Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS)

Western Australia’s coastal plains are beautiful, unique, but can be challenging for projects in many regards. Developments and civil projects around rivers and lakes are attractive prospects, but are frequently met with the challenge of acid sulfate soils. Soils containing iron sulphides are harmless when left undisturbed, but when exposed to oxygen by dewatering or excavation, can turn acidic rapidly generating sulphuric acid and releasing heavy metals.

Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) Investigation

Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) Investigations are typically triggered by development approval conditions, or by the ASS risk and excavations specific to your site. The investigation process can be complex, and getting the right advice in the first instance is crucial to ensure you can isolate soils which might require treatment AND soils that don’t. 

The staff at Environmental Site services have the real-life knowledge and experience which can only come from completing investigations and ASS management programs throughout the state, from the Kimberley and NT to the Southwest. We are able to complete all aspects of the investigation process including:

• Desktop Assessment and Site Inspections
• Soil and groundwater sampling
• Laboratory analysis
• Scientific reporting
• Regulator consultation and approvals  

Treatment and Management

Activities with the potential to disturb Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) need to be managed carefully, or they can lead to ongoing issues for the environment and liabilities for years to come.  

Every project comes with unique challenges, whether it be limited space, financial drivers or time pressures, there is always a critical aspect which requires innovation to succeed. The last thing your project needs is the encumbrance of a management plan they’re required to follow, but isn’t practical on the ground. Environmental Site Services work with you to develop truly practical management solutions for ASS, and create strategies which overcome your site’s unique challenges while remaining adaptable to change. 

Environmental Site Services can provide everything you need to lead your project through all requirements of ASS management including:

• Strategic project advice 
• Development of Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS) and dewatering management plans
• On-site management and treatment
• Coordinating off-site treatment
• Groundwater monitoring and treatment
• Training site personnel
• Validation sampling reporting
• Regulator consultation and approvals

Acid Sulfate Soils Resources

Provided by Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Acid Sulfate Soils Factsheets

Acid Sulfate Soils ASS Risk Maps

Acid Sulfate Soils Guidelines

Call now to speak to one of our consultants on 08 9355 4010 or use the Contact Form below.