Acid Sulphate Soils
Acid
sulphate soil is a critical consideration for development
and environmental planning projects within the coastal zone.
The potential occurrence of this hazard must be identified
through a risk assessment prior to project design, or
serious environmental and financial consequences may be
incurred.
Acid
Sulphate Soils occur naturally over extensive low lying
areas of coastal Australia, predominantly below 5 metres
above sea level, and generally in the muddy and sandy soils
of mangrove forests, salt marshes, paper bark forests and
flood plains. If Acid Sulphate Soils are disturbed by
excavation or exposed to oxygen through land drainage, a
chemical reaction occurs which results in the production of
harmful quantities of sulphuric acid. The dispersal of Acid
Sulphate Soils leachate into waterways can result in the
death of fish due to drops in pH and the mobilisation of
toxic quantities of aluminium. Acid Sulphate Soils can also
cause severe corrosion of sewage and stormwater pipes,
bridge piers and revetment walls.
Belleng
VDM has the in-house capacity to manage complex
Acid Sulphate Soil management programmes through the
application of expertise in:
-
early
detection of potential Acid Sulphate Soils locations
through office based studies
-
field
determination of the extent and depth of Acid Sulphate
Soils occurrence, and laboratory analysis to determine
the concentrations of acid producing material
-
development
of strategies to reduce disturbance and oxidisation of
Acid Sulphate Soils
-
preparation
of plans to manage the unavoidable disturbance of Acid
Sulphate Soils, including the calculation of lime
application rates to neutralise acid generation
-
implementation
of soil and water monitoring programmes to ensure the
long term success of management strategies
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