1 - Physical considerations in site selection

Abstract

This chapter is designed to illustrate the physical considerations in site selection. Apart from the obvious influence of topography in producing shelter or the enhanced exposure to wind, the influence of large topographic features can be sufficient to generate small-scale weather systems which are capable of producing significant winds. Three types of winds are diurnal winds, lee waves, and gravity winds. Many industrial processes and factories require specific accessibility for one particular form of transport, such as distribution warehousing, transport operations and those industries dealing with bulk commodities. For other industries access to strategic modal networks is important in order to be competitive where cost of transport and time savings are a significant factor. The control of drainage and sewerage systems and of sewage disposal is governed entirely by Parliamentary Acts and statutory regulation. The Building Regulations 1985 and Public Health Acts 1936 and 1961 cover sewerage, sewage disposal, drainage and sanitation for buildings and other public health matters. The outfall of a foul-water drainage system should discharge into a foul-water or combined drainage system. Where such a drainage system is not conveniently available and cannot economically be extended to a site, other methods of foul-water disposal will be necessary, either a cesspool or a septic tank.