While carrying out any kind of building, landscaping or civil work you may have heard of the terms fill sand and clean fill sand. They are used quite often but it is worth knowing what the differences are as selecting the wrong type could be very costly. We will examine these two products and see how they differ.
Formula Transport offers both fill sand and clean fill sand for sale and delivery across Australia, and many ask which one will be suitable for their job.
This is essentially the result.
What Is Fill Sand?
Fill sand is a common phrase used loosely to describe any sand which may be used for raising or levelling land, filling before landscaping or filling for construction. Fill sands are coarse and gritty sands and are particularly useful as a stable foundation for slabs, paving, driveways and foundations. Fill sand can be purchased from quarries and the natural environment and will vary considerably in composition.
Since fill sand is normally used for construction and load bearing application there is no need to have a purity level in the sand that you would if you were going to use it in a garden or as a decorative. You certainly don't want to be using poor quality fill sand which has a high level of organic matter or a poor gradation but that is worth having than pure sand.
What Is Clean Fill Sand?
Clean fill sand can only be labelled clean fill sand, if it has been certified to have been tested to confirm it does not have any building debris, asbestos, chemicals, hydrocarbons, plastics or other contamination in it. In Australia, "clean fill" is an earth classification and it is illegal to have it delivered to site unless it has been proven to meet state EPAs (Environmental Protection Agencies).
A must have for any water related, residential, agricultural or any project dealing with contaminated soil and ground water. Due to the additional testing and paper work clean fill sand can be a more appropriate choice for delicate ecological projects and will most likely be a requirement by council.
Important Differences Between Fill Sand and Clean Fill Sand
1. Certification and Testing
The main difference is verification. Clean fill sand could be supplied with verification of testing for contamination unlike the normal sand fill. Where council sign off, or environmental issues play a part then clean fill sand would most likely be required.
2. Intended Use
Fill sand- usually used to compact and level in where there is a minimal risk of contamination to human health or the environment, e.g. Under a shed slab, or in some landscaping work where there is a minimal risk. Clean fill sand- used in sensitive areas e.g. Around creeks and wetlands, or adjacent to residential developments, or in demolition and remediation works that will not be approved unless the appropriate standards are attained.
3. Cost
In summary, clean fill sand will cost more than fill sand due to requirements for testing, documentation and source. Fill sand will be a cost effective option if certification is not required.
4. Regulatory Requirements
Many local councils and environment agencies in Australia will require certain types of fill material to be used on a site, particularly when in areas close to a pristine environment. If the wrong type of fill material is not supplied (sanctioned fill if clean fill should be used) it can cause a lot of trouble and cost with fines, delays and re-work. Check requirements before ordering.
Which One Do You Need?
Basically it all comes down to three things: Where your building site is located, the requirements of your local council, and how environmentally sensitive your neighborhood is.
Choose standard fill sand if:
- No water sensitive land sites and low risk. That is, ensure that your vicinity does not contain any water sites.
- Certified clean fill documentation not required for your council or project.
- Is very cost effective for compaction & leveling.
Choose clean fill sand if:
- Your site is adjacent to a canal, marsh or populated area and strict controls are required.
- Requires atmospheric authority approval council. Approves council with unchanging contaminated matter.
- Reconfiguration of ex-industrial or demolition sites.
- You need me to be sure that nothing can contaminate this material.
Why Sourcing and Transport Matter?
Whichever sand you need for your project the quality of the destination supplier and transporter will be as important as the sand. Delivery delays can impact on project programming and poor quality or inconsistent materials can cost you quality in the build. Choosing a quality transport and materials supplier will ensure the right product arrives on time and with the documentation required if certified.
Formula Transport has the capacity to supply and deliver fill sand, or certified clean fill sand, for any project across Australia. We have all the industry experience to help you select the right fill for your site, considering where it is located, the type of project, council and environmental requirements.
Final Thoughts
We know that fill sand and clean fill sand look similar but this is where it starts to differ-what they are used for, and what are the safety and regulatory specifications. Fill sand is considered a top option for general work where levelling and compaction will take place, in low risk areas. Whereas clean fill is used for projects where delicate contamination controls have to be maintained or council requirements adhered to. What you buy could be the difference between time delays and costly failures or ecological hazards.
If you're unable to determine which material you need? Then contact Formula Transport today. We will quickly and efficiently source and supply the correct fill material to the quality standards that you require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clean fill sand more expensive than regular fill sand?
Yes, on the whole. Clean fill sand is more costly due to having to be tested, certified and documented that it is contaminant free before it leaves to be used at the site.
Can I use regular fill sand near a waterway?
Not normally. If the site is close to the water courses, wetlands or sensitive ecological environments, then it may require licensed clean fill sand to prevent potential contamination and meet a number of strict council and environmental policies.
How do I know if my project needs clean fill sand?
Please check with your local council or environment agency. Close proximity to rivers, populated areas or contaminated ground often requires the use of an approved clean fill material.
Does Formula Transport supply both types of sand?
We can supply and deliver both standard fill sand and approved clean fill sand to sites all over Australia to ensure you choose the right material for each individual site's requirements.
Will I suffer any consequences if I decide to put un-approved fill in the designated clean fill areas?
You could result in project delays, council fines or costly remediation work. The use of non-compliant fill material also puts approval of site inspections and future approvals at risk, so check requirements in advance.
Is fill sand suitable for building foundations?
Yes, fill sand is used under slabs and foundations compacted to a firm base providing the material is of good quality and the correct source.
