Comply with NSW regulations and reduce disposal costs.
Virgin Excavated Natural Material Classification Services
Our Focus
Hunter Geotechnical Services provides Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) classification services, ensuring compliance and promoting sustainable reuse of excavated materials.
Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) is defined as natural material (such as clay, gravel, sand, soil or rock fines):
- that has been excavated or quarried from areas that are not contaminated with manufactured chemicals, or with process residues, as a result of industrial, commercial, mining or agricultural activities, and
- that does not contain any sulfidic ores or soils or any other waste
and includes excavated natural material that meets such criteria for virgin excavated natural material as may be approved for the time being pursuant to an EPA Gazettal notice.
According to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act), VENM must meet strict criteria to be classified as such.
At Hunter Geotechnical Services, we assess and classify VENM to ensure compliance. Our classification services provide an accurate determination of whether excavated material can be safely reused, reducing disposal costs and promoting sustainable practices.
Key Components of a VENM Classification
- Field Assessment
Our environmental scientists or geotechnical engineers conduct thorough field assessments to determine whether the material qualifies as VENM. This involves evaluating the site and conducting tests to ensure the soil is undisturbed and free from contamination. - Regulatory Compliance
We adhere to the guidelines set out in the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and NSW EPA regulations, ensuring that the material meets the required criteria for VENM classification. - Soil Profile Review
If a previous site classification has been conducted, we utilise the soil profile to determine if the excavated material qualifies as VENM. This saves time and resources by building on existing data.
Our Services
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What qualifies as Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM)?
VENM is natural soil or rock that has not been mixed or contaminated by industrial waste, chemicals, or other processes. It must remain in its natural state to be classified as VENM.
2. Why is VENM classification important?
Proper VENM classification allows for the reuse of clean soil or rock in construction projects, reducing the need for disposal and minimising environmental impacts.
3. What is the difference between VENM and ENM?
VENM is undisturbed natural material, while ENM is excavated material that has been minimally disturbed but remains primarily natural. ENM may contain minor contaminants but is still safe for reuse.
Contact Us Today About Our VENM Classification Service
Hunter Geotechnical Services offers expert VENM classification services throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, Mid-North Coast, and across NSW. Contact our team today to discuss your classification needs. Call us or fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch shortly.
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