How Site Selectors Choose a Location
Soil and Water Conditions
Soil conditions and on-site water management can be a major issue for a prospective company. The results of soil boring tests provide the following critical information:
- Types of soils at different depths impact site drainage potential and structural soundness.
- The overall uniformity of the soil conditions across the site is also important. Rock outcrops, presence of peat deposits or changes in soil type may lead to difficult excavations, stability issues or differential settling of structures.
- Any presence of fill material can produce unknown foundation conditions as well as indicate potential contamination of the site.
- Depth to bedrock and type of bedrock will determine the extent (and cost) of the foundation required.
- Depth to groundwater and the fluctuation of the groundwater can impact foundation integrity. Access to high quality groundwater with a relatively high draw rate can be a differentiating asset for the site.
Another critical site issue is the existence of wetlands and the regulations that impact land use and encroachment near wetlands. In addition, the existence and location of the 100-year flood plain can have a significant impact on buildable acres and access within the site.