How to Implement an Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plan
Common in Western Australia’s coastal and wetland regions, acid sulfate soils (ASS) are naturally occurring, sulfide-rich soils and sediments. Undisturbed, they pose little to no harm. However, if exposed to air through construction, agriculture and other activities, the sulfides will oxidise to produce sulfuric acid. This can cause significant degradation of the natural environment and […]
Monitoring and Reporting for Acid Sulfate Soils: What’s Required for Compliance?
Effective monitoring and reporting are critical components in the management of acid sulfate soils (ASS). ASS are naturally occurring soils rich in iron sulfides, typically formed in the waterlogged, anaerobic conditions found in Western Australia’s coastal regions and wetlands. Undisturbed, ASS pose little to no threat. However, if they are exposed and able to oxidise, […]
How WSW Creates Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plans in Western Australia
Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are naturally occurring, sulfide-rich soils common in Western Australia’s wetlands and low-lying coastal regions. If exposed to air, the sulfides will oxidise to produce sulfuric acid. This has the potential to cause an array of issues: Damages to ecosystems and the natural environment Damages to man-made structures (particularly steel and concrete) […]
Who Needs an Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plan?
Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are naturally occurring soils and sediments containing iron sulfides, which can produce sulfuric acid when exposed to air. Sulfuric acid can lead to environmental degradation, structural damage and unplanned remediation costs for Western Australian infrastructure projects. Creating an acid sulfate soil management plan (ASSMP) is the surest way of preventing these issues […]
5 Common Mistakes in Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plans and How to Avoid Them
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 […]
The Key Indicators We Watch in Acid Sulfate Soil Monitoring
How We Identify and Monitor Acid Sulfate Soils in Perth Monitoring acid sulfate soils (ASS) is essential to prevent environmental degradation and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Effective monitoring is rooted in specific indicators that signal changes in soil and water chemistry. Over 13 years of operation, the team at West Soil & Water has been […]
Innovative Approaches to Acid Sulfate Soil Treatment: What’s on the Horizon?
Innovative Approaches to Acid Sulfate Soil Treatment: What’s on the Horizon? Acid sulfate soils (ASS) present significant environmental challenges. When allowed to oxidise, they can cause soil acidification, water contamination and infrastructure degradation. Traditional remediation methods are widely understood and have been employed for many years. One such strategy is to use neutralising agents like […]
Site and soil evaluations in wa
If you are an land owner looking to subdivide and develop, a residential or commercial developer or planning consultant, or the owner of a new commerical facility with wastewater to be managed – you may have found your way here by searching “what IS a Site and Soil Evaluation?”. For areas that are not in […]
Installation of Groundwater Monitoring Bores
An integral component in the investigation of groundwater at any given site is the proper and thorough installation of Groundwater Monitoring Bores (GMBs). Appropriate installation of GMBs provides the platform for accurate determination of groundwater quality and depth. Construction of GMBs also provides an opportunity to observe and record site specific geological information, and on-site […]
Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plans
Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are naturally occurring soils and sediments containing iron sulfides, most commonly pyrite. When ASS are exposed to air the iron sulfides in the soil react with oxygen and water to produce a variety of iron compounds and sulfuric acid. Initially a chemical reaction, the process is accelerated by soil bacteria. The […]
