07 Soils Topography and Geomorphology PDF
07 Soils Topography and Geomorphology PDF
07 Soils Topography and Geomorphology PDF
CHAPTER 7
TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY,
GEOMORPHOLOGY AND SOILS
JULY 2011
Contents
7 Topography, geology, geomorphology and soils .........................................7-1
7.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.1.1 Study corridor................................................................................................. 7-1
7.1.2 Methodology .................................................................................................. 7-1
7.2 Description of existing environment................................................................................. 7-3
7.2.1 Corridor-wide considerations ......................................................................... 7-3
7.2.2 Wooloowin to Bowen Hills ........................................................................... 7-26
7.2.3 Spring Hill to Dutton Park ............................................................................ 7-30
7.2.4 Fairfield to Salisbury .................................................................................... 7-37
7.3 Potential impacts and mitigation .................................................................................... 7-43
7.3.1 Impacts on existing study corridor features and values............................... 7-43
7.3.2 Corridor-wide considerations ....................................................................... 7-44
7.3.3 Wooloowin to Bowen Hills ........................................................................... 7-57
7.3.4 Spring Hill to Dutton Park ............................................................................ 7-62
7.3.5 Dutton Park to Salisbury .............................................................................. 7-67
7.3.6 Summary...................................................................................................... 7-69
7.4 Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 7-74
7.4.1 Geology........................................................................................................ 7-74
7.4.2 Settlement risk ............................................................................................. 7-75
7.4.3 Erosion risk .................................................................................................. 7-75
7.4.4 Acid Sulfate Soils ......................................................................................... 7-75
CrossRiverRail
7 Topography, geology, geomorphology and
soils
7.1 Introduction
This Chapter addresses section 3.3.1 of the Terms of Reference (ToR). It describes the existing
environmental values of the study corridor with regard to topography, geology, geomorphology and
soils and assesses the potential benefits and adverse impacts on these aspects attributable to Cross
River Rail (the Project).
Potential cumulative impacts of the Project on the environmental values of the study corridor have also
been identified and described in this chapter. Where appropriate, recommendations have been made
regarding performance objectives and impact management and mitigation measures suitable for
adoption as part of the project design criteria or for implementation during construction and operations
phases of the Project.
For the purpose of the presentation in this chapter, the study corridor has been divided into three
sections:
7.1.2 Methodology
The legislative framework relevant to the environmental values of the topography, geology,
geomorphology and soils aspects within the study corridor are:
The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the existing landform patterns, dominant
geological units and processes, soil landscape characteristics and significant features of insitu material
that are likely to be encountered or disturbed during construction. It is also important to identify areas
of potential stability and erosion risk within the study corridor that would require further detailed
investigation and special mitigating or management to be implemented in order to ensure that any
negative potential impact of the Project are acceptable.
The review of the soil types mapped by Beckman et al (1987) within the study corridor and described
during the geotechnical investigations was completed with reference to the Australian Soil and Land
Survey Field Handbook (McDonald et al 1990) and the Australian Soil Classification (Isbell 2002) for
the purpose of assessing erosion risk and potential impacts to stormwater runoff quality.
The provision of recommendations for the mitigation and management of erosion risks have been
developed with reference to the Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control (International Erosion
Control Association (IECA) Australasia 2008), Soil Erosion and Sediment Control – Engineering
Guidelines for Queensland Construction Sites (Institute of Engineers Australia (Qld Division) 1996)
and Draft Urban Stormwater - Queensland Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines 2009
(DERM 2009a).
A desktop assessment of the potential for encountering Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) and the provision of
recommendations for identifying ASS material that may be disturbed as a result of the construction of
the Project was completed with reference to the requirements detailed in the SPP 2/02 and the
accompanying Guideline 2/02. Recommendations for further investigations and management of
disturbed ASS material have been developed with reference to the Guidelines for Sampling and
Analysis of Lowland Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) in Queensland 1998 (Ahern et al 1998) and the
Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual – Soil Management Guidelines (Dear et al 2002),
respectively. The assessment for ASS was completed through the review of existing mapping and
geotechnical bore logs and characterisation data collected during the geotechnical investigations for
the Project.
The review of the geotechnical investigations completed for the Project was undertaken for the
purpose of identifying geological and geotechnical survey locations. The EIS is required to present an
assessment of the adequacy of geological and geotechnical data compiled for the Project and the
rationale for future geotechnical investigations, with a view to providing an estimate of the probability
of encountering ground conditions that are significantly different from forecast conditions for each
section of the tunnel. This information is detailed in the Cross River Rail Preliminary Geotechnical
Interpretive Report (AECOM, 2010a).
For the purpose of assessing the potential impacts and developing mitigation measures, consideration
was made of:
The topography of the study corridor is generally characterised by undulating terrain with a number of
prominent high and low points. The highest point within the corridor is on Wickham Terrace in Spring
Hill at 55 m Australian Height Datum (AHD) and the lowest point is within the Brisbane River channel
at less than 0 m AHD.
Topographical contours for each section of the study corridor are presented in Figure 7-1,
Figure 7-2 and Figure 7-3.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) terrain data is presented for each section of the study corridor in
Figure 7-4, Figure 7-5 and Figure 7-6.
An overview of the significant topographical features within the study corridor are summarised in
Table 7-1.
Table 7-1 Summary of significant topographical features
15
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GORDON PARK
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20
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WOOLOOWIN
Wooloowin Station
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55
40
25
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CLAYFIELD
25
30
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20
25
50
55
60
Albion Station
40
40
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15
10
ASCOT
15
WILSTON
ALBION
5
10
WINDSOR
Windsor Station
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5
25
20
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15 ! Bowen Hills Station
10
10
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40
5
25
10
20
35
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5
30
40
15
15
HERSTON 20 BULIMBA
15
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NEWSTEAD
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20
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20
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10
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15
10 Exhibition Station 20 15
35
10
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BOWEN HILLS 5
10
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40
25
60
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30
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RED HILL 35 40 15
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PADDINGTON SPRING HILL
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Roma Street Station Central
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20
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10 NEW FARM
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5 15
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HIGHGATE HILL 20
25
20
25
35
15
5
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10
35
30
WOOLLOONGABBA
30
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15
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Buranda Station
WOOLLOONGABBA
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DUTTON PARK ! Dutton Park Station
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FAIRFIELD GREENSLOPES
15
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Fairfield Station
15
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ANNERLEY
YERONGA 10
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Yeronga Station ! HOLLAND PARK WEST
30
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INDOOROOPILLY
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5
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Tennyson Station
5
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0 100 200 300 400 500 600
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42 - 44
44 - 46
HERSTON 46 - 48
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62 - 64
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28 - 30
PADDINGTON 30 - 32
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58 - 60
60 - 62
62 - 64
64 - 66
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Dominant geology
Review of the Queensland Government (July 2008) 1:100 000 Digital Geological Mapping Data
indicates that the geology within the study corridor is dominated by the Mesozoic Aspley and Tingalpa
formations in the northern section, at the southern extent of the central section and northern extent of
the southern section. The Palaeozoic “Brisbane Metamorphics”, consisting of the Bunya Phyllite and
Neranleigh-Fernvale formations, dominate throughout the central section of the study corridor. The
Mesozoic sediments of the Woogaroo Subgroup dominate the southern extent of the southern section
(Department of Mines, 1967).
All of the dominant geological formations are overlain by Quaternary alluvium within low-lying and
floodplain areas associated with the Brisbane River and its tributaries. The regional geology units and
geological features are illustrated in Figure 7-7. A summary of the geological formations within the
study corridor is listed in Table 7-2.
Alluvium
Qhe Estuarine channel and banks; sandy mud,
muddy sand, minor gravel
(Undifferentiated) Qa Quaternary Flood plain alluvium; clay, silt, sand, gravel
Quaternary
Cainozoic
Alluvium
Pleistocene Qpa Pleistocene High level alluvium; silt, clay, sand, gravel
Alluvium
Late Triassic – RJbw Woogaroo Quartzose sandstone, siltstone, shale
Triassic –
Jurassic
Triassic
Devonian -
greenschist facies
- DCy Bunya Phyllite, minor arenite, basic volcanics,
Phyllite metamorphosed to greenschist facies
!
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Rip
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Geological Hazards K:\Cross River Rail\600 Environment\619 GIS\Aurecon\205555_CRR\G004_CCR_Geology_economics_A3_ver93.mxd
! Qa
Description
Qha/2 Qpa Rin ! Dyke or Vein
! ! Dyke or Vein Containing Rhyolite
!
Qpa Qhh Fault Approximate
Fault Concealed
!
Qhh Syncline Approximate
Syncline Approximate Showing Plunge
RJbw Geology within Study Boundary
! Quaternary
Qha/1 Qhh (Anthropogenic deposits)
Qa
Qha/2 (Holocene Alluvium)
Qha/1 (Holocene Alluvium)
Qhe (Holocene Alluvium)
! Qa (Quaternary Alluvium)
Qhh RJbw Qpa (Pleistocene Alluvium)
!
Qhh Mesozoic
RJbw (Woogaroo Subgroup)
Rin (Tingalpa Formation)
Qa Rip (Aspley Formation)
Qhh Rif (Brisbane Tuff)
Palaeozoic
RJbw DCf (Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds)
DCy (Bunya Phyllite)
!
¯
Geological Features
Map by: MJS
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
km
1:70,000 at A4
General characteristics of the various geological units within each of the sections of the study corridor
are presented in Section 7.2.2 to Section 7.2.4.
As part of the preliminary geotechnical investigations completed for the Project, a rock-head model
has been developed using 3D modelling software. The rock-head model forms part of the information
prepared for the reference design. The level of certainty in relation to predicted subsurface geology
and conditions is detailed in the Cross River Rail Preliminary Geotechnical Interpretive Report
(AECOM, 2010a).
A number of significant geological features have been identified within the study corridor as a result of
reviewing previous studies and maps.
The data collected during previous geotechnical investigations has been compiled as part of the Cross
River Rail Preliminary Geotechnical Interpretive Report (AECOM 2010a) and has enabled the
geotechnical investigations completed specifically for the Project to target the following locations:
The perceived significant ground-related risks identified in the geotechnical report are summarised as:
Major geological features and potential geological hazards that may affect the study corridor include:
Based on the desktop review of the geological mapping (Geological Survey of Queensland –
Brisbane, Sheet SG 56-15 (Department of Mines 1974)), a number of significant geological features
have been identified within or intercepting the study corridor. These features have been summarised
for each section of the study corridor (refer to Section 7.2.2 to Section 7.2.4).
The study corridor is located in an area of very low seismicity such that earthquakes are not
considered a significant geological hazard to the Project.
Faults represent a fracture in the plane of the earth’s surface or discontinuity within the surface
geology, which shows significant displacement of the rock layers in an upward or downward direction.
Faults may be encountered within or intercepting the study corridor. Based on the review of previous
studies completed for the Brisbane region, two faults have been identified as potentially occurring in
the vicinity of the study corridor:
Geological mapping indicates that the Normanby fault is likely to be intercepted within the study
corridor. However, there is no confirmation from geological mapping that the Buranda fault intercepts
the study corridor. The faults identified within each section of the study corridor are detailed in
Section 7.2.2 to Section 7.2.4.
An unconformity zone has been identified during previous investigations at the base of the Brisbane
Tuff and represents a zone of less competent rock sandwiched between the Brisbane Tuff and the
Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds. The unconformity zone is likely to be intercepted within the central section
of the study corridor in the vicinity of the Kangaroo Point cliffs (refer to Section 7.2.3).
Synclines have been interpreted to intercept the study corridor and have been identified within each
section of the study corridor that they occur. Synclines are folded rock layers that comprise the
youngest layers of rock material at the core of the concave land surface.
Syncline locations are described further in Section 7.2.2 to Section 7.2.4 and are illustrated in
Figure 7-7.
Fossils
Based on a review of the geological units mapped within the study corridor and surrounding area, the
age and type of rocks of a number of the geological units likely to be encountered by the Project have
the potential to contain fossil material. However, it is considered unlikely for significant fossil deposit
locations to be encountered within the study corridor.
Geology types such as the Woogaroo Subgroup (RJbw), Tingalpa Formation (Rin) and the Aspley
Formation (Rip) have potential to contain plant fossil material and crab claws have been discovered
previously in Quaternary Alluvium (Qa) deposits.
The protection of extractive resources in Queensland is managed through the application of the
SPP 2/07. Under SPP 2/07, Key Resource Areas are identified, which include consideration of a
number of associated elements eg resource/processing areas, transport routes and separation areas.
Under SPP 2/07, extractive resources include sand, gravel, quarry rock, clay and soil.
An assessment of the potential for significant mineral, energy or extractive resources within the study
corridor was completed, based on a review of the City of Brisbane Economic Geology Map, Sheet 3
and Sheet 4 (Department of Mines 1965), the Geological Survey of Queensland – Brisbane, Sheet SG
56-15 (Department of Mines 1974) and SPP 2/07 Key Resource Area mapping for Brisbane City.
Historically, a number of quarry operations for extractive materials have operated throughout inner
Brisbane. Locations that have been identified within or near the study corridor are listed within each of
the relevant sections (refer to Section 7.2.2 to Section 7.2.4).
Geomorphology
Geomorphologic history
The oldest bedrock formations in the inner Brisbane area are the Bunya Phyllite and the Neranleigh-
Fernvale Beds. These formations consist of sequences of deep-water marine sediments and the
Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds also contain some marine volcanics and have been subjected to weak
regional metamorphism. The Bunya Phyllite has been subjected to several phases of deformation that
have resulted in the development of complex wavy parting surfaces along the latest foliation. Evidence
of two phases of deformation is also present in parts of the Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds, particularly in
the vicinity of fault zones. As a consequence of metamorphism, the original bedding and sedimentary
structures within these two formations are indistinct or else completely obscured by pervasive foliation
that has developed as a result of deformation associated with metamorphism.
It has been suggested in previous studies that the Bunya Phyllite may represent a finer-grained, more
ocean-ward facies of the Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds. However, the extra deformation phases to which
the Bunya Phyllite has been subjected imply that it is an older formation than the Neranleigh-Fernvale
Beds. In inner Brisbane, the two formations are separated by a northwest-trending thrust fault, the
Normanby Fault, which lies on the western side of the Roma Street Rail Yard and was encountered in
the South-East Transit Project during the construction of the Vulture Street Busway tunnel (SKM-
Connell Wagner JV 2005) (refer to Figure 7-7). The Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds appear to be over
thrust from the east.
The Palaeozoic Bunya Phyllite and Neranleigh-Fernvale rocks made up the land surface exposed in
the Late Triassic, immediately prior to the deposition of the volcanic ash falls of the Brisbane Tuff. A
range of geomorphological features were present on this land surface and the evidence suggests that
it consisted of mountainous terrain crossed by a deeply incised valley system. It is evident from
surface mapping of the Brisbane Tuff that the tuff has been preserved because it is a valley-fill deposit
and that this palaeo-valley trends in a north-south direction through Brisbane.
Recent drilling investigations carried out for the Clem Jones tunnel and Airport Link tunnel have shown
that this main valley was steep-sided and almost canyon-like in places. The valley floors contained
major streams that flowed over thick alluvial deposits. The basal sequence of these deposits consists
of breccia and conglomerate beds. The breccia beds imply that surrounding elevated areas were
present because these breccia beds are made up of large angular rock fragments derived from scree
deposits that built up at the base of steep slopes. Thick conglomerate beds formed in places along the
central axis of the main palaeo-valley. These conglomerate beds consist of breccia particles which
have been rounded by fluvial action in the streams which flowed along the valley floor.
It has been proposed in previous studies that the volcanic eruptions that deposited the Brisbane Tuff
proceeded in a series of short-lived episodes initially and much of the unconsolidated tuff was eroded
and reworked or weathered in situ. These processes resulted in the formation of tuffaceous claystone,
which appears to be more commonly preserved in the elevated tributary valleys. Gravels and sands
from the Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds and the Bunya Phyllite continued to be deposited between and
with the initial tuff falls. During periods of quiescence, these sediments were also subjected to short
phases of revegetation and weathering. It is considered that ultimately, more massive eruptions
occurred and the rhyolitic tuff was deposited as a series of extremely hot ash falls, possibly as a nuee
ardente (fiery gas-charged lava avalanche), to form welded tuff or ignimbrite (SKM-CW JV 2005).
The abrupt contact between the two formations of disparate age is termed an unconformity. Generally,
the unconformity zone between the Brisbane Tuff and the Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds consists of a
competent rock sequence, but in some places where claystones have formed, zones of weakness
have been observed. The unconformity zone is not a planar surface. Its geometry reflects the palaeo-
topography on and in which it formed. When exposed in excavations it is usually a sloping surface and
often represents a surface of weakness along which, it is considered, sliding failures can occur
(SKM-Connell Wagner JV 2005).
After the Brisbane Tuff was deposited, erosion of the large valleys partially filled with tuff deposits re-
commenced and the surface of the tuff itself became deeply incised. Subsequently these incised
channels were filled predominantly with gravels and coarse grained sands. These deposits formed the
conglomerate, coarse sandstone and shale beds of the Aspley Formation. The Aspley Formation in
turn was overlain by siltstone, shale and thin coal seams of the Tingalpa Formation. Deposition of
these sediments extended beyond the valley system and buried at least the major part of the
surrounding elevated topography. These two formations were deposited in the Late Triassic, within a
few million years of the formation of the Brisbane Tuff.
The Woogaroo Subgroup, consisting of sandstone, siltstone, shale, conglomerate and coal, was
deposited in active fluviatile ie river and lacustrine ie lake environments over the Tingalpa Formation
during Late Triassic to Lower Jurassic times. The area of deposition was extremely extensive but
sedimentary rocks of the Woogaroo Subgroup are now preserved only at the southern end of the
study corridor.
The Quaternary deposits intercepting the study corridor were deposited along major stream channels
during periods of fluctuating sea levels associated with the ice ages. During the initial periods of low
sea level, the Brisbane River and its tributaries incised their channels deep into the underlying
bedrock. During subsequent rises in sea level extensive deposits of alluvium were deposited both in
the beds of the streams and in the developing floodplains. The floodplains were periodically re-incised
to form a series of riverbank terraces which are recognisable in certain areas. At present, the bed of
the Brisbane River is incised into bedrock at around RL-33 m but the bottom of the channel is filled
with 10 m to 25 m of sand, gravel and mud.
Generally, continuous deposits of Quaternary alluvium infill the majority of the topographic valleys and
low-lying areas within the study corridor. The alluvium comprises variable deposits of clay, silt, sand
and gravel (SKM-CW JV 2005).
Lowered sea levels during the Pleistocene1 ice ages rejuvenated erosional down-cutting by the
Brisbane River and its tributaries. With subsequent rising sea levels, these channels were inundated
and the alluvium now filling the bottoms of drainage lines associated with the Brisbane River was
deposited. The history of the Brisbane River is likely to have begun before the Quaternary period. It
was considered by Sargent (1978) that the present Brisbane River channel is likely to date back to the
earlier stages of the Pleistocene (approximately 2.6 million years ago) or late Pliocene epoch
(approximately 3.6 to 2.6 million years ago).
It is estimated that the Brisbane River has cut through the Brisbane Tuff and progressively eroded
away much of the Tingalpa and Aspley Formations and the Woogaroo Subgroup leaving outcrops of
these formations on the tops of hills and elevated areas, following each of the recent ice ages and
subsequent sea level changes.
The assessment of the hydrology and hydrogeology within the study corridor and surrounding area is
detailed in Chapter 13 Surface Water Quality and Chapter 14 Flood Management. Initial findings
for the water table elevations indicate that the study corridor intercepts areas of shallow groundwater
(less than 3 m below ground level).
Sonargraph investigations from previous studies indicated that there are a series of alternating gorges
and reaches extending upstream from Brisbane city (Sargent 1978).
A pattern of scour and sediment deposition within a high energy flow environment was inferred during
the geophysical investigation completed for the Project by Douglas Partners (AECOM 2010b).
Soils
A review of the Soil Landscapes of Brisbane and South-Eastern Environs (Beckman et al 1987) was
completed for the identification of the soil landscapes mapped throughout the study corridor. The soil
landscapes mapped within each section of the study corridor are summarised in Table 7-3 and
Section 7.2.2 to Section 7.2.4.
The geotechnical investigation locations used for the Project and from previous investigations are
shown overlying the soil landscape mapping for each section of the study corridor and are illustrated in
Figure 7-8, Figure 7-9 and Figure 7-10. Soil observations and descriptions recorded in bore logs
during the geotechnical investigations reviewed for the Project have been included in Table 7-3.
The Soil Landscapes of Brisbane and South-Eastern Environs Queensland 1:100,000 map shows that
the study corridor intercepts nine soil landscape types (refer to Figure 7-8, Figure 7-9 and
Figure 7-10).
Erosion hazard
A review of the Erosion Hazard Map of South East Queensland (Department of Primary Industries
1995) indicates that the study corridor generally intercepts land where the erosion hazard has been
assessed as low to negligible. The study corridor intercepts small, isolated areas of high erosion
hazard in steeper areas within Wooloowin, Bowen Hills, Spring Hill, Woolloongabba and Dutton Park.
Areas within the study corridor that demonstrate a slope gradient greater than 10% have been
identified in Section 7.2.2 to Section 7.2.4.
1
The Pleistocene period extended from 2.6 million years ago to about 12,000 years ago.
ASS are a characteristic feature of low-lying coastal environments in Queensland, particularly where
landform elevations are less than 5 m AHD. They comprise iron sulfides, the most common being
pyritic material that is a product of the natural interaction between iron-rich land sediments, organic
matter and sulfate rich seawater present in low energy estuarine environments.
ASS in an undisturbed environment within the subsurface profile are generally present in an anaerobic
state and have a pH of neutral or slightly alkaline. These soils are referred to as Potential Acid Sulfate
Soils (PASS). Actual Acid Sulfate Soils (AASS) are the oxidised (disturbed) form, which may occur as
the result of disturbance from changes in groundwater levels and/or when PASS are exposed to air.
When the iron sulfides are oxidised, sulfuric acid is produced and the soil becomes strongly acidic.
Under these conditions, metal contaminants can be mobilised, if present. Runoff or drainage water
from uncontrolled or poorly managed ASS has the potential to impact on sensitive receiving
environments.
In Queensland, development within local government areas identified in Annex 1 of SPP 2/02 are
subject to assessment under SPP 2/02. This encompasses all land, soil and sediment at or below 5 m
AHD where the natural ground surface level is less than 20 m AHD (SPP 2/02, 2002). Brisbane is a
listed local government area.
A review of the Acid Sulfate Soils – Tweed Heads to Redcliffe Map 1 (NR&M 2003) has identified ASS
present within or directly adjacent to the study corridor. These areas are summarised for each section
of the study corridor in Section 7.2.2 to Section 7.2.4.
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Under the LP Act, Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) are a notifiable pest and are managed under the
direction and requirements administered by Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Employment,
Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).
A review of the restricted area mapping from the Restricted Area Search Engine (Version 42, 16
April 2010) indicated that the study corridor crosses or intercepts identified restricted areas. These
locations are described in Section 7.2.2 to Section 7.2.4. The proposed spoil placement location at
Swanbank is also located within a RIFA restricted area.
The northern section of the study corridor, in the vicinity of Wooloowin, is located in lower terrain
between the hills at Wilston and Clayfield. Beyond the northern extent of the study corridor is the
catchment of Kedron Brook, which is a significant surface water catchment within the northern
Brisbane area and receives drainage from the Wooloowin area.
The topography of the northern section of the study corridor and surrounding area is generally
characterised by a number of ridgelines and a landscape that slopes downwards towards Breakfast
Creek (refer to Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-4). Within the study corridor, elevations are up to 30 m AHD
to the east of the Wooloowin Station.
Within this section, there are a number of prominent topographical features, including a north-south
ridgeline with elevations up to 60 m AHD located to the east of the study corridor and isolated
elevations of around 40 m AHD on Sandgate Road and Boyd Street.
The landform patterns within this section of the study corridor are dominated by Breakfast Creek and
its floodplain, which forms the low point of the catchment and is bounded to the north by the elevated
area of Wooloowin and to the south by the elevated areas of Herston, Bowen Hills and the slopes
associated with the ridgeline extending between Red Hill and Spring Hill (refer to Figure 7-4).
Geology
General characteristics of the various geological formations within the northern section of the study
corridor are presented in Table 7-4. It is emphasised that these properties are generalised and the
actual properties of the formations must be assessed by site-specific geotechnical investigations.
Significant geological features have been identified within the northern section of the study corridor
and a summary is provided in the following sections and are illustrated on Figure 7-7.
Based on the desktop review of the geological mapping (Geological Survey of Queensland –
Brisbane, Sheet SG 56-15 (Department of Mines 1974)), within the northern section of the study
corridor a syncline is interpreted to occur within the Aspley Formation and crosses the North Coast
Rail Line in the vicinity of Wooloowin Station in a north-north-west to south-south-east orientation.
Geology types within the northern section of the study corridor, such as the Aspley Formation (Rip)
and Quaternary Alluvium (Qa) deposits have the potential to contain fossil material. A significant fossil
find within close proximity to the study corridor occurred at the end of Comus Avenue in Albion, at the
base of the old Petrie Quarry site. Footprints of Labrynthodonts were discovered here, however the
entire site has been covered by housing development since the mid 1960s. This site is adjacent to the
northern section of the study corridor. It is understood that this find may not have been documented
(pers comm. Garth Forster, 30 August 2010).
Locations that have been identified as historically containing economic geology resources within or
near the northern section of the study corridor include Albion and Windsor.
Geomorphology
Initial findings for the water table elevations indicate that the northern section of the study corridor
intercepts areas of shallow groundwater (less than 3 m below ground level), associated with the
Breakfast Creek floodplain. Further detail regarding the hydrogeological regimes that may be
hydraulically connected to, intercepted by or in the vicinity of the northern section of the study corridor
is presented in Chapter 12 Groundwater.
Soils
Within the northern section of the study corridor three soil landscapes were identified. These soil
landscapes and the corresponding bore log locations from geotechnical investigations completed for
the Project and a number of previous geotechnical investigations are illustrated in Figure 7-8. The
characteristics of these soil landscapes and other soil attributes within the northern section of the
study corridor are summarised in Table 7-5.
Descriptions for each of the soil landscapes identified in Beckman et al (1987) are summarised as
follows.
The Chermside soil is intercepted in a number of locations within the study corridor. In the northern
section the Chermside soil landscape is identified in the vicinity of Sandgate Road, near Albion Station
and, adjacent to the convergence of the Breakfast Creek and Brisbane River floodplains on the
southern side of Breakfast Creek at Bowen Hills. Chermside soil, in this location, extends through to
the eastern extent of Victoria Park at Spring Hill. The soil is comprised of lithosols with shallow
podzolic soils. These are associated with high hills and steeply sloping areas. Soils within this soil
landscape generally show little profile development.
Lithosols tend to be stony and gravelly soils of sandy, loamy or clayey texture usually overlying
fragmented and weathering rock at shallow depth (40 cm to 60 cm). They occur mainly on ridge crests
or steep to moderate upper slopes where continual removal of fine earth by erosion limits profile
development (Beckmann et al 1987). These soils tend to occupy locations within the landscape where
erosion is active (Charman and Murphy, 2001) and is a key characteristic/determining factor of this soil
type.
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project, observations of soils from a number of bore logs
in the Chermside soil landscape were reviewed as well as a number of bore logs from previous
geotechnical investigations. Soil profile descriptions observed were generally consistent with the
Chermside soil landscape.
The Logan soil is intercepted in two major locations within the study corridor associated with the
Breakfast Creek and Brisbane River floodplains and tributaries. This soil type has a strong association
with the Quarternary Alluvium deposits within these areas and appears to overlay the Chermside soil
landscape within the northern section of the study corridor as a result of the deposition of alluvial
sediment transported by overland flow.
This landscape is made up of sets of low, unmatched and discontinuous terraces and the modern
floodplain depressions and levee banks. Alluvial soils and prairie soils generally occupy the stream
banks, with gleyed clays and humic gleys present on the lower parts of plains. Peaty gleys are minor
soils and are generally found in swampy areas of floodplains, gleyed clays are more common on
floodplains higher upstream, and humic gleys tend to occur in the floors of depressions between the
numerous low banks nearer the mouth the waterway.
Observations from bore logs of previous geotechnical investigations have been reviewed and these
observations are considered to be consistent with the attributes of the Logan soil landscape.
Erosion hazard
Areas of high erosion risk and steep areas (eg greater than 10% gradient) have been identified within
the northern section of the study corridor at Wooloowin, Albion and Bowen Hills.
ASS are mapped (NR&M 2003) within the northern section of the study corridor throughout Bowen
Hills, Albion and Windsor. These sediments are associated with the Breakfast Creek and Brisbane
River floodplain areas and are mapped as disturbed land likely to contain ASS, where partial or full
treatment of the ASS material may have been undertaken previously (NR&M 2003).
A review of the restricted area mapping from the Restricted Area Search Engine (Version 42 16
April 2010) indicated that the northern section of the study corridor does not contain, cross or intercept
any identified restricted areas.
Continuing south from the elevated ridgeline of Spring Hill, the study corridor is characterised by the
steep slopes downwards towards the Brisbane CBD, where a low-lying floodplain occupies much of
the CBD east of George Street and in the vicinity of Gardens Point and the Riverside Centre in Eagle
Street. On the northern side of the Brisbane River a low ridgeline extends south-east from the Merivale
Street rail bridge crossing to Gardens Point. In the Brisbane CBD, this ridgeline lies between, and runs
approximately in line with George Street and the Riverside Expressway.
Other prominent elevated locations on the northern side of the Brisbane River, within the central
section of the study corridor include the ridgeline along Gregory Terrace in Spring Hill, at
approximately 40 m AHD, which creates a barrier to surface drainage within the study corridor and is
part of the northern boundary of the Brisbane River drainage area that intercepts the study corridor.
The dominant topographical feature within this section of the study corridor is the meandering channel
of the Brisbane River.
On the southern side of the Brisbane River, an isolated peak is evident on Wild Street in Kangaroo
Point and has an elevation of 35 m AHD (refer to Figure 7-5). There is also a ridgeline that runs along
the eastern boundary of the study corridor, south of the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) and
extends through Annerley. This ridgeline also creates a barrier to surface drainage within the study
corridor and is part of the boundary of the Brisbane River floodplain occurring, within the study
corridor, in the vicinity of the southern and western areas of Dutton Park and Fairfield, respectively
(refer to Figure 7-5 and Figure 7-6).
The topography of the central section of the study corridor and the surrounding area is generally
characterised by a landscape that slopes downwards from Spring Hill in the north and Dutton Park in
the south, towards the Brisbane River, with elevations of up to 55 m AHD and 45 m AHD, respectively
(refer to Figure 7-2 and Figure 7-5). An exception to this downward sloping landscape is the increase
in elevation at Kangaroo Point, which creates a barrier to drainage along the southern bank of the
Brisbane River and directs localised drainage pathways towards the east and into the floodplain of
Norman Creek. The landscape at Kangaroo Point rises up to an elevation of about 30 m AHD near the
intersection of the Bradfield Highway and Shafston Avenue. Due to the presence of the Kangaroo
Point cliffs, the elevation along the western side of Kangaroo Point reduces dramatically between
River Terrace and the bank of the Brisbane River. The Kangaroo Point cliffs are the remains of
historical quarrying activities within Brisbane where extensive extraction of Brisbane Tuff has occurred.
Geology
General characteristics of the various geological formations within the central section of the study
corridor have been presented in Table 7-6. It is emphasised that these properties are generalised and
the actual properties of the formations must be assessed by site-specific geotechnical investigations.
Significant geological features have been identified within the central section of the study corridor and
a summary is provided in the sections following.
Based on the desktop review of the geological mapping (Geological Survey of Queensland –
Brisbane, Sheet SG 56-15 (Department of Mines 1974)), a number of significant geological features
have been identified within or intercepting the central section of the study corridor:
x On the northern side of the Brisbane River, a fault is interpreted to intercept the western extent of
the study corridor immediately west of the Roma Street Station and continues in a south-south-
east direction to the edge of the Brisbane River channel. The fault is interpreted to occur between
the Bunya Phyllite and Neranleigh-Fernvale Formations. This has been identified as the
Normanby fault.
x The Normanby fault (or an extension of it) is interpreted to extend from the edge of the alluvial
deposits within the Brisbane River floodplain, in a south-east direction, crossing the western
boundary of the study corridor in the vicinity of Annerley Road and terminating at the western
edge of the Brisbane Tuff formation in this area. This fault was encountered in the South East
Busway tunnel under Vulture Street near the old South Brisbane Town Hall. Any extension of the
Normanby Fault would be likely to cross the study corridor at about 45º and has the potential to
create design and construction challenges for infrastructure projects that intercept it, but it is
considered unlikely to be a significant hazard for Cross River Rail.
x A syncline is interpreted to occur, showing plunge, and is mapped in a north-north-easterly to
south-south-westerly direction. The syncline is interpreted to intercept the eastern extent of the
central section of the study corridor in two locations, at Park Road, Woolloongabba and Annerley
Road, Fairfield. The syncline is interpreted to occur within the Aspley Formation and may form the
northern part of the Archerfield syncline.
Fossils
Based on the review of the geological units identified as having the potential to contain fossil material
within the central section of the study corridor, the Aspley Formation (Rip) and Quaternary Alluvium
(Qa) deposits are both present.
Mapped locations containing economic geology resources that have been identified within or near the
central section of the study corridor include:
These locations have been identified as historical locations of quarrying activities, which are no longer
active or deemed to contain viable economic geology resources.
Qhe Holocene Dominant parent material N/A Sandy mud, muddy Susceptible to Unstable, would require
Alluvium associated with the sand and minor gravel erosion but severity engineered support where
(Estuarine sediments of the depends on local excavated into. Erosion
channels and Brisbane River channel topography, protection would be
banks) drainage, nature of required around bridges,
clays, earthworks culverts and structures
Qa Quaternary Dominant parent material N/A Clay, silt, sand and
Alluvium in low elevation areas in gravel of variable
the vicinity of the Spring strength or density
Hill, the CBD and
Woolloongabba
Rip Aspley Formation Dominant parent rock Often very deeply Clayey, occasionally Variable resistance Low batter angles and slope
within the south-eastern weathered with sandy or gravelly to erosion depending protection required for
extent of the central marked reduction sometimes high on bedrock type and shallow cuts, full support
section – Park Road in rock strength plasticity local deep required for deeper cuts
Station to Dutton Park weathering
Station
Rif Brisbane Tuff Dominant parent rock Usually very Very shallow, clayey Welded tuff highly Steep faces with occasional
through the areas of shallow depth of resistant to erosion, rock bolting possible in
elevation along the weathering but stratified tuff tends to fresh and slightly weathered
south-western extent of moderately fret. Fine grained tuff. Selective support and
the central section weathered tuff is basal sediments fret, protection in moderately
associated with the strong rock breccias pluck and weathered tuff. Basal
Kangaroo to Dutton Park ravel sediments often marginally
stable
DCf Neranleigh- Dominant parent rock Shallow to Shallow clayey Erosion resistant Low batter angles are
Fernvale Beds through areas of high moderate depth of gravels/gravelly clays, necessary with shallow cuts
elevation and exposed weathering, often non-expansive in highly weathered rock.
ridge lines in Spring Hill, with penetrative Deeper cuts into less
the CBD and South weathering along weathered rock usually
Brisbane fractures with the quite stable depending on
development of orientation of foliation and
clay infill joint sets, otherwise
selective support required
Initial findings for the water table elevations indicate that the central section of the study corridor
intercepts areas of shallow groundwater (less than 3 m below ground level) extending from the vicinity
of the Riverside Centre to Gardens Point (refer to Figure 12-4 in Chapter 12 Groundwater).
Further detail regarding the hydrogeological regimes that may be hydraulically connected to,
intercepted by or in the vicinity of the central section of the study corridor is presented in Chapter 12
Groundwater.
Riverbed levels within the Brisbane River channel at the proposed river crossing were observed during
the geophysical investigation (Douglas Partnersb, June 2010 in AECOM 2010b) to range between
RL-2 m and RL-21 m. The shallowest part of the investigation area was identified as the exposed
alluvium deposits south-east of the City Botanic Gardens and two scour locations were inferred at the
deepest parts of the channel (RL-21 m and RL-19 m).
Investigation results also showed that the riverbed was observed to flatten towards the northern end of
the investigation area to range between RL-7 m and RL-9 m.
Detailed results of the geophysical investigation are provided in the Cross River Rail Preliminary
Geotechnical Interpretive Report (AECOM 2010a).
It was interpreted from the investigation results that the bedrock surface underlying deposited
sediments within the channel falls steeply towards the west from the Kangaroo Point cliffs below
RL-32.5 m south-east of the City Botanic Gardens and below RL-27.5 m in the northern part of the
investigation area (Douglas Partnersb, June 2010 in AECOM 2010b).
Investigations by Sargent (1978), using side-scan sonar revealed that there is a repeating pattern of
narrowing and widening of the river bank, with narrow parts of the channel observed to be relatively
deep (15 m to 30 m) with a slightly higher rate of flow inferred than the wider, shallower parts (‘gorges’
and ‘reaches’, respectively). It was observed by Sargent (1978) that it was common to find exposed
bedrock in the gorges.
The river for much of its length occupies a channel infilled with sediment of fluvial to fluvial and
marine origin. In some localities the base of the original channel lies at depths considerably
below the present river level, figures of over 45 m being recorded, which is in excess of the
water depth anywhere along the river.
The “overdeepened channel” is a phenomenon now known to be the rule rather than the
exception for most of those of the world’s rivers having a Pleistocene history; stillstands of
lowered Pleistocene sea level generally being regarded as the principal cause.
The asymmetric ripple marks in fact clearly indicate a high velocity downstream flow
immediately succeeding the preceeding gorge, in many cases exhibiting a diminishing energy
level downstream in any given reach.
Soils
Within the central section of the study corridor, six soil landscapes have been identified (refer to
Figure 7-9). Their characteristics and other corresponding attributes including the ASS (NR&M, 2002)
and erosion hazard assessment based on the soil characteristics are summarised in Table 7-7.
Soil Dominant soil Landscape CSIRO Soil Order2 and ASS4 Erosion
1 5
landscape groups and parent Australian Soil Classification hazard
rock Order3
Beenleigh Red – yellow Low hills of Tb64 Possible Moderate
podzolic soils, with greywacke, Rudosol/Podosol
lithosols and some phyllite and /Sodosol/Hydrosol
gleyed podzolic shale
soils
Brisbane Prairie soils with Low Tb64 Likely Moderate
River some alluvial soils undulating Dermosol to high –
plain and susceptible
terrace to wind
remnants erosion
Moggill Gleyed podzolic Creek flats of Tb64 Unlikely Moderate
Creek soils with minor sandy and Rudosol/Chromosol
prairie and alluvial clayey
soils alluvium
Chermside Lithosols with Low hills, Tb64 Unlikely Low to
shallow podzolic some with Rudosol moderate -
soils steep slopes erosion is
of rhyolitic an active
tuff process
within this
soil
landscape
Toowong Red podzolic soils Low hills of Tb64 Unlikely Moderate
with lithosols phyllite ASC Order not determined
Woodridge Red – yellow Low hills of Tb64 Unlikely Moderate
podzolic soils, with sandstone Rudosol to high
lithosols, gleyed and shales
podzolic soils and
lateritic podzolic
soils
Notes:
1. Beckmann, et al (1987)
2. CSIRO (2001)
3. Isbell (2002)
4. NR&M (2003)
5. Charman and Murphy (2001)
The Beenleigh soil landscape is found covering large areas of Spring Hill and the Brisbane CBD with a
small isolated area, at the eastern end of Queen Street, which is surrounded by the Brisbane River soil
landscape. The soil is comprised of red – yellow podzolic soils with lithosols and some gleyed podzolic
soils. It is characteristic of low hills of greywacke, phyllite and shale parent rock. Soils within this soil
landscape generally show markedly differentiated profiles.
Red – yellow podzolic soils generally have distinct to prominent horizon contrasts in colour, texture,
structure and related properties, mainly between the surface (A) and subsoil (B) horizons. Red –
yellow podzolic soils have pronounced texture contrast and a clear to gradual boundary between
weakly structured sandy to loamy A horizons and red or yellow-brown clay B horizons of moderate
blocky or polyhedral structure and firm to friable consistence. Generally nutrient status of these soils
tends to be low (Beckman et al, 1987) and erodibility can range between moderate to high, but this
would be dependent on other factors such as the location of the soil within the landscape, the slope
steepness and length exposure to high intensity rainfall or high velocity runoff and
methods/effectiveness of surface stabilisation (Charman and Murphy, 2001).
Alternately, Lithosols tend to be stony and gravelly soils of sandy, loamy or clayey texture usually
overlying fragmented and weathering rock at shallow depth (40 to 60 cm), occurring mainly on ridge
crests or steep to moderate upper slopes where continual removal of fine earth by erosion limits profile
development (Beckman et al 1987 p11). These soils tend to occupy locations within the landscape
where erosion is active (Charman and Murphy, 2001) and is a key characteristic/determining factor of
this soil type.
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project, observations of soils from a number of bore logs
in the Beenleigh soil landscape were reviewed. However the observations recorded in the bore logs
were not considered to be consistent with the attributes of the Beenleigh soil landscape due to the
disturbed nature of the surface and near surface profiles and the depth and characteristics of the
material observed.
The Brisbane River soil landscape is found on the northern banks of the Brisbane River within the
Brisbane CBD. This soil landscape is comprised of prairie soils with some sandy alluvial soils.
Brisbane River soils are associated with low undulating plain and terrace remnants of sandy alluvium
parent rock and is characterised by markedly differentiated profiles.
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project, observations within the Brisbane River soil
landscape were recorded at one borehole location within the central section of the study corridor, on
the northern side of the Brisbane River channel, within the City Botanic Gardens. Observations of the
soil profile and characteristics at this location were considered to be consistent with the attributes of
this soil landscape.
The Moggill Creek soil landscape has been identified in an isolated area in the vicinity of the Roma
Street Station, in the low point of the topography between Spring Hill and the Brisbane CBD. This soil
landscape is generally comprised of gleyed podzolic soils, with minor prairie and alluvial soils. They
are characteristic of creek flats of sandy and clayey alluvium parent material and generally indicate an
influence of poor drainage. These soils usually show a pronounced texture contrast and clear to
gradual boundaries between A and B horizons, a pale or bleached A2 horizon and acid reaction
throughout, or acid and becoming neutral in the deep subsoil (Beckmann et al 1987).
In the natural state the gleyed podzolic soils have marked deficiencies of major plant nutrients but their
water regimes generally ensure available water for plant growth for longer periods than occur in freely
drained podzolic soils (Beckmann et al 1987).
The Chermside soil is intercepted in a number of locations within the study corridor. In the central
section the Chermside soil landscape is identified on the southern side of the Brisbane River, in the
vicinity of Kangaroo Point and Woolloongabba. The soil is comprised of lithosols with shallow podzolic
soils. These are associated with high hills and steeply sloping areas. Soils within this soil landscape
generally show little profile development.
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project, observations of soils from a number of bore logs
in the Chermside soil landscape were reviewed for the central section of the study corridor. Soil profile
descriptions observed were generally consistent with the Chermside soil landscape.
The Toowong soil is intercepted on the southern side of the Brisbane River west of the Kangaroo Point
cliffs. This soil landscape shows a distinct to prominent horizon contrasts in colour, texture, structure
and related properties, mainly between the surface (A) and subsoil (B) horizons. Soils are
characterised as red – yellow podzolic soils on low hills of phyllite, that have pronounced texture
contrast and a clear to gradual boundary between weakly structured sandy to loamy A horizons and
red or yellow-brown clay B horizons of moderate blocky or polyhedral structure and firm to friable
consistence.
No geotechnical investigations for the Project have been undertaken for this soil landscape. However,
this soil landscape is unlikely to be disturbed by any Project works, so is not described further in this
ElS.
The Woodridge soil landscape is intercepted in areas east of the Park Road Station and the Dutton
Park Station. This soil landscape is comprised of red – yellow podzolic soils, with lithosols, gleyed
podzolic soils and lateritic podzolic soils and is generally situated on low hills of sandstone and shales
(Beckman et al 1987 p.11). Lateritic podzolic soils are similar to mottled intergrade form of red and
yellow podzolic soils but with large amounts of ironstone nodules in the lower part of the thick sandy
A2 horizon and mottled upper B horizon. They are usually of greater depth (more than 2 m) than the
red and yellow podzolic soils and have prominent red and light grey coarse mottling toward the base of
the solum. The upper B horizons are usually strongly blocky to polyhedral and friable to firm when
moist but structure becomes coarser and consistence may be very firm in the deep subsoil (Beckmann
et al 1987).
These podzolic soils are moderately to strongly acid, the clays are dominantly kaolin and exchange
capacity and base saturation are low. Available water and nutrient status tend to be low (Beckmann
et al 1987). Erodibility can range between moderate to high, but this would be dependent on other
factors such as the location of the soil within the landscape, the slope steepness and duration of
exposure to high intensity rainfall or high velocity runoff and methods/effectiveness of surface
stabilisation (Charman and Murphy, 2001).
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project, observations of soils from a number of bore logs
in the Woodridge soil landscape were reviewed for the central section of the study corridor. Soil profile
descriptions observed were generally consistent with the Woodridge soil landscape.
Erosion hazard
Areas of high erosion risk and steep areas (eg greater than 10% gradient) have been identified within
the central section of the study corridor at Spring Hill, Woolloongabba and Dutton Park.
ASS has also been identified as being present in an area directly adjacent to the northern side of the
Brisbane River channel extending beneath the Brisbane CBD in the vicinity of the Riverside Centre
and Gardens Point. Sediments in this area are deposited between the 5 m AHD contour and the outer
limit of Holocene sediments and are therefore considered to have a low potential for the presence of
ASS.
A narrow band of sediment is mapped between the 5 m AHD contour and the outer limit of Holocene
sediments, within the southern bank of the Brisbane River, in the vicinity of Woolloongabba. These
sediments are associated with the western extent of the Norman Creek floodplain, and extend
between the Brisbane River and into the study corridor in the vicinity of Fairfield/Yeronga. These areas
are also mapped as areas with low potential for ASS to be present (NR&M 2003).
A review of the restricted area mapping from the Restricted Area Search Engine (Version 42
16 April 2010) indicated that within the central section of the study corridor Woolloongabba is an
identified restricted area for RIFA (refer to Chapter 11 Nature Conservation).
The study corridor continues in a generally southerly direction from Fairfield, tracking the western
extent of the hill slopes that bound the Brisbane River floodplain and the Oxley Creek sub catchment,
through the suburbs of Fairfield, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly, Moorooka, Rocklea and Salisbury.
The topography of the southern section of the study corridor is relatively low-lying with only small
areas greater than 25 m AHD in elevation (refer to Figure 7-3 and Figure 7-6). In general, the
topography of the study corridor gradually slopes down to the south-west and west towards the
Brisbane River, Moolabin Creek, Rocky Waterholes Creek, Stable Swamp Creek and Oxley Creek.
The study corridor is characterised by topographical features that are comparable with the landscape
within the surrounding area. While the topography is relatively low-lying, it does increase in elevation
as it moves further to the east, away from the Brisbane River and the other watercourses within the
study corridor.
The dominant landform patterns within the area surrounding the study corridor consist of the lower
slopes of elevated areas that are present to the east, beyond the extent of the study corridor and
drainage pathways that generally direct surface drainage towards the Brisbane floodplain to the west
of the study corridor (refer to Figure 7-6).
Geology
General characteristics of the various geological formations within the southern section of the study
corridor are presented in Table 7-8. It is emphasised that these properties are generalised and the
actual properties of the formations must be assessed by site-specific geotechnical investigations.
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project it was identified that a significant intersection
with the Aspley Formation and tuffaceous sedimentary mudstones was present within the southern
section of the study corridor in the vicinity of Yeerongpilly. It was also identified that there is a potential
for mixed ground and low rock cover in areas south of Boggo Road.
Based on the desktop review of the geological mapping (Geological Survey of Queensland –
Brisbane, Sheet SG 56-15 (Department of Mines 1974)), a syncline is interpreted to occur, showing
plunge, and extends in a north-easterly to south-westerly direction from the southern extent of the
central section into the northern extent of the southern section of the study corridor, in the vicinity of
Fairfield Station. The syncline is shown on Figure 7-7.
Fossils
Based on the review of the geological units identified as having the potential to contain fossil material
within the southern section of the study corridor, the Woogaroo Subgroup (RJbw), Tingalpa Formation
(Rin), Aspley Formation (Rip) and Quaternary Alluvium (Qa) deposits are all present.
No sites containing economic geology resources have been identified within the southern section of
the study corridor.
Geomorphology
Initial findings for the water table elevations indicate that within the southern section of the study
corridor there are areas of shallow groundwater (less than 3 m below ground level) identified in the
vicinity of Dutton Park, Fairfield and Yeronga associated with the floodplain of the Brisbane River and
its tributaries. Extending south from Yeerongpilly to Salisbury there is an extensive area of shallow
groundwater extending west beyond the study corridor, which is associated with the Brisbane River
floodplain and Oxley Creek sub catchment (refer to Figure 12-3 in Chapter 12 Groundwater).
Further detail regarding the hydrogeological regimes that may be hydraulically connected to,
intercepted by or in the vicinity of the southern section of the study corridor is presented in Chapter 12
Groundwater.
Soils
Within the southern section of the study corridor four soil landscapes have been identified (refer to
Figure 7-10) and their characteristics and other corresponding attributes including the ASS (NR&M
2003) and erosion hazard assessment based on the soil characteristics, are summarised in Table 7-9.
Soil Dominant soil Landscape and CSIRO Soil Order2 ASS4 Erosion hazard5
1
landscape groups parent rock and Australian
Soil Classification
3
Order
Chermside Lithosols with Low hills, some Unlikely Low to moderate -
shallow podzolic with steep slopes Tb64 erosion is an active
soils of rhyolitic tuff Rudosol process within this
soil landscape
Brisbane Prairie soils with Low undulating Tb64 Likely Moderate to high –
River some alluvial plain and terrace susceptible to wind
soils remnants Dermosol erosion
Woodridge Red – yellow Low hills of Unlikely Moderate to high
podzolic soils, sandstone and
with lithosols, shales Tb64/Sj12
gleyed podzolic Rudosol
soils and lateritic
podzolic soils
Woongoolba Humic gleys, Low (coastal) Possible High
‘peaty gleys’ and plains of alluvium Tb64/Sj12
solonchaks and narrow Hydrosol
depressions
Notes:
1. Beckmann, et al (1987)
2. CSIRO (2001)
3. Isbell (2002)
4. NR&M (2003)
5. Charman and Murphy (2001)
Descriptions for each of the soil landscapes identified within the southern section of the study corridor
by Beckmann et al (1987) are summarised as follows.
The Chermside soil is intercepted in the vicinity of the Dutton Park Station along the north-western
boundary of the southern section. The soil is comprised of lithosols with shallow podzolic soils. These
are associated with high hills and steeply sloping areas. Soils within this soil landscape generally show
little profile development.
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project, observations of soils from a number of bore logs
in the Chermside soil landscape were reviewed for the southern section of the study corridor. Soil
profile descriptions observed were generally consistent with the Chermside soil landscape.
The Brisbane River soil landscape is found along the bank of the Brisbane River between Dutton Park
and Fairfield Stations. This soil landscape is comprised of prairie soils with some sandy alluvial soils.
Brisbane River soils are associated with low undulating plain and terrace remnants of sandy alluvium
parent rock and is characterised by markedly differentiated profiles.
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project, observations within the Brisbane River soil
landscape were recorded at one borehole location within the southern section of the study corridor, in
the vicinity of Fairfield Road, west of Fairfield Station. Observations of the soil profile and
characteristics at this location were considered to be consistent with the attributes of this soil
landscape.
The Woodridge soil landscape is intercepted in extensive areas throughout the southern section of the
study corridor, south of Dutton Park Station. It is dominant soil landscape within the study corridor
south of Fairfield, especially in the vicinity of Yeerongpilly and the Clapham Rail Yard. This soil
landscape is comprised of red – yellow podzolic soils, with lithosols, gleyed podzolic soils and lateritic
podzolic soils and is generally situated on low hills of sandstone and shales (Beckmann et al 1987).
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project, observations of soils from a number of bore logs
in the Woodridge soil landscape were reviewed for the southern section of the study corridor. Soil
profile descriptions observed were generally consistent with the Woodridge soil landscape.
The Woongoolba soil landscape is intercepted within areas associated with the tributaries of Oxley
Creek, south of the Yeerongpilly Station. This soil landscape is comprised of humic gleys, ‘peaty gleys’
and solonchaks and are generally situated in low (coastal) plains of alluvium and narrow depressions.
Humic gleys with sandy or clayey profiles are the dominant soils in this unit and occur on the higher
flat surface (Beckmann et al 1987).
Humic gleys are soils with a dark, humic surface horizon that is commonly much thicker than the A
horizon of well-drained soils, prominently mottled ochrous and grey subsoils and grey deep subsoils.
Texture range from sand to clay and the texture profiles vary from uniform to strongly contrasted, with
clay subsoils. The humic surface soil is generally loamy, has moderate fine blocky to crumb structure
and shows some rusty markings. For these soils, drainage is more important than available water
(Beckmann et al 1987).
Peaty gleys are humic gleys with a peaty surface horizon and the peaty horizon and the solum are
generally thin. Under natural conditions the water table is always close to the surface, rising to it for
extended periods and thus limiting the oxidation. In this area, ‘peaty gleys’ occupy shallow
depressions (Beckmann et al 1987).
During the geotechnical investigations for the Project, observations of soils from two bore logs in the
Woongoolba soil landscape were reviewed. Soil profile descriptions observed were generally
consistent with the Woongoolba soil landscape.
Erosion hazard
Areas of high erosion risk and steep areas (eg greater than 10% gradient) have been identified within
the southern section of the study corridor in the vicinity of Dutton Park and Fairfield.
Along the south-western side of the study corridor between Yeerongpilly and Salisbury there are
extensive areas of ASS mapped, which are associated with the Brisbane River and Oxley Creek
floodplains. The sediments mapped within the study corridor are located between the 5 m AHD
contour and the outer limit of Holocene sediments and have been identified as having a low potential
for ASS to be present. However, directly adjacent to this area are sediments mapped as disturbed
land likely to contain ASS, where partial or full treatment of the ASS material may have been
undertaken previously, and land where ASS occurs within 5 m of the surface, which may contain both
AASS and PASS (NR&M 2003).
A review of the restricted area mapping from the Restricted Area Search Engine (Version 42
16 April 2010) indicated that within the southern section, the study corridor intercepts identified
restricted areas in the suburbs of Fairfield, Annerley, Yeronga, Yeerongpilly, Moorooka, Rocklea and
Salisbury (refer to Chapter 11 Nature Conservation).
The longitudinal cross sections of the tunnel provide information about the depth of the tunnel beneath
ground along the proposed alignment (refer to Volume 2 Reference design drawings). The tunnel is
proposed to be up to 52 m below the peaks of the ridges and hills that it would pass beneath and the
station caverns are proposed to be down to 33 m below the existing ground surface.
Topography within the study corridor has influenced the tunnel design as it has been necessary to
position the tunnel within suitable, competent geological units and at the same time achieve safe
design gradients for rail operations. Topography has also influenced the design and placement of
surface structures associated with the Project, such as stations, station access locations, the Fairfield
ventilation shaft, feeder station building locations and their height above flood levels.
During construction, significant temporary changes to topography would be associated with the
development of the major construction worksites proposed in the vicinity of the Ekka Station/Mayne
Rail Yard, the Gabba Station, the southern portal and Yeerongpilly Station sites. Also, it is proposed to
undertake major top-down excavation for the construction of the Boggo Road, Gabba and Albert
Street station sites.
It is not anticipated that there would be significant changes to topographical features as a result of
major exposed cuttings as many of the surface structures are generally proposed to be located within
the vicinity of existing structures. The major part of the construction for the Project is within tunnel,
which is proposed to be excavated by tunnel boring machines and will therefore minimise disruption at
the surface through the construction of new structures. Where possible surface connections with the
tunnel have been located in areas of existing, dense urban development and it is intended that surface
structures will be designed in line with prevailing structural design at the surface so as not to create
unnecessary visual disruption to surface topography. The transition from tunnel to surface
infrastructure has been designed with consideration of the existing topography of the study corridor.
The potential impacts to geology and geomorphology values, within the study corridor, as a result of
the Project are likely to be associated with adverse impacts to geological stability resulting in
settlement impacts and the loss of fossil material, not previously identified/documented, as a result of
tunnelling activities.
There is also a potential to impact on surface and groundwater systems as a result of drawdown if
tunnelling activities intercept significant water-bearing geological discontinuities that cause
groundwater inflows to the tunnel.
The City of Brisbane Economic Geology Map (Sheets 3 and 4) do not indicate any significant mineral
or energy resources within the study corridor and no economically significant minerals have been
noted in the geotechnical bore logs (AECOM, 2010b). However, the maps show that immediately
south of Bowen Hills and along the cliffs of Kangaroo Point, there is evidence of now redundant tuff
quarries. Tuff was quarried by the Department of Harbours and Marine from the 1860s until the 1960s
for dry docks and river revetment walls to prevent erosion (Willmott in Queensland Government Mining
Journal 1979). Nevertheless, it is considered that the Project would not have any impact upon any
existing economic geology resources.
The potential impacts of the Project on existing soils values within the study corridor are likely to be
associated with accelerated erosion and sediment movement due to disturbance of soils or impacts
resulting from the disturbance of ASS. Impacts to soils values that have been identified include:
Impacts on soil values have the potential to result in adverse impacts to the values of the surrounding
environment, which include:
The severity of the potential impacts on the values of the surrounding environment would depend on a
number of factors, including:
x the nature of the affected soil (eg acid generating, sodic, saline or dispersive soils)
x the period and frequency of disturbance and exposure
x the buffering capacity of the receiving surface water bodies or the groundwater system.
Throughout the development of the reference design for the Project, opportunities relating to the
management of geological and soil characteristics within the study corridor have been identified.
Potential opportunities or beneficial considerations include:
x running tunnels and underground station caverns have been designed to lie below the inferred
rock-head levels to maximise landform stability during construction and throughout operation
x design of tunnels and underground station caverns to achieve minimum vertical depth to enable
minimisation of spoil generation that would require disposal
x reuse of suitable excavated spoil for surface works that require fill material
x minimising generation of excavated spoil to minimise energy/fuel use for spoil management,
removal/haulage and disposal, greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion and other
impacts to the surrounding community
x the study corridor is located in an area of very low seismicity such that earthquakes are not
considered a significant geological hazard to the Project
x there are no documented fossil sites within the study corridor
Settlement risk
Location specific impacts relating to potential settlement risks within each section of the study corridor
are summarised in Section 7.3.3 to Section 7.3.5.
The assessment of the hydrology and hydrogeology within the study corridor and surrounding area
has been detailed in Chapter 12 Groundwater and Chapter 13 Surface Water. Initial findings for the
water table elevations indicate that the study corridor intercepts areas of shallow groundwater (less
than 3 m below ground level). Based on these findings, there is potential for the Project to intercept
the groundwater table, particularly during tunnelling activities. Potential risks associated with
intercepting the groundwater table include:
It would be important to confirm the presence of these potential during detailed design in order to
develop suitable management and mitigation measures for proposed construction and operations
phases of the Project.
Settlement resulting from tunnel excavation/construction activities may arise due to:
A preliminary review of the settlement effects of construction, based on preliminary finite element
analyses; empirical relationships between shaft and tunnel depths, ground conditions; and with
allowances for initial disturbance due to excavation/pile installation is listed in Table 7-10.
500 – 1300 10 – 20 m Runs under existing rail TBM Running Tunnels 10 – 25 50 – 100
corridor,
Queenslanders and
single storey housing
1300 – 25 – 35 m Queenslanders and
2150 single storey housing
9370 – 0 – 10 m Runs with existing rail Cut & Cover Tunnel, 25 – 50 25 m from
10000 corridor, ICB, Bowen Portal Structure, Dive shaft wall
Bridge/Northern structure
Busway overpass
Erosion risk
The soil landscapes that are likely to be intercepted and disturbed as a result of the Project are
illustrated in Figure 7-11.
Areas of high erosion risk and steep areas, eg greater than 10% gradient, are a potential risk to
surface soil and landform stability during construction. There is also a risk of impacts to surface water
quality within the receiving environment. Further sampling and analysis would be required during
future geotechnical investigations to assess the physical and chemical conditions of surface and
subsurface soils that are likely to be disturbed during construction in order to quantify the specific risks
at each surface works site associated with accelerated erosion and to develop appropriate site specific
soil management and erosion mitigation measures for each phase of the Project.
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Areas within the study corridor that demonstrate a slope gradient greater than 10% have been
identified on Figure 7-12, Figure 7-13 and Figure 7-14. It should be noted that erosion risk at some of
these sites will be reduced by the presence of surface coverage ie concrete or bitumen and the small
extent of the disturbance footprint. The location specific hazards and impacts associated with
accelerated erosion risks within each section of the study corridor are detailed in Section 7.3.3 to
Section 7.3.5. A review of the gradient differences suggests soil erosion prevention techniques will
need to be incorporated into the onsite management plan for the following sites:
x Ekka Station
x northern portal worksite in Spring Hill, including access points
x southern ventilation shaft and worksite
x southern portal worksite to Moolabin Creek.
Potential erosion and surface or shallow sediment movement impacts within the study corridor have
been considered for:
x construction worksites
x onsite spoil management and removal
x surface works associated with surface stations, track work and road network changes/upgrades,
tunnel portal locations, ancillary surface works and structures, such as service
relocation/installation
x construction of building footprints for ventilation shaft, power systems and operational support
facilities
x construction of structures such as bridges/elevated roads, rail and pedestrian access structures.
Disturbing surface and shallow soils and sediments on steep slopes (more than 10% gradient) during
construction present a potential risk to the soil values within the study corridor. This is of particular
concern for surface works that would be scheduled during the wet season (November to April).
Specific soil management and erosion mitigation measures are required to be implemented to enable
adequate sediment control for each of the sites within the study corridor. This will be important at sites
identified as having high erosion risk.
A review of the Acid Sulfate Soils – Tweed Heads to Redcliffe Map 1 (NR&M 2003) has identified ASS
present within or directly adjacent to the study corridor, which may be disturbed as a result of the
Project. The extent of the ASS areas within the study corridor and surrounding areas are illustrated in
Figure 7-15.
There is a possibility of encountering ASS where surface works are proposed in a number of the
isolated alluvial valleys along the extent of the study corridor and there is potential for the disturbance
of these sediments to result in impacts to the quality of both surface water and groundwater.
Therefore, it would be important to undertake sampling and analysis for ASS as part of the
geotechnical investigations, in order to confirm the presence/absence and status of ASS. The findings
of these investigations would be required in order to develop suitable ASS management and mitigation
measures to be implemented during construction for any areas of ASS disturbance.
Location specific impacts relating to the risk of disturbing ASS within each section of the study corridor
are summarised in Section 7.3.3 to Section 7.3.5.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Study Corridor Underground Station Slope
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ASS disturbance could result from a number of construction-related activities including:
x changes to water chemistry of receiving waterbodies such as Breakfast Creek, Brisbane River
and Oxley Creek and its tributaries, as well as groundwater resources
x sedimentation of waterways and accelerated erosion due to loss of aquatic vegetation and
degradation of the soil profile structure
x changes to the aquatic ecosystem within Breakfast Creek, Brisbane River and Oxley Creek and
its tributaries
x oxidation of ASS affected sediments within Mayne Rail Yard and/or Clapham Rail Yard due to
surface heaving, subsurface extrusion and displacement of ASS affected material above the
groundwater table as a result of fill material creating downward loading pressure on
unconsolidated sediments
x accelerated oxidation of ASS and uncontrolled release of generated acid leachate to stormwater
systems resulting from exposure of insitu ASS affected sediments through excavation at portal
locations, for the placement of structures such as footings, piers and piles and rail and road
infrastructure construction activities
x oxidation of ASS affected sediments in the vicinity of the tie-in works on the southern approach to
the Breakfast Creek rail bridge, the Bowen Bridge Road overpass and the northern portal and
associated construction worksite due to extrusion/displacement of ASS affected material above
the groundwater due to placement of footings and piers causing downward pressure on
unconsolidated sediments
x accelerated oxidation of ASS and uncontrolled release of generated acid leachate to stormwater
systems due to stockpiling of ASS material prior to treatment
x temporary exposure of ASS affected material within the area of influence of groundwater
drawdown and subsequent inundation during post construction recharge of the water table
resulting in potential generation and mobilisation of acid leachate within the groundwater system
x uncontrolled release of acid leachate from disturbed ASS under lowered/altered flow regimes due
to the advent of structures
x mobilisation of contaminant concentrations from existing contaminated sites located within the
study corridor and surrounding area resulting from the acidification of groundwater flows
contacting subsurface materials, eg contaminant plumes, within the area. This would be of
particular concern in the vicinity of Roma Street Station and Gabba Station.
x the nature of the soil eg soils would have varying acid producing potential subject to their texture,
pyritic concentration and amount of natural buffering or neutralising material present in the soil
structure
x the period and frequency of ASS exposure and oxidation
x the buffering capacity of the receiving water bodies downstream of the Mayne Rail Yard, Albert
Street Station worksite and the southern portal worksite, such as Breakfast Creek, Brisbane River
and Oxley Creek and its tributaries, respectively – acidic runoff would normally be neutralised by
alkaline buffering capacity of seawater, although after heavy rainfall estuarine creeks may tend
towards freshwater, which usually has little capacity to buffer acidic runoff.
It is anticipated that ASS would be disturbed during construction of the Project within each of the
sections of the study corridor.
A potential impact of the Project is the loss of fossil material, not previously identified/documented, as
a result of tunnelling activities.
Settlement risk
To minimise the risk associated with settlement, it is important to adhere to suitable, systematic
engineering practices that comply with relevant standards and codes, and ensure that effective
settlement management and monitoring methods are implemented and reviewed from the onset of
construction.
Prior to detailed design, a further round of geotechnical investigations (Phase 3) will be undertaken.
The objective of the investigations is to further understand the ground conditions within the study
corridor and to identify and geotechnical constraints to the alignment. It is planned that 15 boreholes
be drilled in the bed of the Brisbane River to further investigate subsurface conditions along the
tunnel’s river crossing. In addition, 13 boreholes are planned to be drilled at various locations between
the proposed Albert Street and Roma Street stations and in the southern tunnel section between
Boggo Road Station and the southern portal. Following this phase of geotechnical investigations, it is
likely further phases will be undertaken for detailed design purposes.
Information gathered during these geotechnical investigations will be used to inform appropriate
mitigation measures to be implemented during the detailed design process. Issues which would
require careful consideration at that stage include tunnel face-loss, design of tunnel support and liners,
stability assessment of portals, as well as detailed groundwater modelling of tunnel impacts. Further
comprehensive geotechnical investigations would be required prior to construction to fully define the
subsurface profile and geological conditions to be encountered.
Erosion Risk
x Mitigation measures to manage erosion risk for the Project will be detailed in an Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan (ESCP). This plan will be development in accordance with the
requirements of relevant environmental legislation, eg EP Act, and the associated EP(Water)
Policy and the SP Act, and guidelines relevant to soil management on the project.
x Detailed information including confirmation of soil landscapes, soil depth, presence of fill and soil
chemical properties will be gathered during site specific soil investigations at each of the
worksites, prior to construction. This information will be used to inform site specific ESCPs for
each of the worksites.
Mitigation measures for the Project would implement best management and monitoring practices
(commencing from the detailed design phase and extending through to the pre-construction and
construction phases) to ensure potential environmental impacts associated with ASS disturbance are
minimised and managed.
The ASS management measures would be a result of discussions with Department of Environment
and Resource Management (DERM) representatives, and would incorporate the hierarchy of ASS
management principles in line with the Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual - Soil
Management Guidelines (version 3.8) (Dear et al 2002), which include:
x avoid disturbance
x minimise disturbance
x neutralise disturbed material
x hydraulic separation of disturbed material.
The SPP 2/02 and the EPA (2001) Instructions for the Treatment and Management of Acid Sulfate
Soils would also be referenced. In particular, the following specific ASS management measures would
be implemented for the Project:
Fossil material
x Fossil material may be encountered during excavation of shafts in sedimentary material. Should
significant fossil material or finds be encountered during excavation, works will cease and a
paleontologist will be consulted to determine suitable management or preservation measures as
required.
Sites within the northern section of the study corridor that would be directly impacted by surface works
include:
x tie-in works and track realignment work on structure within the Breakfast Creek floodplain
x track work within the Mayne Rail Yard and construction of a Queensland Rail switch-gear building
and Energex substation with separate (non-Queensland Rail) site access
x changes to the road surface and elevation (2.5 m) at O’Connell Terrace
x works in the RNA Showgrounds for the new Ekka Station
x construction of new Ekka Station
x at-grade track work and soil retaining structures in the vicinity of the Bowen Bridge Road overpass
x construction of an Energex substation (including a separate, non-Queensland Rail site access)
within Victoria Park, at the northern portal
x construction of bridges, reinforced earth embankment, realignment of existing tracks and widening
of the rail corridor adjacent to the alignment of the ICB between Bowen Bridge Road overpass
and the northern portal.
Works at these locations are shown on the reference design drawings (refer to Volume 2 Reference
design drawings).
Throughout the development of the reference design for the Project, opportunities relating to the
management of geological and soil characteristics within the northern section of the study corridor
have been identified. Potential opportunities include:
x reuse opportunities for suitable excavated spoil for surface works at Mayne Rail Yard, O’Connell
Terrace and Ekka Station. It is estimated that approximately 96,000 m³ of spoil would be removed
from the northern portal
x opportunities to coordinate works that require possession of the rail corridor with track
work/maintenance activities to be undertaken by Queensland Rail between the Mayne Rail Yard
worksite and the northern portal worksite to minimise impact to Queensland Rail operational
conditions.
Significant geological features have been identified within the northern section of the study corridor
and a summary is provided in the sections following. However, as recommended in the Cross River
Rail Preliminary Geotechnical Interpretive Report (AECOM, 2010a), confirmation of potential
geological hazards and the subsurface conditions represented in the rock-head model would need to
be obtained through detailed geotechnical investigations during detailed design for the northern
section of the study corridor for:
x confirming the geological model for the Project and tunnel construction methods involving the
construction of the northern portal
x completion of detailed hydrogeological investigations during detailed design to confirm the
hydraulic connectivity of geological units that would be encountered during tunnelling in the
vicinity of the northern portal
x works approaching the Breakfast Creek rail bridge
Works at these locations are shown on the reference design drawings (refer to Volume 2 Reference
design drawings).
No construction works are proposed north of the Breakfast Creek channel and therefore the geological
feature (syncline) interpreted to cross the North Coast Railway in the vicinity of Wooloowin Station is
unlikely to affect the Project.
x soils within the Nundah soil landscape are unlikely to be disturbed by surface works associated
with the Project
x soils within the Chermside soil landscape are likely to be disturbed by surface works associated
with the Mayne Rail Yard worksite and Ekka Station
x soils within the Logan soil landscape are likely to be disturbed by surface works associated with
the southern approach to the Breakfast Creek Bridge, the Ekka Station, adjacent to the Bowen
Bridge Road overpass and the ICB, and construction of the northern portal.
Settlement risk
Excavation induced settlement of ground adjacent to transition structures are a potential risk in the
vicinity of the southern approach to the Breakfast Creek rail bridge, surface works between Mayne Rail
Yard worksite and the Ekka Station and the approach to the Bowen Bridge Road overpass, where
there is potential for unconsolidated sediments and shallow water table levels to be present within the
disturbance footprint for the Project.
It is anticipated that the mined tunnel would intercept the water table during excavation and
construction of the northern portal, which may result in groundwater inflow into the tunnel decline. At
this location there is a potential risk of consolidation settlements if any unconsolidated sediments
within the Logan soil landscape and alluvial material are impacted.
There is also a potential risk of some lateral relaxation of soils resulting from the construction of soil
retaining structures that may be adopted in the vicinity of the Victoria Park land bridge and the
northern portal areas.
Erosion risk
Areas of high erosion risk and steep areas, eg greater than 10% gradient, have been identified within
the northern section of the study corridor at Wooloowin, Albion and Bowen Hills. The only area that is
likely to pose a potential risk to surface soil and landform stability during construction is Bowen Hills.
There is also a risk of impacts to surface water quality within the receiving environment of Breakfast
Creek due to sediment movement. Further sampling and analysis in these areas would be undertaken
during future geotechnical investigations to assess the physical and chemical conditions of surface
and subsurface soils that are likely to be disturbed on steep slopes during construction in order to
quantify the risks associated with accelerated erosion and to develop appropriate soil management
and erosion mitigation measures.
As illustrated on Figure 7-12 and in Volume 2 Reference design drawings, surface works occurring
on the southern approach to the Breakfast Creek rail bridge, on the eastern side of the Mayne Rail
Yard and between the Mayne Rail Yard worksite and the northern portal worksite (including surface
works at the Ekka Station) are likely to create or intercept slope gradients greater than 10%.
Between the Bowen Bridge Road overpass and the northern portal worksite the proposed alignment
follows the ICB alignment closely and is likely to be located within the Logan soil landscape within a
relatively flat, low-lying historical drainage line. The erosion risk associated with surface works within
the worksite is anticipated to be low, but consideration of potential erosion and sediment movement
risks associated with excavation and surface works for gaining access to the northern portal worksite
will be required due to the steep slopes of the adjacent and surrounding area between the Bowen
Bridge Road overpass and the northern portal worksite. Standard sediment control measures for
construction worksites are proposed for surface works within this area. These will be developed in
accordance with the Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control (IECA Australasia 2008), Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control – Engineering Guidelines for Queensland Construction Sites (Institute
of Engineers Australia (Qld Division) 1996) and Draft Urban Stormwater – Queensland Best Practice
Environmental Management Guidelines 2009 (DERM 2009a).
The nature of the proposed works at each of the sites during construction is likely to include the
following:
The potential impact to the surrounding environment within these construction worksites, the northern
portal area and onsite spoil placement locations for construction and access purposes includes:
x potential surface water quality impacts from sediment and contaminants entrained in surface
runoff resulting from construction related activities such as exposed soils, spoil stockpiles and
material storage
x loss of valuable topsoil material during site preparation and from stripping and stockpiling for
extended periods
x erosion due to vegetation clearing and soil disturbance on steep slopes to create space for the
stockpiling of material, laydown activities and to establish access routes
x erosion of exposed vulnerable soils by wind or water action
x embankments constructed over weak alluvium may undergo settlement in the vicinity of the
Mayne Rail Yard and RNA Showgrounds.
ASS is likely to occur within the vicinity of the Breakfast Creek floodplain. Typical activities likely to be
associated with construction and operation that may disturb ASS in this area include:
x surface works associated with the tie-in works with the Breakfast Creek rail bridge, Mayne Rail
Yard and in the vicinity of the ICB alignment
x construction of embankments and soil retaining structures to support the construction of the
surface Ekka Station at the RNA Showgrounds, capping and ballast placement for track work
x construction of stormwater collection, treatment and control measures
x lowering of groundwater levels in the vicinity of the northern portal during tunnel operation either
temporarily or permanently
x stockpiling and removal of spoil material at the construction worksites.
Mitigation
Settlement risk
Appropriate mitigation measures would be identified and implemented during the detailed design
process. Issues which would require careful consideration at that stage include tunnel face-loss,
design of tunnel support and liners, stability assessment of portals, as well as detailed groundwater
modelling of tunnel impacts within the northern section of the study corridor. Comprehensive
geotechnical investigations would be undertaken during detailed design to fully define the subsurface
profile and geological conditions along the proposed alignment within the northern section.
Measures would be required to limit settlement movements in the vicinity of live tracks.
‘Sensitive’ structures (as identified in AECOM 2010a) within the areas where surface settlements and
possible damage are predicted would have a building condition survey completed. Surveys and other
displacement monitoring would be used to monitor the effects of settlement, if any, from tunnelling.
The actual settlements would be compared to predicted settlements and further mitigating measures
taken where adverse departures from predictions are identified.
Mitigation measures would be implemented throughout various stages of the Project to control and
reduce the risk of settlement impacts due to construction and operational activities.
Erosion risk
Mitigation measures would be implemented throughout various stages of the Project to control and
reduce the risk of erosion due to construction activities. Proposed erosion control measures would be
based upon reducing the risk of erosion during construction by:
x managing the stripping and stockpiling of topsoil material from construction worksites and surface
works areas and segregation of potentially contaminated material, particularly within the Mayne
Rail Yard worksite and the northern portal worksite (refer to Chapter 8 Land Contamination)
x managing the extent of soil disturbance and vegetation clearing as well as reducing the exposure
of vulnerable soils and soils on steep slopes to accelerated erosion by wind and water action,
particularly where site access works are required for the northern portal worksite
x designing stormwater management systems during detailed design and implemented during
construction to control velocity of runoff from exposed areas and capture sediment entrained in
runoff prior to release/discharge from worksites within the northern section of the study corridor
Detailed measures would be developed during the detailed design phase of the Project to achieve
effective sediment control within worksites and surface works areas within the northern section and
manage potential impacts from erosion due to construction and operational activities (refer to Chapter
24 Draft Outline EMP). Site specific erosion and sediment control plans would be prepared and
adopted for the Mayne Rail Yard worksite, Ekka Station construction site and the northern portal
worksite, including worksite access and all areas of surface disturbance, within the northern section of
the study corridor, to ensure that erosion and sediment control measures are implemented and
adequate to the nature and scale of disturbance. These measures would also include site
reinstatement measures once surface works are complete.
x The mitigation measures for any ASS disturbance in the Project are indentified in Section 7.3.2
Mitigation.
x Mitigation measures for the Project would implement best management and monitoring practices
(commencing from the design phase and extending through to the pre-construction and
construction phases) to ensure potential environmental impacts associated with ASS disturbance
are in priority order of, avoidance, minimisation and management.
Water management and surface runoff controls, to protect drainage lines and Breakfast Creek, would
be key elements for the management and mitigation of potential impacts resulting from the disturbance
of ASS. Runoff and drainage control points within and exiting the construction worksites would be
identified and design suitable control measures and structures would be installed during construction
that would divert or contain runoff from specific areas.
Design considerations for the management of ASS at the Mayne Rail Yard worksite include:
x protect Breakfast Creek and contain runoff from disturbed areas within the worksite and
designated ASS stockpile/treatment areas
x minimise disturbance of the natural surface and subsurface drainage regimes within the Mayne
Rail Yard worksite and surface works between the Breakfast Creek rail bridge, Mayne Rail Yard
and Ekka Station
x design embankments and other construction activities to incorporate measures to minimise or
prevent subsidence or uncontrolled settlement of unconsolidated alluvial material within the
Mayne Rail Yard worksite and the approach to the Breakfast Creek rail bridge
x planning and staging of proposed construction activities in areas rated as having moderate to
extreme risk for ASS material, eg approach to the Breakfast Creek rail bridge and the Mayne Rail
Yard worksite, to ensure that disturbance is minimised and rehabilitation/reinstatement is
progressive and timely.
An approved RIFA inspection program and risk management plan would be required for future phases
of the Project.
Sites within the central section of the study corridor that would be directly impacted by surface works
include:
x construction of the Roma Street Station, including pedestrian access to Roma Street,
reconfiguration of vehicle access to Roma Street Parklands and pedestrian connections to the
Roma Street Station concourse
x construction of the Albert Street Station, including the northern construction worksite at Mary
Street, the southern construction worksite at Alice Street, pedestrian access beneath Alice Street,
and associated surface road works and demolition activities
x construction of the Gabba Station including the construction worksite, and associated surface
road works and demolition activities
x construction of the Boggo Road Station, including the station construction worksite and pedestrian
connections with Park Road Station
x construction of bridges and ramps for pedestrian access.
Works at these locations are shown on the reference design drawings (refer to Volume 2 Reference
design drawings).
Throughout the development of the Project, opportunities relating to the management of geological
and soil characteristics within the central section of the study corridor have been identified. Potential
opportunities include:
x reuse opportunities, for suitable excavated spoil removed from tunnel excavations at the Albert
Street Station worksite and the Gabba Station worksite, for reuse during surface works that
require fill material and as suitable material for reuse at spoil placement locations.
Significant geological features have been identified within the central section of the study corridor and
a summary is provided in the following sections. However, as recommended in the Cross River Rail
Preliminary Geotechnical Interpretive Report (AECOM, 2010a), confirmation of potential geological
hazards and the subsurface conditions represented in the rock-head model would occur through
detailed geotechnical investigations during detailed design for the tunnel, cross passages and
underground station caverns through:
x confirmation of the geological model for the Project and tunnel construction methods between the
northern portal worksite and the Gabba Station worksite and south between Gabba Station and
Boggo Road Station
x completion of detailed hydrogeological investigations to confirm the hydraulic connectivity of
geological units that would be encountered during tunnelling, particularly in relation to the
Brisbane River crossing and tunnel cross passage construction
x over water drilling to confirm and correlate with the seismic investigation of the river bed,
particularly in light of the recent flooding event within the Brisbane River channel.
x excavation of the mined tunnel at the northern portal and mined cross-passages
x surface works in the vicinity of the ICB, the Victoria Park land bridge and the Roma Street Station
x top-down excavations for the Albert Street Station (both the northern and southern ends, as well
as the proposed pedestrian connection beneath Alice Street) and Boggo Road Station
x river crossing and to confirm the presence/location and orientation of the unconformity at the
contact between the Brisbane Tuff and underlying Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds in the vicinity of the
Kangaroo Point cliffs
x surface works associated with the construction of the Gabba Station and the construction worksite
x in the Tingalpa Formation to the south of Boggo Road where two geological sequences have
been identified and would require more detailed differentiation and delineation, particularly relating
to the presence and extent of mudstone.
Within the context of the Project, impacts to the six soil landscapes identified as a result of surface
works are:
x soils of the Beenleigh soil landscape are likely to be disturbed by surface works associated with
the Albert Street Station worksite
x soils of the Brisbane River soil landscape are likely to be disturbed by surface works associated
with the Albert Street Station worksites
x soils of the Chermside soil landscape are likely to be disturbed by surface works associated with
the Gabba Station worksite and Boggo Road Station
x soils of the Toowong soil landscape are unlikely to be disturbed by surface works
x soils of the Woodridge soil landscape are likely to be disturbed as a result of surface works
associated with the Boggo Road Station.
Settlement risk
An unconformity zone has been identified during previous investigations at the base of the Brisbane
Tuff and represents a zone of less competent rock sandwiched between the Brisbane Tuff and the
Neranleigh-Fernvale Beds. The geometry and nature of this interface represents a risk to proposed
tunnelling activities and should be delineated and clearly understood, with regard to geotechnical
stability and potential environmental implications, through further detailed geotechnical investigations,
before any tunnelling commences.
It is also anticipated that the tunnel would intercept the water table during excavation and construction
of the running tunnels and station caverns, especially in the vicinity of the Albert Street Station, the
river crossing and the Gabba Station, which may result in groundwater inflow into the tunnel. This may
result in consolidation settlements of unconsolidated sediments within alluvial material present. There
would also be a need to capture, monitor and potentially treat groundwater inflows captured in the
pump station at the low point of the river crossing during operation.
There is also the potential for some lateral relaxation of soils associated with soil retaining structures
that may be adopted in the vicinity of the surface works for each of the underground stations. This
would be confirmed by detailed geotechnical investigations during detailed design.
Preliminary assessment of construction induced ground settlement indicates that there is a potential
low risk of significant effects along the full tunnel alignment. Albert Street Station and northern shaft,
Gabba Station (above the busway) and Boggo Road Station and the section of tunnel immediately
north of Boggo Road Station would all need separate treatments to mitigate settlement risk.
Erosion risk
Areas of high erosion risk and steep areas, eg greater than 10% gradient, have been identified at
Spring Hill, Woolloongabba and Dutton Park and are a potential risk to surface soil and landform
stability during construction. There is also a risk of impacts to surface water quality, within the
receiving environment of the Brisbane River, resulting from sediment movement. Soil sampling and
analysis in these areas would occur during future geotechnical investigations to assess the physical
and chemical conditions of surface and subsurface soils that are likely to be disturbed on steep slopes
during construction. This would quantify the risks associated with accelerated erosion and develop
appropriate soil management and erosion mitigation measures.
Surface works, illustrated on Figure 7-13, occurring in the vicinity of Roma Street Station, Gabba
Station worksite and Boggo Road Station are likely to create or intercept slope gradients greater than
10%.
The proposed southern construction worksite for the Albert Street Station is expected to be either in
Beenleigh or Brisbane River soil landscapes. These soils are considered to be of a moderate to high
erosion risk, depending on steepness of the slope at the point of disturbance. This site is relatively
low-lying and does not have any steep slopes within or directly adjacent to the site, therefore, standard
sediment control measures for the Albert Street Station worksites are proposed.
The Gabba Station worksite and Boggo Road Station are expected to be within the Chermside soil
landscape. This soil type is considered to be low to moderate risk for erosion, depending on the
steepness of the slope at the point of disturbance. Sediment control measures proposed for the
Gabba Station worksite would need to address the potential for contaminated sediment mobilised at
the site. However, standard sediment control measures for construction worksites are proposed for the
Boggo Road Station. These will be developed in accordance with the Best Practice Erosion and
Sediment Control (IECA Australasia 2008), Soil Erosion and Sediment Control – Engineering
Guidelines for Queensland Construction Sites (Institute of Engineers Australia (Qld Division) 1996)
and Draft Urban Stormwater – Queensland Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines
2009 (DERM 2009a).
The nature of the works at each of the sites during construction is likely to include the following:
x minimal vegetation clearing would be undertaken as part of the surface works due to most of the
works occurring within tunnel and surface works being limited to underground station construction
locations
x site preparation and earthworks at each worksite
x preparation of laydown, material storage, handling, preparation and spoil stockpile/treatment
areas within the Albert Street Station and Gabba Station worksites
x installation/construction of storm water/drainage control and sediment control measures including
bunding for material storage areas within the Albert Street Station and Gabba Station worksites
x construction of haul routes, carparks and vehicular access tracks for the Albert Street Station and
Gabba Station worksites
x installation of services for site offices and workshops within the Albert Street Station and Gabba
Station worksites
x construction activities for the underground station caverns and changes to the surface road
network.
x potential surface water quality impacts from sediment and contaminants entrained in surface
runoff resulting from construction related activities such as exposed soils, spoil stockpiles and
material storage
x erosion due to vegetation clearing and soil disturbance on steep slopes to create space for the
stockpiling of material, laydown activities and to establish access routes
x erosion of exposed vulnerable soils by wind or water action.
Mitigation measures would be implemented throughout various stages of the Project to control and
reduce the risk of accelerated erosion impacts due to construction and operational activities (refer to
Chapter 24 Draft Outline EMP).
ASS is likely to occur within the vicinity of the southern end of the Albert Street Station worksite and
the Gabba Station worksite. Typical activities likely to be associated with construction and operation
that may disturb ASS in this area include:
x construction of storm water collection, treatment and control measures at the Albert Street and
Woolloongabba construction worksites
x lowering of groundwater levels in the vicinity of the Albert Street Station site, the river crossing
and Gabba Station site during tunnel operation either temporarily or permanently
x stockpiling and removal of spoil material at the construction worksites.
Mitigation
Settlement risk
To minimise the risk associated with settlement, suitable engineering practices are required and
effective management and monitoring methods are to be implemented and reviewed during
construction. Detailed mitigation measures would be identified and implemented during the detailed
design process. Comprehensive geotechnical investigations will be completed during detailed design
for the purpose of confirming the subsurface profile and geological conditions.
All buildings and structures within the areas where surface settlements and possible damage are
predicted, such as Albert Street, would have a building condition survey completed. Surveys and other
displacement monitoring would be used to monitor the effects of settlement, if any, from tunnelling.
The actual settlements would be compared to predicted settlements and further mitigating measures
taken where adverse departures from predictions are identified.
x Albert Street Station – requires stiff lateral support in shafts, initial support of caverns/adits and
sequential excavation. Buildings in the vicinity of the northern shaft would require direct measures
of support. Intensive instrumentation to monitor settlement would be required at this location
x Gabba Station – potentially requires ground treatment to limit settlements above the busway.
Intensive instrumentation of monitor settlement would be required at this location
x Boggo Road Station, including the tunnel section immediately north of Boggo Road Station – the
tunnel section would potentially require ground treatment to limit settlements and the risks of
crown-holes in shallow cover areas. At Boggo Road Station, a lateral support scheme would be
required to prevent distress to the Ecosciences Precinct and Boggo Road Gaol. Intensive
instrumentation to monitor settlement would be required at these locations.
Erosion risk
Mitigation measures would be implemented of the Project to control and reduce the risk of erosion due
to construction and operational activities. Proposed erosion control measures would be based upon
the objective of reducing the risk of erosion during construction by:
x reducing impacts from sediment and contaminants upon surface water through a spoil shed at the
Albert Street Station worksite and the Gabba Station worksite for the activities associated with
spoil management, handling and removal from site
x managing the stripping and stockpiling of surface spoil material from surface works areas with
regard to potential contamination at Roma Street Station and the Gabba Station worksites
x stormwater management devices will be designed during detailed design and implemented during
construction to control velocity of runoff from exposed areas and capture sediment, entrained in
runoff at the Albert Street Station worksite and the Gabba Station worksite, prior to
release/discharge from site in compliance with site stormwater discharge limits.
Detailed measures would be developed during the detailed design phase of the Project to achieve
effective sediment control within worksites and surface works areas and manage potential impacts
from erosion due to construction and operational activities (refer to Chapter 24 Draft Outline EMP).
Site specific ESCPs would be prepared and adopted for the Albert Street Station worksite and Gabba
Station worksite, including worksite access and all areas of surface disturbance to ensure that erosion
and sediment control measures are implemented and adequate to the nature and scale of
disturbance. These measures would also include site reinstatement measures once surface works are
complete.
The mitigation measures for any ASS disturbance in the Project are detailed under Section 7.3.2.
Mitigation measures for the Project would implement best management and monitoring practices
(commencing from the design phase and extending through to the pre-construction and construction
phases) to ensure potential environmental impacts associated with ASS disturbance are in priority
order of, avoidance, minimisation and management.
Water management and surface runoff controls, to protect drainage lines and Brisbane River, would
be key elements for the management and mitigation of potential impacts resulting from the disturbance
of ASS. Therefore, runoff and drainage control points will be identified within and exiting the Albert
Street Station worksite and design suitable control measures and structures to be installed during
construction that would divert or contain runoff from specific high risk areas.
Design considerations for the management of ASS at the Albert Street Station worksite would
incorporate the following as a minimum:
x similar control measures that are to be implemented for erosion and sediment control, with
respect to the protection of the Brisbane River and containment of runoff from disturbed areas
within the worksite and designated ASS stockpile/treatment areas
x minimise disturbance of the natural surface and subsurface drainage regimes within the Albert
Street Station worksite, such as retaining/maintaining existing flow pathways and directions for
both surface water and groundwater resources and minimise changes to water table levels and
tidal influences associated with the Brisbane River.
An approved RIFA inspection program and risk management plan would be required for the future
phases of the Project.
x construction of the ventilation shaft at Fairfield and the associated construction worksite
x construction of the southern portal at Yeerongpilly, including the associated construction worksites
and surface road works
x construction of the new surface station at Yeerongpilly
x the southern construction worksite, south of Yeerongpilly Station, including surface road works
involving changes to Wilkes Street
x changes to the Muriel Avenue rail bridge
x surface road works associated with the removal of the level crossing on Beaudesert Road
x tunnelling south from Boggo Road Station and in the vicinity of the southern portal.
Works at these locations are shown on the reference design drawings (refer to Volume 2 Reference
design drawings).
Throughout the development of the Project, opportunities relating to the management of geological
and soil characteristics have been identified. Potential opportunities include:
x reuse opportunities for suitable excavated spoil for surface works between the southern portal,
Yeerongpilly Station and the Clapham Rail Yard worksite
x housing spoil management and handling activities within a shed as a means of mitigating potential
impacts to the surrounding community and environment resulting from dust generation.
Excavation induced settlement of ground adjacent to transition structures are a potential risk in the
vicinity of the southern portal, surface works between the southern portal and Clapham Rail Yard
worksite, where there is potential for unconsolidated sediments and shallow water table levels.
There is also the potential for some lateral relaxation of soils associated with soil retaining structures
that may be adopted in the vicinity of the Clapham Rail Yard worksite and the southern portal.
Preliminary assessment of construction induced ground settlement indicates that there is a low risk of
significant effects between Boggo Road Station and the southern portal at Yeerongpilly.
Further detail regarding potential settlement risk identified in the geotechnical investigations completed
for the Project and compiled from previous investigations are provided in the Preliminary Geotechnical
Interpretive Report (AECOM 2010a).
Erosion risk
Areas of high erosion risk and steep areas, eg greater than 10% gradient, have been identified in the
vicinity of Dutton Park and Fairfield, and are a potential risk to surface soil and landform stability during
surface works in this area. There is also a risk of impacts to surface water quality within the receiving
environment of Oxley Creek and its tributaries, as well as the Brisbane River resulting from sediment
movement. Further investigation in these areas would occur through future geotechnical investigations
to assess the physical and chemical conditions of surface and subsurface soils that are likely to be
disturbed on steep slopes during construction in order to quantify the risks associated with accelerated
erosion and develop appropriate soil management and erosion mitigation measures.
As illustrated on Figure 7-14, surface works occurring in Fairfield are likely to create or intercept slope
gradients greater than 10% in the vicinity of the ventilation and emergency access building and
associated worksite. Other areas of potential erosion risk include works associated with the
construction of Yeerongpilly Station and the associated worksite, road network changes and works
within Clapham Rail Yard.
The ventilation and emergency access building location and worksite at Fairfield is expected to be
either in the Brisbane River or Woodridge soil landscapes. These soils are considered to be of
moderate to high erosion risk, depending on steepness of the slope at the point of disturbance and
exposure to wind erosion.
The southern portal, new surface station at Yeerongpilly, southern worksite and works within the
Clapham Rail Yard worksite and the nearby Moorooka Station are expected to be within the
Woodridge or Woongoolba soil landscapes. These soil types are considered to be moderate to high
risk for erosion. Sediment control measures proposed for the sites within the southern section of the
study corridor would need to address the potential for flooding and sediment mobilisation at each of
the sites.
Mitigation measures would be implemented throughout to control and reduce the risk of accelerated
erosion impacts due to construction and operational activities (refer to Chapter 24 Draft Outline
EMP).
ASS is likely to be encountered by surface works between the southern portal and Clapham Rail Yard.
Activities likely to be associated with construction and operation that may disturb ASS is this area
include:
x surface works associated with the construction of the southern portal and the filling activities
proposed at the Clapham Rail Yard worksite
Mitigation
Settlement risk
Specific treatments at identified higher risk locations (AECOM 2010a) could include specific treatment
for settlement risk at the southern portal at Yeerongpilly and Boggo Road Station.
Treatment of high risk locations are further discussed in the Preliminary Geotechnical Interpretive
Report (AECOM 2010a).
Erosion risk
Detailed measures would be developed during the detailed design phase to achieve effective
sediment control within worksites and surface works areas and manage potential impacts from erosion
due to construction and operational activities (refer to Chapter 24 Draft Outline EMP). Site specific
erosion and sediment control plans would be prepared and adopted for the ventilation shaft location
and associated worksite, southern portal, new surface station at Yeerongpilly, southern worksite and
works within the Clapham Rail Yard worksite, including worksite access and all areas of surface
disturbance, within the southern section of the study corridor, to ensure that erosion and sediment
control measures are implemented and adequate to the nature and scale of disturbance. These
measures would also include site reinstatement measures once surface works are complete.
The mitigation measures for any ASS disturbance in the Project are detailed under Section 7.3.2.
Water management at the southern construction worksite and Clapham Rail Yard would be one of the
key elements for the management and mitigation of potential impacts resulting from the disturbance of
ASS. Therefore, it is essential to identify runoff and drainage control points within and exiting the sites
and design suitable control measures and structures to be installed during construction that would
divert or contain runoff from specific areas.
7.3.6 Summary
A summary of the potential Project impacts relating to topography, geology, geomorphology and soils
is presented in Table 7-11. The table also identifies the phase in which the impact is likely to occur,
the likelihood of the impact occurring and the phase in which mitigation measures would be
implemented.
The underlying geology within the study corridor is dominated by the Mesozoic Aspley and Tingalpa
Formations in the northern section and at the southern extent of the central section and northern
extent of the southern section. The Palaeozoic “Brisbane Metamorphics”, consisting of the Bunya
Phyllite and Neranleigh-Fernvale Formations, dominate throughout the central section of the study
corridor. The Mesozoic sediments of the Woogaroo Subgroup dominates the southern extent of the
southern section. Further detailed geotechnical investigation through Phase 3 drilling is to be
undertaken prior to detailed design, to adequately quantify and assess the geological/geotechnical
conditions within the study corridor.
Erosion risk is highest in areas where surface and subsurface soils would be disturbed on steep
slopes (greater than 10% gradient). Surface works at Ekka Station, the northern portal worksite in
Spring Hill, the ventilation and emergency access building and southern portal worksite have been
identified as having the highest erosion risk and will require soil erosion prevention techniques and
onsite management plans. With the incorporation of erosion control techniques it is unlikely that
significant erosion impacts will occur along the study corridor.
ASS are present within low lying areas within each section of the study corridor and would potentially
be disturbed by surface works between Mayne Rail Yard and the northern portal, Albert Street Station
and between the southern portal and Clapham Rail Yard. ASS investigations will be undertaken to
inform management techniques in these areas. ASS impacts are unlikely to occur if management
techniques are implemented for these areas.
Soil sampling and analysis would be required during geotechnical investigations to assess the physical
and chemical conditions of surface and subsurface soils that are likely to be disturbed during
construction in order to quantify the risks associated with accelerated erosion. These investigations
would include analysis for ASS and erosion potential for surface and near-surface soils.
There is the potential for disturbance of ASS sediments to result in impacts to the quality of both
surface water and groundwater. Implementation of ASS management techniques will reduce the
likelihood of these impact occurring. This would include undertaking surface water and groundwater
monitoring programs, during construction, with a view to protecting water resources and waterways
from soil disturbance activities.
7.4.1 Geology
The perceived significant ground-related risks identified in the Cross River Rail Preliminary
Geotechnical Interpretive Report (AECOM, 2010a) are:
x poor, variable ground/lack of cover for the river crossing and tunnels south of Boggo Road
x significant water-bearing discontinuities hydraulically connected to lenses of significant
compressible soil above drained tunnels/cavern in rock
x lack of cover, poor ground at station caverns
x lack of cover, poor ground at running tunnels
x deeper than expected poor ground at station box/shaft location, potentially combined with nearby
sensitive receiver to ground movements.
x variation of bedrock from the Reference Project based on differential weathering depths
x variability of rock mass from the Reference Project with a high likelihood of mixed face conditions
particularly near geological boundaries
x impact of jointing and shear zones on tunnel stability and groundwater inflows
x potential groundwater inflows/dewatering and the drawdown-induced settlements in compressible
overlying alluvial sediments
x impact on existing foundations and structures of the reference project, especially along Albert
Street and in CBD locations.
It was concluded in the Cross River Rail Preliminary Geotechnical Interpretive Report (AECOM
2010a), that whilst there are a number of probable geotechnical risks associated with the Project, no
geotechnical issues have been identified to-date that present as significantly unusual for such an
urban tunnelling project, that cannot be adequately mitigated against by systematic engineering
design.
The results of the preliminary assessment indicated that the effects of construction induced ground
movements associated with the Project are expected to be manageable through the application of
systematic engineering solutions. There is likely to be a need to provide for initial ground support
systems and ground treatment in some areas and dilapidation surveys prior to construction.
Throughout construction it would also be important to implement a comprehensive instrumentation and
monitoring program for settlement impacts (AECOM 2010a).
Mitigation measures for managing ASS in the study corridor would involve implementing best
management and monitoring practices in line with the principles outlined in Dear et al 2002
Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual - Soil Management Guidelines (version 3.8). The ASS
management plan would form a sub-plan under the site Environmental Management Plans and would
be implemented from the design phase and extend through to the pre-construction and construction
phases.