Soil resistivity surveys underway

Soil resistivity testing is now underway along the proposed stage one alignment for the North West Transmission Developments project, marking another important step in the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase. These surveys are progressing tower by tower from Burnie through to Palmerston, measuring how electricity flows through the ground at each site.

The results will directly inform the design of earthing systems for transmission towers. This critical infrastructure works to protect people, livestock and equipment by safely dispersing any electrical faults and lightning strikes.

By tailoring the earthing design to each site’s unique geology, engineers can improve safety, reduce long-term maintenance, and ensure the reliable operation of the transmission line for years to come.

The surveys are being conducted at a challenging time of year, with wet paddocks making access tricky. Surveyors are working to minimise impacts by only driving on existing tracks and walking the rest of the way to where towers are proposed to go. They travel light, with testing equipment carried in a backpack, which has also helped them traverse challenging terrain such as steep bushland.

TasNetworks land agents and field staff from Genus have been accompanying the survey team, helping to navigate the terrain, identify proposed tower locations, and coordinate with landholders. The surveys have provided a valuable opportunity to catch up with landholders and answer any questions.

TasNetworks thanks landholders for their ongoing engagement, including allowing such surveys to progress and for feedback provided on the best location of infrastructure as we work to minimise impacts wherever possible.

This hands-on collaboration is a great example of how technical work and community engagement go hand in hand to keep the project moving forward.