Field investigations

EnergyCo is carrying out field investigations to help refine the New England REZ network infrastructure project study corridor and inform the environmental studies needed to assess the project. This work includes ecological surveys, heritage surveys, visual assessments and geotechnical investigations.

Field studies currently underway include:

ecological (flora and fauna) surveys
heritage surveys
visual assessments
geotechnical investigations
aerial mapping surveys.

EnergyCo is carrying out these studies across a range of public and private land. We will continue to work directly with landowners to understand expectations and requirements in carrying out work on private property.

Additional surveys are expected to occur over the coming months and will allow us to confirm environmental conditions and engineering constraints. The types of field investigations we may need to carry out are outlined below:

Activity	Purpose
Ecological surveys	Study flora and fauna species and habitat
Geotechnical and contamination investigations	Confirm underground rock and soil conditions and if any contaminants are present
Land surveys	Survey existing ground levels, locations of features and infrastructure, and identify property boundaries
Hydrological investigations	Assess the storage and flow of water on the land
Heritage surveys	Locate evidence of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artefacts and heritage sites
Noise monitoring	Measure background noise levels
Utility investigations	Confirm the location of utilities including water, electricity, gas and telecommunications