acid sulfate soil Monitoring
Acid Sulfate Soil Monitoring Services in Western Australia
Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are a significant environmental concern across WA. These soils, which are rich in iron sulfides, thrive in our low-lying coastal regions and wetlands.
When disturbed and exposed to air through activities like excavation or demolition, ASS can oxidise to form sulfuric acid. The acidification process can lead to serious environmental and structural risks, including ecosystem damage and corrosion in infrastructure. In tur, this affects your regulatory compliance.
Early identification is critical in mitigating these risks. Once ASS is identified, you must implement robust management and mitigation plans.
To be effective, these plans should be paired with a comprehensive monitoring program. Regular monitoring ensures that mitigation efforts are working, maintains compliance and provides ongoing insights into the health of soil.
At West Soil & Water, we create tailored monitoring solutions for ASS, helping businesses across the state manage their environmental risks with confidence.
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Understanding Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS)
ASS are naturally occurring soils and sediments common in WA’s low lying coastal regions and wetlands. These soils are rich in iron sulfides, meaning that if they are disturbed and exposed to air, they will oxidise to produce sulfuric acid. Oxidation can be an unexpected consequence of excavation, demolition and other works.
Soil acidification poses risks to the natural environment and human made structures. It can cause:
Degradation of soil (including lower fertility in farmland)
Contamination of water (both drinking supplies and aquatic ecosystems)
Damage to surrounding ecosystems
Corrosion of concrete and steel structures
The most effective way of mitigating these risks is to identify ASS early and implement robust management and treatment plans.
However, any plan is incomplete without effective and consistent monitoring. A monitoring plan ensures that all strategies are effective, assists you in maintaining your compliance and provides a consistent update about the health of your soil.
How We Monitor Acid Sulfate Soils in Perth
Our team of environmental consultants offers tailored services to effectively monitor and manage ASS:
Desktop Assessments and Site Inspections
Desktop Assessments: We conduct thorough reviews of existing data, including geological maps and land use records, to assess the potential presence of ASS.
Site Inspections: Our team performs on-site evaluations to identify visible indicators of ASS, such as soil discoloration or distressed vegetation.
Soil and Groundwater Sampling
Soil Sampling: We collect soil samples at various depths to determine the presence and concentration of sulfides.
Groundwater Sampling: Monitoring groundwater quality helps assess the potential impact of ASS on water resources.
Laboratory Analysis
Utilising NATA-accredited laboratories, we analyse soil and water samples to quantify parameters such as pH, sulfate concentrations and the presence of heavy metals.
Scientific Reporting
We compile reports detailing our findings, risk assessments and recommended changes to your management strategy.
Regulatory Consultation and Approvals
Our team contacts local government to facilitate necessary approvals, ensuring your project is in line with guidelines.
In addition to monitoring services, we can also assist with:
Baseline Investigations: WSW carries out investigations to determine the presence, extent and severity of ASS on your site. This information is used as a foundation for future planning and mitigation.
Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plans (ASSMPs): We develop and implement ASSMPs to ensure potential risks are identified and managed proactively. These plans outline strategies for soil handling, treatment and ongoing assessments throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Acid Sulfate Soil Treatment: Across Western Australia, we tailor chemical and biological treatment solutions to the needs of your site.
West Soil & Water: Leaders in Acid Sulfate Soil Services in Western Australia
West Soil & Water have over a decade of experience in helping Australian businesses protect themselves from ASS.
Our monitoring programs are rooted in objective sampling and analysis. Using NATA-accredited laboratories, we assess all parameters to ensure that we have a full understanding of a potential ASS presence on your site.
Our subsequent reporting will assist you in maintaining your compliance and keeping your soil healthy into the future.
We can also help you identify ASS, implement an ASSMP and carry out treatments to ensure the presence does not escalate into soil degradation, water contamination or structural damage.
If you would like to speak with one of our environmental consultants, you can contact us at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or on 0424 021 264.
FAQs
What Do I Have to Consider When Creating a Treatment Plan?
Across their 13 years of experience, our team have formed a list of the most reliable indicators of ASS on your site.
These signals, such as Titratable Actual Acidity (TAA) and Potential Sulfidic Acidity (PSA) are particularly useful in WA’s unique environment. You can read more about them here.
How Can I Create an Effective Monitoring Solution?
Effective monitoring of ASS requires a tailored approach based on site-specific conditions, project scope and regulations set by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).
To create a solution that works, you must understand the unique conditions of your site and how they impact the extent and potency of ASS. You can read more in this article.
