7 February 2011

A Selwyn District Council report on liquefaction has been released to give residents, property owners and the building sector an understanding of new building requirements following the Canterbury earthquake.

The report, prepared by Geotech Consulting Ltd, identifies that the main area of liquefaction in Selwyn is a strip, varying in width from 0.5 km to 1.5 km, following the Halswell River from the district’s north boundary at Halswell to Greenpark. Three much smaller areas of liquefaction are sited south of Prebbleton, near Motukarara and through Ladbrooks.

The report establishes a Selwyn District Potentially Liquefiable Ground Zone incorporating areas that liquefied and were subject to lateral spread in the 4 September earthquake and areas that could liquefy in future earthquakes.

“What this means for the owners of property inside the zone and within 300 metres of the zone is that future Land Information Memorandum (LIM) reports requested on their properties will include a reference to the liquefaction risk,” says Selwyn District Council Environmental Services Manager John Christensen.

“Owners looking to sell their properties should take note of this so it does not come as a surprise when potential buyers request LIM reports.”

The Liquefaction Report outlines appropriate foundation systems for new structures within the Potentially Liquefiable Ground Zone. The systems outlined in the report are consistent with the Department of Building and Housing’s recommendations for rebuilding in Canterbury issued in late December.

“All new building projects within the zone will require a geotechnical report to verify ground conditions before a Council building consent can be issued,” says Mr Christensen.

“Appropriate foundation systems will need to be used for new structures, based on the findings of these geotechnical reports.”

A copy of the full Liquefaction Report, including maps of the Potentially Liquefiable Ground Zone, is available on the Council’s website www.selwyn.govt.nz or can also be obtained by contacting the Council. Anyone with questions relating to the report can contact the Council on 03 347 2839.

ENDS

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