Developing an effective acid sulfate soil management plan (ASSMP) is crucial in mitigating the environmental and structural risks associated with exposed acid sulfate soils (ASS).
ASSMPs identify and evaluate risks, outline containment strategies and provide frameworks for ongoing monitoring that ensure the integrity of your site into the future.
At West Soil & Water, we update ASSMPs that have either been written by the client or sourced from another consultant. Often, these soil management plans are insufficiently researched and poorly executed, leaving the client at risk of acid sulfate soil damage and regulatory punishment.
To protect your project from such difficulties, we have made this list of the 5 most common mistakes we find to undermine the efficacy of ASSMPs.
Mistake: Failing to conduct comprehensive site investigations to identify the presence and extent of ASS before commencing development.
Consequence: Overlooking ASS occurrences can lead to unexpected acidification, environmental harm and costly remediation works.
Solution: Perform detailed site assessments, including soil sampling and analysis, to determine ASS characteristics. A proactive approach like this allows for informed decision-making and effective management strategies.
Mistake: Developing ASSMPs that lack detailed and site-specific management measures.
Consequence: Generic or vague plans may fail to address each site’s unique conditions, leading to ineffective mitigation of ASS impacts.
Solution: Tailor your management strategies to the specific conditions of the site, including:
Prevention Measures: Strategies to avoid or minimise ASS disturbance.
Neutralisation Techniques: Specify the use of appropriate neutralising agents with precise application rates based on soil acidity levels.
Water Management: Implement controlled drainage and maintain appropriate water tables to prevent sulfide oxidation.
Detailed and site-specific strategies make an ASSMP stronger and more effective.
Mistake: Omitting provisions for ongoing monitoring and reporting in the ASSMP.
Consequence: Without continuous monitoring, changes in soil and water conditions may go undetected, leading to unmanaged acidification and environmental damage. You will also be unable to assess the efficacy of any treatment strategies.
Solution: Incorporate a comprehensive monitoring program that includes:
Regular Sampling: Conduct periodic soil and water testing to detect pH fluctuations and metal mobilisation.
Performance Criteria: Establish benchmarks to assess the effectiveness of management measures.
Reporting Protocols: Define clear procedures for documenting and communicating monitoring results to stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
Consistent monitoring ensures timely identification and prevention of potential issues.
Mistake: Failing to develop contingency measures for unexpected ASS disturbances or management failures.
Consequence: Unforeseen events can exacerbate ASS-related problems, leading to environmental harm and failed compliance.
Solution: Include contingency plans in the ASSMP that outline:
Emergency Response Actions: Steps to address accidental ASS exposure or acidification events.
Alternative Management Strategies: Backup measures if primary strategies prove ineffective.
Stakeholder Communication Plans: Protocols for informing relevant parties during incidents.
Contingency planning strengthens your resilience against unexpected challenges.
Mistake: Overlooking or misunderstanding local, state and federal government regulations pertaining to ASS management.
Consequence: Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, project delays and remediation expenses.
Solution: Familiarise yourself with local ASS management guidelines and ensure your ASSMP aligns with regulatory requirements. In Western Australia the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation provides specific directives for ASS assessment and management.
Although common, these mistakes are all avoidable. By implementing thorough, compliant and site-specific ASSMPs, you can effectively manage acid sulfate soil risks on your site.
We always recommend consulting an experienced environmental professional when creating or updating an ASSMP. At WSW, our team has an expert understanding of Western Australia’s unique environment and tailors management plans to suit.
We also offer baseline investigation, treatment and monitoring services to ensure environmental protection and project success.
If you would like a member of our team to review your ASSMP and recommend improvements, please contact WSW at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or on 0424 021 264.
