Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Collect and collate initial information

1.1 Consult client and confirm objectives of assessment

1.2 Source and verify site plans and maps

1.3 Identify and acquire required resources

1.4 Prepare base plan of the site and relevant surrounds

1.5 Verify location, ownership and site boundaries

1.6 Identify and record current land use and environmental threats and problems

1.7 Identify and record covenants that could affect the project, design or report

1.8 Determine climate and weather conditions from historical data

2. Undertake initial site visit

2.1 Meet site entry conditions and obtain approval if required

2.2 Identify site hazards and assess risks for current visit

2.3 Undertake site orientation

2.4 Identify and record existing on-site and adjacent site features that may impact upon the project, plan or report objectives

2.5 Identify, and measure and record or confirm site dimensions, levels and gradients

3. Compile a site inventory

3.1 Identify soil and growing media types, properties and relevant physical characteristics and record on-site inventory

3.2 Record the species, health, age and location of vegetation

3.3 Locate structural elements and confirm existing services and facilities

3.4 Record the presence, location and extent of other relevant site constraints

3.5 Sample areas of homogeneous soils and growing media to send for testing and analysis of soil content and contamination as requested by client or as required in the brief provided

4. Determine the impact of development for trees on site

4.1 Obtain the consulting arborist report to assess trees on site

4.2 Determine and record tree protection zones

4.3 Document the impact of proposed development on each tree

4.4 Identify trees that are exempt from approval requirements

4.5 Identify and locate on the site plan trees impacted by development, according to regulations applying in the local jurisdiction

4.6 Include trees identified by the consulting arborist report as requiring pruning or removal in a development application

5. Document a site assessment report

5.1 Interpret soil and growing media tests results and analyse for further testing requirements

5.2 Record specific recommendations of remedial action for site problems

5.3 Formulate recommendations for appropriate risk controls of site hazards

5.4 Store and maintain survey and assessment data

5.5 Document site information

5.6 Incorporate all relevant data into the assessment report in accordance with client needs and the requirements of relevant legislation and regulations

5.7 Deliver a copy of the report to the client and advise the client of content and implications of the report