Confused about acid sulphate soils? I was.

In a recent report for an environmental subject at QUT, I had come across acid sulphate soils as a topical issue for a site we where investigating. There seemed to be a lot of what it meant. That is what are acid sulphate soils?

A good use of ASS is in Potassium Sulphate, it is essentially a mixture of acidic and alkaline salts, which currently are used as fertiliser but also can be used in glass manufacture funnily enough. But, ASS when exposed to air ( in the form of oxygen) will make sulphuric acid as well as other heavy minerals.

There was a deal of confusion over the difference between 5 meter and 20 meter soils? Well, they are the same as when they are exposed to the air they react and become active. So essentially, it is best to avoid disturbing such soils completely as the remediation (removal) is quite expensive.

In Queensland, there are several Planning policies that should be observed as well as management strategies that support best practise.

In that case, it is really better to have a management plan that supports the environment such as the one shown in the 2030 Palette for Lotus Lake National Wetland Park. It is an example of the important role in creating a comprehensive development plan that protects and enhances natural systems.

I still remember walking though exposed ASS and talking my boots of and throwing them in the boot of my car. Only to discover that they had to be thrown out because of the damaged caused by acid.

As a side note, I contacted my local council which took 16 days to get more information.


References
Acid Sulfate Soils Management Strategy for Queensland
www.nrm.qld.gov.au/land/ass/pdfs/qass_mgt_strategy.pdf

Case Study: Lotus Lake National Wetland Park
http://blog.2030palette.org/case-study-lotus-lake-national-wetland-park/

State Planning Policy 2/02 Guideline
http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/resources/policy/spp-guidelines-oct-02-v2.pdf