Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS) represents a significant issue in Western Australian, particularly within the Swan Coastal Plain. Soils can become acidic due to excavation or declining groundwater levels, which consequently expose sediments that are organically rich and anaerobic. When exposed to air these soils increasingly become oxidized, which results in sulphides in the soil reacting with oxygen, which upon rehydration forms sulphuric acid. The resulting acid can release other substances, including heavy metals, from the soil and into the surrounding environment.
Bioscience is experienced and equipped to facilitate all 4 steps of an ASS assessment:
Step 1: Desktop Assessment and Site Inspection
Step 2: Soil Sampling
Step 3: Laboratory Analysis
Step 4: Reporting Results
and Recommendations
Our experienced and capable staff, are well versed in all aspect relating to identifying potential and/or actual ASS risks. From an initial desktop investigation and preliminary field investigations, to a comprehensives and detailed site investigation to determine the presence and distribution of ASS. And finally, we provide expert advice, regulatory compliance and ASS Management Plans (if required) in relation to both the Acid Sulfate Soils Guidelines (DEC) and Bulletin 64 - Acid Sulfate Soils (WA Planning commission) in a comprehensive report.
Unlike the majority of environmental consultants, Bioscience also analyses all ASS samples within our well equipped laboratory at Piara Waters. This not only saves time, and hence money but gives out staff a practical understanding of the analysis techniques and methods including pHF and pHFOX, and the Suspension Peroxide Oxidation Combined Acidity and Sulfate (SPOCAS).