How Often Should You Be Monitoring Acid Sulfate Soil in Western Australia?
Effective monitoring of acid sulfate soils (ASS) is essential to prevent environmental degradation and protect the health of your site. The frequency and scope of monitoring activities should be tailored to the specific characteristics of the site and the nature of the proposed development.
A comprehensive monitoring plan also aids you in maintaining compliance with the relevant regulations. In Western Australia, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) provides specific directives for ASS management. Consulting these guidelines ensures that your monitoring program meets the necessary legal requirements.
For over 13 years, West Soil & Water has assisted Western Australian businesses in creating robust ASS monitoring programs with appropriate frequencies. Our team has an expert understanding of regulations and WA’s unique climate, leaving you with an effective solution.
This article outlines how we approach deciding a monitoring frequency for ASS. If you are unsure about your situation and would prefer to speak with one of our environmental consultants, you can contact us at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or on 0424 021 264.
Baseline Assessments
Before initiating any development activities, a comprehensive baseline assessment is crucial, acting as a foundation for monitoring and treatment plans. Without an assessment, you will not have the information necessary to set a suitable monitoring frequency, identify ideal treatment methods and apply accurate amounts of neutralising agents.
Furthermore, the assessment acts as a point of comparison – helping you understand whether your treatment and monitoring solutions have been effective. Comparing the baseline assessment with post-treatment monitoring will reveal whether the health of your soil is improving.
A baseline assessment will involve:
Desktop Study: We review existing geological and environmental data to assess the likelihood of ASS presence.
Site Inspection: Field surveys are conducted to identify visible signs of ASS, such as specific soil colours or vegetation stress.
- Soil Sampling and Analysis: We collect soil samples for laboratory analysis to determine levels of pH, total actual acidity (TAA) and potential acidity.
How Often Should You Be Monitoring During Development?
During construction or other soil-disturbing activities, regular monitoring is imperative to detect changes in soil and water quality.
Unfortunately, we cannot be any more specific. This is because monitoring frequency has to be tailored to each individual project’s scope and site sensitivity. Scope and sensitivity can be affected by:
Nature and Scale of Activities: Projects involving extensive soil disturbance, such as large-scale excavations or significant land modifications inherently pose a higher risk of exposing ASS. The greater the extent of soil disruption, the more vigilant and frequent the monitoring should be.
Duration of the Project: Long-term projects may encounter different conditions over time and as such, require a dynamic monitoring schedule.
Soil Composition and Characteristics: Sites with soils rich in iron sulfides, particularly pyrite, are more susceptible to acidification upon exposure to air and will require more frequent assessment.
Historical Land Use: Previous activities, such as mining or agriculture, may have already altered the soil chemistry, influencing ASS risks.
Considering these factors, WSW may utilise monitoring plans like:
High-Risk Activities: Projects involving significant excavation or dewatering in ASS-prone areas may require frequent monitoring, such as weekly assessments, to promptly identify and address potential issues.
Moderate-Risk Activities: Developments with minimal soil disturbance might necessitate bi-weekly or monthly monitoring.
Post-Development Soil Monitoring
Once development is completed, ongoing monitoring ensures that any delayed impacts of ASS are identified and managed appropriately. The duration and frequency of post-development monitoring should be determined based on the site’s characteristics and the outcomes of previous assessments. Typically:
Short-Term Monitoring: Conduct monthly assessments for the first six months post-development to ensure stabilisation.
- Long-Term Monitoring: If initial assessments indicate potential risks, quarterly monitoring may continue for up to two years to ensure environmental stability.
Our Perth-Based Acid Sulfate Soil Monitoring Solutions
Determining the appropriate frequency for ASS monitoring requires a thorough understanding of site-specific factors and regulatory requirements.
Engaging experienced environmental consultants, such as West Soil & Water, helps you create a monitoring plan appropriate for your site. Backed by over 13 years of experience, our plans will ensure site safety, environmental protection and compliance.
Our full list of services includes acid sulfate investigations, monitoring plans (ASSMPs) and treatment – all available to clients across Western Australia.
If you are worried about the presence of ASS on your site and would like to speak with a member of our team, you can contact WSW at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or on 0424 021 264.
