New development on dairyland

[bflores]

In Southern California, there are large tracts of dairyland overlaid with 3 to 6 feet of manure. These areas are being converted to new development of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. Similar surrounding developments have required the removal of said manure due to geotechnical recommendations, resulting in the projects being in an earthwork cut situation. Importing significant amounts of fill material is too expensive. Consequently, the major infrastructure such as roads and pipelines, along with the mass grading, has had to be lowered.
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> Are there similar situations elsewhere in the U.S., with similar identified impacts?

 

[gtrainor]

Yep, Here in AZ, we have had many developments go up on dairy land, and the manure has to go. The trick is to find someone who is trying to get rid of excavated soil. You'll also have to watch for deep holes of manure since some farmers had a tendancy to dig a big trench and fill it with manure and other trash. I would strongly suggest some historical photos and interviews with the former owners if possible. If you don't find these trenches now, the very angry homeowner will come after you later.