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Non-Destructive Excavation

Non-Destructive Excavation (NDD) Potholing – Safe, Precise Utility Exposure

Geotrace Australia provides non-destructive excavation (NDD) and potholing services to safely expose underground utilities without damaging assets. Our hydro vacuum excavation methods are ideal for confirming utility locations, conducting service verifications, or preparing for safe digging in high-risk areas.

What Is Non-Destructive Excavation?

NDD involves using high-pressure water to loosen soil, which is then vacuumed into a debris tank — allowing for safe, targeted excavation around underground services. This method significantly reduces the risk of damaging utilities compared to mechanical digging and is widely recommended before trenching or boring operations.

When Is Potholing Needed?

  • To positively identify utility locations before excavation
  • To verify the depth and alignment of services
  • To meet Duty of Care obligations after utility locating
  • As part of civil, construction, or infrastructure projects
  • For exploratory or environmental investigations

Advantages of Hydro Vacuum Excavation

  • Safe Around Services – Minimise strike risks for gas, water, power, fibre, and telecom lines
  • Non-Destructive – Protects underground infrastructure and surrounding surfaces
  • Highly Accurate – Ideal for confined areas, footpaths, or busy urban zones
  • Environmentally Friendly – Clean method with minimal surface disruption
  • Compliant – Meets all industry safety and environmental standards

Why Choose Geotrace?

  • Integrated Utility Locating + NDD – We scan, locate, and expose in one seamless service
  • Experienced Operators – Our team understands complex utility networks and how to excavate safely
  • Fully Equipped Fleet – Modern vacuum excavation trucks and support equipment
  • Fast Turnaround – Ideal for urgent service location verification

Protect People, Assets, and Projects with Safe Utility Exposure

Avoid costly utility strikes and ensure compliance by partnering with Geotrace for all your non-destructive digging and potholing needs.

📞 Phone: 1300 562 284
📧 Email: info@geotrace.com.au
🌐 http://geotrace.com.au

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Client Testimonials

Mrigesh Tamang
Mrigesh Tamang
Geotechnique
“Geotrace is very prompt in responding to my requests throughout the year. As a result they help complete all my projects with success for my clients as a Geotechnical Engineer and I highly and enthusiastically recommend Geotrace to any realavant Civil Enginering Consultants.”
Walter Garakasha
Walter Garakasha
Ausgrid
“I have used Geotrace since 2013 through Telstra’s list of Accredited Service Locators. Geotrace team are knowledgeable, responsive and above all punctual. I have used Geotrace (Antony and Darryl) on several transmission pole replacement projects since then to date. The team is very professional, and their charges are quite fair. Their service search reports are well detailed, making all jobs easy to execute. Geotrace proved to have a high standard of customer service as they communicate to you throughout the whole process. I recommend Geotrace for any service search requirements of any size. They do not disappoint”
Jessica Staehli
Jessica Staehli
JBS&G
"Antony and his team at Geotrace are a reliable and efficient company and are always quick to respond to queries, with expert advice provided on site. They are a pleasure to work with."
Justin Hofmann
Justin Hofmann
Environmental Scientist Geotechnique Pty Ltd
“As an environmental consultancy, we rely on a service locators clearance to conduct our soil sampling involving test pit excavation, which always bares the inherent risk of striking buried utilities including gas, water supply, electricity, telecommunications etc. However knowing how proficient and professionally Geotrace staff identify services, gauge the risks and help us develop a systematic test pit location plan that mitigates the risk of encountering any services, I always have peace of mind knowing that I can carry out my fieldwork with far less concern for my teams safety, and avoiding the risk of financial burden and liability. Of the 6 years I have been working with Geotechnique. Antony and his Geotrace team have been our primary service locating service, and based on an excellent track record we have every intention of continuing to work together.”
Milad Noujaim
Milad Noujaim
Environmental Consultant JBS&G
“I’ve been hiring Geotrace for the last three years. They’re my go to company. Great service, great attention to detail, super responsive. Antony will go above and beyond to make sure we’re getting the best service. Highly recommended!!”
Bryan Zheng
Bryan Zheng
Geotechnical Engineer JK Geotechnics
“have been using Geotrace for 5 years and experiencing the excellent services from Antony and his versatile team members. I also witnessed the expansion of his team and business. Well Done Antony! Keep it Up! Antony is always being very prompt when responding our request and queries, and willing to contribute his best effort to solve the problems we encountered on site. Geotrace already become our first choice whenever we need a locating service.”
Troy Crozier
Troy CrozierPrincipal - Crozier Geotechnical Consultants
“We have utilised the services of Antony and his team at Geotrace for over 10 years on dozens of projects all across Sydney and adjacent towns to assist in identification of underground services in our work sites and also for assessment of cliff lines with their drone technologies. We have always found them to be knowledgeable and professional in their services and we will be continuing to use them in our projects into the future.”

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FAQ

10 reasons why you should engage with Geotrace

Over 35 years in business.
We have completed over 200,000 jobs.
We have over 1800 clients across Australia and the globe.
We are available 365 days 24/7

Your concerns, the risks and liabilities involved in the utility location and construction process.

We own specialised, state-of-the-art equipment which enables us to locate the exact area and depth of most utility types on the property of the proposed project site.

Over our 35 years we have engaged and built trusted relationships with an array of leading key industry players across Australia including:

  • Residential home owners
  • Tier 1 and Tier 2 builders
  • Environmental, Structural and Geotechnical engineers
  • Construction companies
  • Developers
  • Real estate agents
  • Plumbers
  • Electricians
  • Pool specialists
  • All trades
  • Installers

We are a small, committed and dedicated team.
With a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion, teamed with our customer centric attitude, we enjoy building rapport and strong relationships with our clients.

Having served various industries over the years, we understand the inherent risks associated with the breaking of ground particularly on development and construction sites where multiple underground services are, or may be, present.

Industries include:

  • Federal Government
  • Government (public works NSW)
  • Utility providers
  • Councils
  • Construction
  • Medical centres
  • Nursing homes
  • Shopping centres
  • Service stations
  • Rail
  • Nuclear facilities
  • Stadiums and Arenas
  • Banks
  • ATM’s
  • Universities
  • Campuses
  • Schools
  • Community halls
  • Heritage sites
  • Residential homes
  • Low, medium and high-density apartments
  • Industrial complexes
  • Commercial properties

Our extensive reports ensure you have proof of due diligence being conducted, and that you are compliant. With this you will have peace of mind knowing you have diligently identified and considered all associated risks.

Geotrace’s utility locators team visits the site before a project begins.
Once the assessment, location and report has been presented, you are able to commence with confidence and peace of mind, knowing you have minimized the risk of damaging underground utilities, resources and assets.

We are supported in an advisory role with GPRS (the biggest utility locating company in the USA who have over 150 offices). With their extensive knowledge, as well as the shared tips, tools and techniques, we are able to learn, understand and implement best practices at all times.

With our certifications and accreditations in place you have peace of mind that you are working with a legal, competent and equipped team.

  • Member of CERTLOC
  • CLO Certified (Certified Location Organisation)
  • Member of NULCA (National Utility Locating Contractors Association)
  • Geotrace complies with The Australian Standards (AS5488:2019)
  • Accredited with Telstra Fibre / Copper and Optus / Uecomm
    Certified with RSW (Rail Safety Worker)
  • Certified and registered with CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority)
  • Licenced drone operator – Remote Piloted Operator Certificates (REOC) and Remote Pilots Licences (RPL).
  • We carry Public Liability Insurance, Professional indemnity as well as the required Workers Compensation.

Call Us Or Schedule Your Appointment With Geotrace Australia

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Geotrace Australia

Geotrace Australia is a trusted, family-owned utility locating company providing expert subsurface mapping and non-destructive excavation services since 1985.

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Geotrace Australia is a trusted, family-owned utility locating company providing expert subsurface mapping and non-destructive excavation services since 1985.

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