configuration of titles - circa 1870’s) (Consolidated title now controlled by La Trobe University)

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The property under investigation historically existed of the above fourteen adjoining titles, which were progressively subdivided, realigned & consolidated over time to create the current Plan of Subdivision owned and controlled by La Trobe University (Bundoora) that is seen to exist today. Both a drainage easement (E-2) & above ground power easement (E-1) exists at the site. The title information indicates that the associated land parcels that make up the property had been primarily owned by individuals, rather than corporate unions (ie: commercial/industrial). Outside of the local regions documented mining history (circa 1850’s), a large part of the site would appear to have been utilised for small scale agricultural prospects from the late 1800’s to around the 1930-50’s. While dating back to 1871, the title information does not indicate that the site was ever used for mining and/or extractive industry purposes. With the documented occupations of historical title holders seen to include, Grazier, Dairyman, Gardener, Orchardist & Farmer it is likely that these agricultural professions were historically undertaken at the site as small scale private operations (ie: late 1800’s - early/mid 1900’s) and to a greater extent, across the southern half of the site. Appendix ‘D’ shows the above historical & current title plan(s) for the entirety of the site in greater detail. Additionally, the configuration of each historical Crown Allotment which has now been consolidated & granted to La Trobe University (Bundoora) as of the 23 September 1998 (ie: CA 261S Sec H ‘Parish of Sandhurst’) is also given in the appendix. Consecutively, GTS holds all the aforementioned titles, with copies of each historical title available upon request.

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7 POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION As based upon the findings of the desktop study the following section describes the potential sources of contamination associated with the historical uses of the site and the immediate vicinity: 7.1 On-Site The following activities have been identified as potential on-site sources of contamination, including: • Broad range contamination concerns due to unknown activities surrounding the property’s

predominate 145 year registered history since 1870; • The onsite use of mining related materials (eg: mullock stone / tailings sand involving arsenic), in prior

onsite construction practices; • Historical Irrigation practices in the site’s southeast potentially transporting unknown offsite

contaminant concerns; • Possible historical use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides within the site’s agricultural era &

persisting horse paddock to the southeast; • Historical use of pesticides / herbicides within ongoing maintenance of the Teachers College Complex; • Historical building materials utilising asbestos fibres and/or lead based paints; • Remnant oil/petroleum based leaks in unsealed vehicle parking areas (surface bound); & • Uncontrolled fill materials involved in backfilling two onsite dam localities.

Description Rationale/Details Potential Contaminants Likely Significance 7.2 Off-Site The following activities have been identified as potential off-site causes of concern (which could now exist on the property): • General surrounding historical mining activities - arsenic and associated heavy metals which dates back

in excess of the last 100 years, circa 1850’s. Currently, the property should not affect or be effected by neighbouring allotments. Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) All original building materials associated with the existing complex were not assessed by GTS. Delta Group, Melbourne was commissioned to undertake an Asbestos Audit of the original building structure and oversee and verify the subsequent removal of all Asbestos Containing Materials prior to demolition. At the time of the onsite investigation, there was no remnant asbestos containing material (ACM) visually noted to exist across the surface of the site (ie: outside of Delta Groups isolated work areas).

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8 SITE INSPECTION AND DESCRIPTION A site inspection was conducted by GTS on 2 December 2015 with pertinent site features described below. A site/sampling plan is provided in Appendix ‘E’, with site photographs highlighting existing conditions following: GENERAL SITE TABLE – COMPLETED DURING SITE INSPECTION Site use: Appearing somewhat abandoned, the site consisted of three predominate localities, including: North - the area consisted of the original Teachers College Complex & vacated student residences (Halls of Residence) which were separately fenced from the remainder of the site; Southwest - Pavilion & athletic track facilities incorporating synthetic track surfaces and both natural & seeded grassed areas were in existence; Southeast - Although involving a residence & associated shedding this area was predominately presented as a vacant grazing allotment, accommodating two horses. At the time of the onsite inspection, demolition works had commenced with the teachers college buildings/complex, which involved isolated areas undergoing asbestos removal across the central & northern parts of the site. Weather: Fine & sunny Site features concerning the area(s) to be rezoned: • With exception of that having occurred within recent demolition works (still going at the time of

investigation), the site appeared to be similar to that shown in the 2015 aerial; • The entire site was separately fenced and isolated from outsider influence; • Both asphalted & unsealed driveways, accesses, and car parking areas were evident; • Four long standing residences existed at the site. • A network of concrete pathways and unmaintained garden & grassed areas linked the many buildings

associated with the teachers complex; • Two adjoining asphalt tennis courts existed central to the site’s western boundary; • Scattered significant vegetation (predominately gums) were seen to exist across the entirety of the site

(with the exception of within the athletics complex); • Significant vegetation was denser along the Cook St boundary & perimeter of the athletics complex

and along the southern section of the Osborne St fence line which adjoined the SE grazing locality (which was being leased);

• Most storage sheds / localities had been either demolished and/or vacated of any prior storage items; • Decommissioned vehicle storage (bus) sheds near the central aspect of the site’s eastern boundary; • Benched & terraced garden & grassed areas involving cut/fill and significant retaining wall features

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existed in specific localities; • Two historical backfilled dam localities; • On ground concrete slabs were left remnant from recent demolition works in specific areas; • Foundations of many of the existing buildings associated with the Teachers complex were all sited upon

stump and strip footing foundations (ie: involving no cut/fill (benching) requirements); • A power board sited with the shed in the horse paddock highlighted power requirements (ie: a circuit

breaker/fuse) were once made available for a mechanics shed & three hot houses (which appear to now have been removed).

Surface covering: Outside of the athletics facility which exhibited both synthetic and seeded grassed areas the surface of the site was generally covered in: • Natural weeds/grasses. • Exposed surface soils &/or bluestone gravels in high traffic areas; & • Asphalted driveways/accesses, car parks & tennis courts.

Surface drainage: • Concrete channel & curbing (drainage) co-existed with the site’s asphalted drive & car park areas; • A slight open table drain existed along the western aspect of the horse paddock which redirected

surface run-off north towards the site’s natural drainage line/creek locality; • In general, all surface waters on the site would tend to run westerly towards Retreat Rd; • Concrete channel & curbing presently exists along the entirety of Retreat Rd and part way along

Osborne & Cook Streets. Services: In brief, all normal services involving mains power / water, sewer, gas & telecommunications are present and available across the site. With the exception of the Fire Hydrant system, all reticulated infrastructure had been decommissioned or disconnected at the time of the onsite investigation. Surrounding land around the site: At the time of this investigation the surrounding land was: North - Long standing residential developments within the General Residential Zone. East - Long standing residential developments within the General Residential Zone. South - Long standing residential developments within the General Residential Zone. West - Long standing residential developments within the General Residential Zone. Interviews: GTS spoke briefly with a long standing member of La Trobe Bendigo (Mr Mark Forder) and undertook a professional title search to ascertain the likely usage of the property from its inception. The following

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information was collated from the documentation & historical information ascertained by GTS: • La Trobe Bendigo was established in 1991, which succeeded 118 years of tertiary education in the

regional centre which began with the ‘School of Mines’ in 1873; • While Bendigo’s main campus off Edwards Rd was established in 1967 (under the Bendigo Institute of

Technology), the Osborne St campus was established in 1959 as the ‘Bendigo Teacher’s College’. Together these two sites were known as the Flora Hill campus precinct;

• La Trobe University (Bundoora) acquired the sites in 1991, after an amalgamation with the Bendigo College of Advance Education (1971-1991).

• The current Bendigo campus consists of four sites, including the Osborne St complex, which is home to the La Trobe University Bendigo Athletics Track (as opened on the 4th Dec, 1999);

• With the end of the Bendigo Teachers College (pre 1994), La Trobe utilised the Osborne St complex as an examination facility/venue and as student residences (known as ‘Halls of Residence’);

• Today the site appears to have been abandoned, with teacher training ceasing in excess of 20 years ago and both the examination venue (main hall) and onsite student residences being permanently vacated (& disused) since 2011-2012. A series of on-site photographs are presented in Appendix ‘E’.

General Surface Conditions With a majority of the existing building structures sited upon stump foundations, minimal cut/fill requirements were observed to have occurred with the initial placement of the building localities. However, there were numerous immediately surrounding garden & grassed areas that had been retained with sandstone retaining walls (anywhere between an approximate 300-1400mm height). As a result of both the time of year and little to no ongoing care and/or maintenance, grassed areas were sparse in many areas, which exhibited patches of exposed surface soils. Additionally, infrequent pieces of mullock stone (mine waste) were seen strewn across the surface of the site in varying sporadic (& often grassed) localities. Failing, overgrown and unsealed road localities were seen to extend onto the site’s south-eastern locality (horse paddock). These road features appeared to have only been partly created. Existing Asphalted Areas A short section of the original driveway/access located off the junction of Retreat Rd & Osborne St had failed, exhibiting both potholed and crumbling sections (northern most section). The pavement locality was seen to exhibit sporadic pieces of underlying mullock stone (mine waste) beneath the asphalt seal (within the pavement).

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Car Parks Although somewhat impacted upon by the ongoing demolition process (ie: heavy machinery at the site), there were no visible signs of surface staining in the location of parked vehicles in any of the bitumen sealed car park localities. A car shed as associated with the red brick residence to be retained at the northern end of the site exhibited some light signs of oil staining across its concrete surface. This is not expected to have affected or extended to the underlying soil type. Additionally, in the gravel vehicle/bus storage area located central to the site’s eastern boundary (now demolished/disturbed), there were also no significant signs of vehicle/ machinery oil/petrol staining across the unsealed locality. Vegetation With the exception of the dead or dying grasses as typical of this time of year, general vegetation appeared to be healthy and green in most areas which generally consisted of large ‘Liquid Amber &/or Eucalypt trees’ (predominately native Australian vegetation). Vegetation dieback was experienced across a majority of the site’s localities, however this was anticipated to be a result of both a lack of general maintenance (ie: watering) and typical seasonal conditions associated with the time of year. Fill Material With the exception of that previously mentioned for both the benched/terraced garden and grassed areas, site topography suggested the general fall of the land conformed to the regions surrounding topography. The historical aerials suggest two prior dam localities have been backfilled over time in the site’s south-east. Unsealed Stockpiles/Mounds Several small-medium soil stockpiles were seen to exist across the site in specific localities. Appearing to generally consist of disturbed natural soil/gravel (topsoil type) materials, a small tailings sand (mine waste) stockpile was seen to exist within the horse paddock to the site’s south-east (to the rear of the existing dwelling). With exception of the grey, tailings sand stockpile, the soil materials were predominately seen to exist as a result of onsite works over time and not of material being imported to the site. Building Waste Materials As a result of onsite demolition works occurring at the time of this assessment, waste material stockpiles were identified all across the northern section of the site. Building rubble including brick, timber, galvanised iron, plaster and metal/plastic pipes were visually observed in all stockpiles. Furthermore, licensed asbestos removal was occurring at the time of the onsite investigation by Delta Group, Melbourne. As such, various areas across the northern section of the site were isolated and inaccessible to GTS. In these instances, visual observation involving site photos from a distance were all that was achievable in these specific localities.

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Fuel Storage There was no historical or visual evidence of above or below ground fuel storage ever being in existence at the site. There was also no evidence of an oil tank ever being located at the site as associated with early oil heating systems (ie: gas infrastructure existed throughout all building structures). Chemical Storage (excluding fuels) There was no evidence of chemical storage/signage over the site (past/present) during the site investigation. As previously mentioned, many storage localities had either been demolished by the time GTS arrived at the site and/or were vacated of any prior storage products (see site photos). Electrical Transformers With power having been disconnected from a large portion of the site, the removal of pole positioned transformers had previously been undertaken. There was no noticeable oil staining at the base of these localities, which were mainly noticed to occur off or along Osborne St. Onsite Wastewater Systems Visual evidence suggested that the complex and dwellings associated with the site were all connected to reticulated sewerage. No onsite wastewater treatment systems were seen to exist. A brick toilet block was seen to exist near the dwelling in the horse paddock. It was noted that defunct subsurface drainage exhibiting several distribution boxes or junction points appeared to exist in varying proximity of this toilet block locality (ie: somewhat central to the horse paddock’s northern end). Remnant Concrete Foundations As typical of historical construction practices having occurred across the greater Bendigo district for many years, grey tailings sand (mine waste material), is seen to underlay a majority of the site’s concrete infrastructure (foundations), which have been left remnant at the site. As a result of the sand having been encapsulated for an extended period of time, this grey sand is generally experienced to exhibit elevated arsenic & mercury concentrations (both total & leachable), where it has had little to no exposure to the elements. Furthermore, as sighted on one occasion it is believed that a large percentage of the site’s existing subsurface (piped) infrastructure, ie: sewer, drainage, etc is laid in this same grey, mine waste bedding sand.

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8.1 Potentially Contaminating Activities The following table (Table 3) summarises the areas of potential environmental concern based on the findings of the onsite inspection: Table 3 Potential Contaminating Activities and Significance

Description Details Potential Contaminants Likely Significance

Use of fill materials of unknown origin in terraced areas

(although involving probable cut/fill)

Visual change in surface topography

Potential for broad range contaminants to exist (esp:

Heavy Metals) Low

Use of mine waste materials in prior onsite construction practices (involving both

tailings sand & mullock stone) Visually observed Heavy Metals (As, Hg, Pb) High

Failing asphalt surfaces Visually observed TRH, PAH, BTEX Low Old Galvanised Iron sheds /

structures / lead flashing Roof & wall structures Zinc, Tin, Pb Low

Electrical Transformers (recently removed) Pole mounted PCB’s Low

Uncontrolled fill in backfilled dam localities Probable Historical Occurrence

Potential for broad range contaminants to exist (esp:

Heavy Metals) Low

Stockpiled Building Materials / Debris

Ongoing demolition works at time of investigation

Asbestos fibres / Lead (General Heavy Metals) Low

Ground maintenance works, involving historical use of

pesticides / herbicides Anticipated Occurrence OCP/OPP, DDT/DDE, Dieldrin,

Arsenic (General Heavy Metals) Low

Agricultural / Horticultural activities Probable Historical Occurrence OCP/OPP, DDT/DDE, Dieldrin,

Arsenic (General Heavy Metals) Low-Med

Vehicle / Bus parking (Garage) / Mechanics Shed Little visual signs of concern TRH, BTEX, Pb / Heavy Metals Low

8.2 EPA - Priority Sites Register A search of the Victorian EPA Priority Sites Register was conducted. The Priority Sites Register records locations where the EPA has issued a Clean-up Notice or Pollution Abatement Notice for a site typically containing polluted soil and/or groundwater that may pose a risk to human health or to the environment. The Priority Sites Register does not list all sites known to be contaminated in Victoria and as such, a site should not be presumed to be free of contamination because it does not appear on the Priority Sites Register. An extract of the EPA Priority Site Register was obtained from EPA Victoria’s website and reviewed on 30 November 2015. The review showed that the Site was not listed as an EPA Priority Site and that the site is not in the vicinity of a site listed on the EPA Priority Sites Register. This indicated that the EPA does not have any requirements for the active management of land and/or groundwater contamination at the site.

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8.3 EPA Issued Certificates and Statements of Environmental Audit Certificates and Statements of Environmental Audit are statutory documents that are issued by the EPA as per the Environment Protection Act 1970 after a statutory environmental audit of a property has been conducted. A Certificate of Environmental Audit is issued for a property for which, following a statutory environmental audit, an environmental auditor is of the opinion that the environmental condition of the land is suitable for any use. However, a Statement of Environmental Audit, is issued for a property for which, following a statutory environmental audit, an environmental auditor is of the opinion that the condition of the land is either not suitable for any use or is suitable for certain specific land uses, subject to specific conditions. A review of the EPA list of issued Statements and Certificates of Statutory Environmental Audit was conducted on 30 November 2015. As such, the EPA Interaction Portal did not list any sites existing within a 1.5 km radius of the site under investigation. (http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/envaudit/search-environmental-audits.asp). 8.4 Previous Environmental Site Assessments No previous environmental site assessments are known to have taken place at the site or have been reviewed as part of this investigation. 8.5 Site History Search In addition to the historical title search, a site history (search) was requested to be undertaken by the Bendigo Historical Society by Geotechnical Testing Services. Ms Julie Hempenstall (Research Officer) of the society replied to the request stating that the Historical Society was not in a position to provide any search histories at this time. Having said that, Ms Hempenstall provided the following written information (via email): • The site appears that it may fall under the Lightning Hill line of reef regarding its mining activity

potential, but I’m not sure if it has been affected by mining itself; & • I do know that in the 1990’s the back part of it (Osborne street down to Cook street) was used for

horticultural training purposes - it was part of the then Loddon Campaspe College of TAFE.

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9 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 9.1 Site History and Site Inspection (Brief Overview) The results of the site history indicate that the site was predominately utilised for agricultural (grazing/horticultural) purposes from the late 1800’s, up until the northern section of the allotment was established with the ‘Bendigo Teacher’s College’ in 1959. With the northern half of the site wholly utilised by the Teachers College from this time, it is seen that a sports (playing) field and ongoing agricultural type prospects on a smaller scale involving simple horticultural / grazing practices appeared to continue throughout the southern region until the sports oval in the site’s south-west corner was upgraded into the La Trobe Athletics Complex in 1999. Now segregated from the remainder of the site, the allotment’s south-eastern section is separately fenced and still persists as a horse grazing paddock in a now somewhat unused agricultural state to what it once was. The history of use at the site appears to be consistent with the collated evidence, such as the historical aerial photographs. The site observations, historical title information and aerial photographs all support the anecdotal & documented information as supplied to GTS. As previously mentioned, demolition works had commenced on the Teachers College complex at the time of the onsite inspection which was overseeing the licensed & controlled removal of asbestos based materials from the existing building structures. As based on the site history and the site walkover undertaken, there is a low potential for previous activities at the site to have impacted the soil or groundwater underlying the allotment in any significant way. However, the possibility for isolated incidences to have occurred at the site as a result of ongoing human interference (over time) cannot wholly be ignored, which may need to be rectified upon future recognition/identification in future stages of development, if and where encountered. 9.2 Potential Areas of Concern The main areas of concern identified from the site inspection include: • The potential for hazardous materials to exist within the site buildings (asbestos, lead paint and PCB

containing electrical equipment although in the process of being removed at the time of the onsite inspection);

• The onsite use of mining related waste materials in historical onsite construction practices; • The presence of contamination and/or inert waste within historical fill materials, used to either level

out the site (terraced garden/grassed areas) and as used to back fill the two dam localities; & • Prior agricultural/horticultural uses possibly utilising historical fertilizer, pesticides &/or herbicides

across a majority of the locality in early stages.

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9.3 Conclusions and Recommendations The site observations, historical title information and aerial photographs largely support both the anecdotal and documented information that was supplied to GTS at the time of the assessment. GTS concludes that: • Based on the site history and the site walkover, there is generally low potential for previous activities

at the site to have significantly impacted soil or groundwater underlying the site in any significant way; • There is sufficient information available regarding the site’s previous use and an understanding of the

potential for on-site contamination (predominately low) to justify the site’s assessment rating as “C” in accordance with the publication Potentially Contaminated Land, General Practice Note, June 2005 (Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2005).

Land classified with this rating is not considered “potentially contaminated land” and therefore, does not warrant an audit requirement prior to commencement of redevelopment for a sensitive use.

A future condition on any potential planning permit issued may request further investigation involving preliminary soil sampling and chemical analysis. This would be anticipated to verify the extent of concern surrounding the aforementioned localities outlined in this report to be either: • Low Level; and/or • Isolated concerns.

This information would help to confirm the presence & extent of any environmental detriment, which may require rectification prior to development commencing. Coring of any remnant concrete infrastructure will also be required to assess potentially contaminated mine waste (tailings sand) material encapsulated beneath. It is noted that Australian Standard ‘Guide to the Sampling and Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Soil Part 1: Non-Volatile and Semi-Volatile compounds - AS4482.1 (2005), suggests a sampling density consisting of ‘140’ sampling points for a site of this size is generally required (approx. 12.3 hectares). In view of assessing the contamination status of the site, chemical analysis is suggested to be undertaken to provide preliminary information in support of that above. Anticipated to involve a minimum ‘20’ sampling/borehole locations targeting what is deemed to be high traffic / high use areas at the site, the sampling and drilling density and depth & frequency of testing will all need to be guided by the findings at the time of the onsite investigation. The scope of these works would help guide any subsequent investigation (ie: Phase 2 - Environmental Site Assessment), where any unacceptable impacts determined to exist at the site as a result of its historical usage are found to exist/persist.

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Further investigation involving groundwater analysis and/or the verification of deep fill material may be required pending the findings of this suggested limited investigation. The scope of the recommended assessment (and areas of potential concern) is outlined further on the proposed site/sampling locality plan provided within Appendix ‘E’.

32

10 DISTRIBUTION Phase 1 - Environmental Site Assessment 2 Osborne St & 40 Retreat Rd, Flora Hill 4 December 2015 Copies Recipient Copies Recipient 1 electronic copy

Executive Director, Infrastructure & Operations, La Trobe University, Vic 3086 C/- Jeremy Wah (Commercial Development Manager)

1 Hardcopy 1 electronic copy

GTS Southern PO Box 13 Strathdale, 3550

This document was prepared for the sole use of La Trobe University and the regulatory agencies that are directly involved in this project. No third party should rely upon the information contained herein without the prior written consent of Geotechnical Testing Services Pty Ltd. By Geotechnical Testing Services Pty Ltd Po Box 13, Strathdale, Vic 3550

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––- Brad Bishop (BA) Environmental Consultant [email protected] Professional Indemnity Insurance Insured Company: Geotechnical Testing Services Southern Underwritten By: Lloyd’s of London Period of Insurance: 9 July 2015 to 9 July 2016

33

11 REFERENCES This assessment has been prepared using guidelines and procedures from the following sources: AS 4482.1, “Guide to the sampling and investigation of potentially contaminated soil” Part 1: Non volatile and semi-volatile compounds, 2005. Environment Protection & Hertiage Council (EPHC), “Estimation of Human Availability of Arsenic in Contaminated Soils”, 2003. Environment Protection & Hertiage Council (EPHC), “Bioavailability of metals and arsenic at contaminated sites from cattle dips, mined land and naturally occurring mineralisation origins”, 2003. EPA Industrial Waste Resource Guidelines - ‘Soil Hazard Categorisation and Management’ – Publication IWRG621, June 2009. EPA Industrial Waste Resource Guidelines - ‘Soil Sampling’ – Publication IWRG702, June 2009. National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM), Schedule B (1) – “Guideline on Investigation Levels for Soil and Groundwater”, 2013. National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM), Schedule B (7) – “Guideline on the Derivation of Health-Based Investigation Levels”, 2013.

National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM), Schedule B (7) Appendix A1 – “The Derivation of HIL’s for Metals & Inorganics”, 2013.

34

APPENDIX

A

Source: bing.com

Location of

2 Osborne St & 40 Retreat Rd, Flora Hill

Source: land.vic.gov.au

‘GRZ’ - General Residential Zone

‘PUZ’- Public Use Zone 7

‘PPRZ’ - Public Park and Recreation Zone

‘PCRZ’ – Public Conservation and Resource Zone

Zoning in the area surrounding:


Source: DEPI – ‘Victorian Water Resources’ Website

Regional Hydrology Surrounding


Source: bendigo.pozi.com

Regional Contour Plan

2 Osborne St, Flora Hill

APPENDIX

B

Source: DEPI Geovic website

- Historical Shaft Localities

‘Ocb’ - Ordovician: Sandstone, Siltstone

‘Nws’ - Shepparton formation: Clayey Sand, Silt & Minor Gravels

Geological and Mining Map surrounding


Historical Worked

Alluvial Activity

Historical Worked

Alluvial Activity

Source: Geological Survey of Victoria, Bendigo Gold Fields (Golden Square); 1:10,000 (1992)

Historical Mine Shaft Locality X A2285 - Fossil Locality

Geological and Historical Mining Map surrounding


Identify Results – Positioned approx. 390m west of site ‘50686’

Coordinate Position Geographic GDA 1994: 36° 47' 0.5" S, 144° 17' 3.6" E

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54: 793101, 5924113

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55: 257663, 5925706

Vicgrid94: 2436128, 2523785

Mine Shafts - Bendigo Hazards Mine id: -99

Datum of Coordinate Attributes: GDA94

Easting: 257657.0625

Northing: 5925707

Location Accuracy (metres): 15 Shaft id: 4532

Vicmine Site id: 0

Source of Information: Lease surveys (c1870s)

Source Comments: Lease No 3568

Mine Name: 50686

Mine id: 50686


Easting: 257663.0625

Northing: 5925708

Location Accuracy (metres): 30

Vicmine Site id: 0

Source of Information: Digitized for Ginger

Identify Results – positioned approx. 310m west of site ‘50685’

Coordinate Position

Geographic GDA 1994: 36° 47' 7.7" S, 144° 17' 6.5" E

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54: 793165, 5923888

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55: 257741, 5925485

Vicgrid94: 2436202, 2523563



Easting: 257740.0625

Northing: 5925487


Vicmine Site id: 0

Source of Information: 1 2500 plans (DNRE 1980s)

Source Comments: Departmental mapping post 1970

Comments: shaft subsidence 11/3/1986

Mine Name: 50685 Mine id: 50685


Easting: 257745.0625

Northing: 5925486


Vicmine Site id: 0


DEPI Mining Information for the Surrounding Area only

Identify Results – positioned approx. 210m south-east of the site


GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54: 793975, 5923737

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55: 258558, 5925386

Vicgrid94: 2437016, 2523446

Mine Shafts - Bendigo Hazards

Mine id: -99


Easting: 258555.0625

Northing: 5925384


Vicmine Site id: 0

Depth in Metres: 30

Reclamation Method: Filled with mullock Source of Information: Lease Ozalids (Landry c1990)

Mine Name: 489 Mine id: 489


Easting: 258560.0625

Northing: 5925387


Vicmine Site id: 0


Identify Results – positioned approx. 250m east of the site


GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54: 794101, 5924055

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55: 258664, 5925711

Vicgrid94: 2437129, 2523769



Easting: 258663.0625

Northing: 5925711


Vicmine Site id: 0

Depth in Metres: 18

Reclamation Method: Filled with mullock Source of Information: Lease surveys (c1870s)


Mine Name: Violet Mine id: 968


Easting: 258655.0625

Northing: 5925711

Location Accuracy (metres): 30 Vicmine Site id: 0



Identify Results – Moorhead Shaft Locality positioned approx. 255m north-east of the site


GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54: 793903, 5924460

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55: 258442, 5926102

Vicgrid94: 2436915, 2524164

Mine Shafts - Bendigo Hazards


Easting: 258438.0625

Northing: 5926099


Shaft id: 4536

Vicmine Site id: 0



Mine Name: Moorhead Mine id: 960


Easting: 258441.0625

Northing: 5926104

Location Accuracy (metres): 30 Source of Information: Digitized for Ginger

Identify Results – Unnamed shaft seen to exist north of Moorhead named shaft locality (approx. 270m north-east of the site)


GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54: 793901, 5924485

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55: 258437, 5926128

Vicgrid94: 2436911, 2524190

Mine Shafts - Bendigo Hazards Datum of Coordinate Attributes: GDA94

Easting: 258437.0781

Northing: 5926127


Vicmine Site id: 0



Identify Results – Unnamed shaft as seen to exist south of Moorhead named shaft locality (approx. 220m north-east of the site)

Coordinate Position

Geographic GDA 1994: 36° 46' 49.4" S, 144° 17' 35.1" E

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54: 793892, 5924427

GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55: 258433, 5926069

Vicgrid94: 2436905, 2524131

Mine Shafts - Bendigo Hazards Datum of Coordinate Attributes: GDA94

Easting: 258435.0625

Northing: 5926068


Vicmine Site id: 0

Source of Information: 1 2500 plans (DNRE 1980s)

Source Comments: Departmental mapping post 1970

Comments: collapsed 18/3/1994


For further information about this report contact:Department of Environment, Land, Water & PlanningEmail: [email protected]

For further information on groundwater licensing in this area contact:Goulburn MurrayWaterWebsite: http://www.g-mwater.com.au/water-resources/ground-waterWebsite (on-line enquiry form): http://www.g-mwater.com.au/contact Phone: 1800 013 357Email: [email protected]

Groundwater catchment : Campaspe VICGRID94 Easting: 2436624 Northing: 2523841

Depth to Water Table: 5 - 10m Water Table Salinity (mg/L): 1001-3500

DepthBelow Surface

(m)

GroundwaterSalinity(mg/L)

Groundwater Layers (Aquifers and Aquitards)

(GMU) Depth Below

Surface (m)

Groundwater ManagementUnit (GMU)

PCV(ML/yr)

BSE Mesozoic and Palaeozoic Bedrock (basement)sedimentary (fractured rock): Sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, shale. Igneous (fractured rock): includes volcanics, granites, granodiorites.

0

1001-3500

200

Unincorporated Area

Printed: 24 Nov 2015Date Updated: 31 May 2014

DisclaimerThis publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

Groundwater Resource Report

Introduction

Groundwater is part of the water cycle. When rain or snow falls on land, some of it evaporates, some flows to streams and rivers, and some seeps into the soil. Some of the water in the soil is used by plants but some continues to move down through the soil and rock until all the pores and cracks are full of water. This is known as the water table and this water is called groundwater.

Groundwater is a finite resource that, like surface water, is allocated under the Water Act (1989). A Bore Construction Licence is required to drill for groundwater including for domestic and stock purposes. Taking and using groundwater for commercial or irrigation purposesrequires an additional licence.

Purpose of this report

This report has been prepared to provide potential groundwater users with basic information about groundwater beneath theirproperty. This includes the different geological layers, the depths of the layers and the salinity of groundwater in the layers. Information on the groundwater management units (GMU) and any associated caps on the volume that can be licensed (the PCV) are also provided.

Definitions and context

Term Description

Groundwater Catchment An identified area of the State within which groundwater resources are connected.

Easting / Northing The VICGRID 94 coordinates of the spot that was selected on the interactive map.

Groundwater Salinity Indicates the possible concentration of salts within the groundwater. The salt content indicates the possible uses of the water (see the Beneficial Use Table below). Fertilisers and other contaminants can also enter groundwater and affect its use. It is up to you to make sure that the groundwater you use is suitable for your purpose.

Aquifer An aquifer is a layer of soil or rock which stores usable volumes of groundwater. Aquifers are generally limestones, gravels and sands, as well as some fractured rocks where the cracks in the rock are open and connected (some basalts, sandstones and limestones). How much water can be pumped from an aquifer depends on how much water is stored in pores and cracks, how well connected the pores and cracks are, and how thick the layer is. It is more likely that volumes of water for irrigation and urban water supply will come from gravels, sands, limestones and basalts that are at least 30 metres thick. Low volumes of water for domestic and stock use are likely from any aquifer greater than 10 metres thick. The advice above is a guide only, as the amount of water available can be highly variable. Actual pumping volumes can only be determined from drilling, appropriate construction and testing of a bore.

Aquitard An aquitard is a layer of rock or soil that does not allow water to move through it easily, limiting its capacity to supply water. Aquitards are generally silts, clays and fractured rocks (where there are few cracks in the rock or the cracks are poorly connected).

Groundwater Management Unit (GMU)

A collective term for groundwater management areas (GMAs) and water supply protection areas (WSPAs). GMAs and WSPAs are defined areas and depths below the surface where rules for groundwater use may apply. WSPAs often have caps on groundwater use and plans describing how the resource is managed. GMAs usually have caps on groundwater use and may have local plans and rules. All other areas are managed directly through the Water Act (1989). Always check with your local Rural Water Corporation to be sure that the information on the GMU is correct for your specific location.

Permissible Consumptive Volume (PCV)

A cap that is set under the Water Act (1989) declaring the total volume of groundwater that may be taken from the area. Once the PCV is reached, no additional extraction can be licensed for use within the area unless traded from another groundwater licence holder.

Depth to Water Table This is an indication of the depth at which groundwater might first be encountered when drilling a bore. The depth can vary from year to year, and from place to place and may vary significantly from that indicated in this report.

Beneficial use table

AccessibilityIf you would like to receive this publication in an alternate format, please telephone or email the DELWP Customer Service Centre 136 186, email [email protected], or via the National Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au.

© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning 2015This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

DisclaimerThis publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

How to read this report

2 osborne st & 40 retreat rd flora hill preliminary …...with the topography of the area...

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