Soils are referred to as contaminated when the concentration of contaminant is usually higher than the ambient concentrations. There may be naturally elevated concentration of contaminants while in most of the cases, there is an apparent source of contamination (point source).
Acid Sulphate Soil
When seawater inundated the land thousands of years ago, the sulfates in sea water reacted with iron oxides in the soil. Under anaerobic conditions, bacteria in soils reduced these sulfate ions from the sea water and produced hydrogen sulphides. This in turn reacted with the iron in the soils to produce iron oxides (FeS2).
When Acid Sulfate Soils can be detrimental to the environment when exposed to atmospheric air through anthropogenic activities (excavation for construction purposes etc) or natural means (drainage of groundwater).
Environmental consequences from Acid Sulfate Soils include:
- Decrease in pH of soils leading to acidic nature and subsequent release of metals such as iron, aluminium and arsenic into the groundwater and surface water
- Fish kills and diseases in fishes due to iron precipitation leading to damages to fish population and causing environmental non-compliance
- Damages to assets through the corrosion of steel products in structures
- Additional financial liability for treatment of the acidic soils and potential fines
At K2 Consulting Group we assist our clients manage their Acid Sulfate Soils in an efficient way by offering the following services:
- Desktop review of the sites such as review of state maps and other publications for the presence of Potential Acid Sulfate Soils (PASS)
- Development of Conceptual Site Model to develop an investigation strategy
- Preliminary intrusive investigation involving drilling, sampling, field testing and laboratory analysis of soils
- If soils are determined to be Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS), then suitable treatment strategy is developed in the form of Acid Sulfate Soils Management Plan
- Monitoring of neutralisation activities and validation reporting
- Liaison with authorities
If unnoticed, Acid sulfate soils are usually dormant and does not indicate the contamination (typical colouration of soils from iron deposits) until excavation has occurred, but it is too late by then. If you suspect that your project can be affected by Acid Sulfate Soils, feel free to contact us to discuss about your scenario.
We maintain the confidentiality of our clients and their site related issues.
Our Services
Environmental Assessment
Consultants at K2 Consulting Group are trained and experienced in the assessment and management of contaminated soils and groundwater. Our quick, effective and practical approach in contamination management puts us at the forefront of today’s emerging contamination management market.
GroundWater
Soils are referred to as contaminated when the concentration of contaminant is usually higher than the ambient concentrations. There may be naturally elevated concentration of contaminants while in most of the cases, there is an apparent source of contamination (point source).
Waste Classification Services
Consultants at K2 Consulting Group undertake a systematic and exhaustive approach in classifying soils, as it can be a huge savings to the project if lesser quantity is sent to the landfill or waste recovery centre, while still meeting the regulations.
Vapour Intrusion Investigation
K2 Consulting Group utilises best-practice planning, collection, analysis and conduct human health risk assessment and site screening. K2 Consulting Group’s team of expert engineers ensure that regulatory requirements are met so that stakeholder risks are understood.
Acid Sulphate Soil
When Acid Sulfate Soils can be detrimental to the environment when exposed to atmospheric air through anthropogenic activities (excavation for construction purposes etc) or natural means (drainage of groundwater).
PFAS Investigations
PFAS refers to Per & Poly Fluorinated Alkyl Substance which is a group of long chain fluorinated organic compounds used in various industrial applications. Australia and other leading nations have banned the usage of the PFAS containing chemicals.
Environmental Consultants
Consultants at K2 Consulting Group are qualified lead auditors in Environmental Management Systems – ISO 14001:2015, Management Systems Auditing – ISO 19011:2018. We can assist your organisation in identifying various environmental risks.