Acid Sulfate Management Plan · MCU16/0103

FPE Ref: 4956-161019-1.0


4.0 FIELD AND LABORATORY ANALYSIS
4.1 GENERAL
The results of the acid sulfate field tests, including reaction responses to hydrogen peroxide, field pH and pH
results following oxidation are provided in Table 2 of this report.

The results of the preliminary field tests were used to determine if selected samples need to be subjected to
more rigorous analytical testing using the Chromium Suite (SCR) method. It is important to note that whilst a
useful exploratory tool, soil field pH tests are indicative only and cannot be used as a substitute for
laboratory analysis to determine the presence of ASS. Laboratory analysis is needed to quantify the amount
of existing plus potential acidity. A total of sixteen SCR tests were deemed necessary to ensure that a variety
of soil depths and locations could be analysed.

Samples were submitted to Cardno Bowler for SCR testing in general accordance with the QASSIT
Guidelines. All samples taken were preserved using ice and sent for analysis within the applicable holding
times.

Net acidity values of soils above which action must be taken to prevent environmental harm due to potential
release of acidic leachate are given below in the following table.

Table 1: Action Criteria for soils (if 1-1000 tonnes disturbed) by texture categories
        (from Dear et al., (2002) Soil Management Guidelines)
   Texture               Texture Range                Approx.        Action Level     Action Level
  Category           (McDonald et al. 1990)        Clay Content      (Net Acidity-    (Net Acidity-
                                                    (<0.002mm)            %S)         mol H+/tonne)
   Coarse            Sands to Loamy Sands               <5%               0.03             18
   Medium          Sandy Loams to light clays          5-40%              0.06             36
                   Medium to heavy clays and
     Fine                                               >40%              0.1              62
                             silty clays




October 2016                          Acid Sulfate Soil Investigation Report                                10
                                            New Duplex, Noosaville