ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the issues and hazards which may be encountered in the geotechnical investigation of contaminated land. Contamination of groundwater can also occur by direct discharge into aquifers via for example, effluent pits and lagoons which intersect the water table or by deliberate injection of effluent into bores. The reasons for concern about contaminants of soil and groundwater are the potential for environmental impact and/or hazards to human health both of the local community and workers at the site. Clearly the potential health hazard to workers and the community presented by land contamination is a complex matter to assess. Geoscientists working in the field of site investigation especially for residential development should be cognisant of the obligations of land owners and occupiers for management of land contamination under environmental and planning regulations in Victoria. Protection of the community from land contamination can be achieved by remediation of the contaminant either insitu or by containment on site.
