Acid Sulfate Soil Investigations (ASSI)
ASS management plans (ASSMP) by the grounded professionals.
Acid Sulfate Soil (ASS) services
Preliminary site investigations - conducted to assess the presence and extent of actual or potential acid sulfate soils (AASS and PASS) in a given area, as well as the potential for ASS disturbance during excuvation works. This is done by reviewing existing information, conducting limited field reconnaissance, and collecting soil and water samples for analysis.
Detailed site investigations - including the design of soil, surface and groundwater sampling plan and analytical methodology to identify the spatial distribution of AASS and PASS.
Acid sulfate soil investigation reports to document the findings of the preliminary or detailed ASS investigation. Carried out in accordance with National and NSW state ASS guidelines
Acid sulfate soil management plans (ASSMP) to outline the steps that should be taken to manage the risks posed by the excavation and oxidization of ASS.
Follow up validation and monitoring studiesto verify the effectiveness of the management measures used to control acid sulfate soils (ASS).
We have extensive experience in both small- and large-scale ASS investigations. Our team includes certified Registered Soil Practitioners – Acid Sulfate Soil, accredited by Soil Science Australia, ensuring expert assessment and management.
See our case study page for more details
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Acid sulfate soil (ASS) materials are distinguished from other soil or sediment materials by having properties and behaviour that have either:
been affected considerably by the oxidation of Reduced Inorganic Sulfur (RIS), or
the capacity to be affected considerably by the oxidation of their RIS constituents.
The are commonly found in coastal areas elevated < 5 m AHD. The factor common to all ASS materials is that RIS components have either had, or may have, a major influence on the properties or behaviour of these soil materials.
Local and state government environmental protection laws often prohibit new developments from occurring in areas zoned as potentially having ASS.
The disturbance to lands underlain with ASS can lead to large scale acidification of local soils and lead to water quality issues.
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Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), an ASS investigation is required if works are likely to disturb AASS or PASS and the works are subject to a development consent. This includes works such as:
Earthworks, such as excavation, grading, and filling in area below 5 m AHD.
Drainage works, such as the construction of drains or wells.
Water management works, such as the construction of dams or weirs.
Waste disposal works, such as the landfill of waste.
Under the National Environmental Protection (Assessment) Act 1995 (NEPA Act), an ASS is required if works are likely to disturb ASS and the works are a controlled action under the NEPA Act. This includes works such as:
The construction of a major infrastructure project, such as a road or railway.
The development of a major industrial or commercial site.
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• NSW Acid Sulfate Soils Manual, created by the NSW Acid Sulfate Soil management advisory committee (ASSMAC)
• National acid sulfate soils sampling and identification methods manual
• National acid sulfate soils identification and laboratory methods manual National Acid Sulfate Soils Guidance.
• Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil technical manual