Background
Solar Farm projects are increasingly becoming a significant infrastructure focus for regional and national government work programmes to support carbon offsetting and carbon neutral strategies.
With a significant landmass and abundant solar resource, Australia has the potential to maximise the use of solar farms to achieve sustainable energy generation.
Used in conjunction with wind, hydropower (including pumped-hydro) and hydrogen power generation, decarbonization of Australia’s energy system is a viable and achievable option within a generation.
Problem
During the construction phase of a Melbourne Water solar farm in Melbourne’s South East, 40Ha of land was developed to create the engineered base for the construction phase to commence.
The engineered base of the solar farm had specific environmental parameters which had to be maintained for up to 12 months before the construction commenced.
Any damage to that base caused by wind and rain would result in significant rework of the site at additional cost to the client, along with potential delays and localised environmental impact.
Solution
Statewide River & Stream Management Pty Ltd recommended the application of Vital Bon-Matt Stonewall (IGD) at a 10% dilution (1:9 ratio) for an effective, durable and sustainable solution, affording the required standard of stabilisation for the 12 month set down period.
Benefit
Statewide River & Stream Management Pty Ltd utilised a purpose-built 5m spray boom to provide a capability to stabilise up to 5Ha per day.
The site was quickly and effectively stabilised, providing an immediate and noticeable reduction in dust generation as well as withstanding a significant high intensity rainfall event within 24 hours of completion.
The site continues to meet the required high standards required to achieve specification for stage 2 of the development.