Geotechnical Assessments

Erosion Management Overlays (EMOs)

Erosion Management Overlays (EMOs) are set by local councils to manage erosion and landslip risks before development can go ahead.

If your property falls under an EMO, you’ll likely need a geotechnical assessment to get planning approval for a new build, extension, or construction project.

The Stage One Geotechnical Assessment Report provides an overview of the site’s stability and states whether further assessment (i.e. Stage Two) is required. In some cases, if no significant risks are found, Stage One may be enough for council approval.

The process starts with a desktop study, where we review geological maps, past landslide records, and site conditions like rainfall and slope angles. Next, we do an on-site inspection to check soil stability, groundwater flow, drainage, and any signs of movement, such as cracks or bulging.

Our geotechnical engineer/engineering geologist will:

• Review background information, including geological maps and past landslip records.
• Inspect the site for visible signs of instability, such as cracks, bulging, tilting trees, or previous slips.
• Assess factors like slope gradient, soil type, drainage, and groundwater conditions.

After that, we assess the risk level and recommend solutions if needed. This might include retaining walls, better drainage, soil stabilisation, or vegetation management.

We put everything into a comprehensive geotechnical report for council approval, and if required, a Chartered Professional can sign off on planning declarations.

At Smolders Geotechnical, we specialise in geotechnical assessments for EMO sites across Victoria. Our expert team provides reports that meet council requirements, and we can liaise with planning authorities to make the process easier.

Geotechnical Assessment reports are only permitted to be signed off by geotechnical professionals that have achieved a registered/chartered status specifically in this area of expertise. We have the required hard earnt registration, experience and required signoffs for any EMO reports and landslip investigations.
We also deliver a full suite of other Geotechnical services and testing.

• All work is carried out by qualified engineering geologists or geotechnical engineers.
• Fully insured with Professional Indemnity and Public Liability coverage.
• Extensive experience with residential and commercial developments.
• We offer a wide range of drilling rigs and equipment to suit any site conditions.
• Members of the Foundations and Footing Society Victoria, Australian Geomechanics Society, and the Australian Institute of Geoscientists.
• Fast, responsive, and comprehensive service.
• Expertise with challenging and tight-access sites.
• Your first step to achieving the best outcome for your build.

Our Services Include:

• Soil Testing/Site Classification Reports to AS2870:2011
• Geotechnical Assessments and Landslip Risk Assessments for EMO
• Full Geotechnical Site Assessments
• Basement Investigations
• Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Testing
• Land Capability Assessments (LCA)
• Footing Probes
• Bushfire Attack Levels, Wind Load Ratings