Acid Sulfate Soils: The Hidden Risk in Coastal NSW Development

If you’re planning a subdivision, civil works, or excavation in coastal NSW, there’s one environmental challenge that can’t be ignored: acid sulfate soils (ASS).

Found extensively across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, the Central Coast, and other low-lying estuarine areas, these soils can cause serious damage if not properly managed.

Why Acid Sulfate Soils Are a Threat

When exposed through drainage or excavation, acid sulfate soils oxidise to form sulfuric acid and release heavy metals. The impacts are significant:

• Corrosion of concrete and steel infrastructure

• Fish kills and ecosystem decline in local waterways

• Contamination of soil and groundwater

• Costly delays to construction projects

Which Projects Are Most at Risk?

You’re more likely to encounter ASS if your work involves:

• Residential subdivisions in reclaimed or estuarine areas

• Road, bridge, and council infrastructure upgrades

• Marina or waterfront developments

• Drainage or utility works in low-lying coastal zones

Our Approach

At Acid Sulfate Soil Solutions, we specialise in helping developers, councils, and contractors across NSW manage acid sulfate risks from start to finish.

Our services include:

• Site investigation, risk mapping & field sampling

• Laboratory testing & neutralisation strategies

• Safe removal and compliant disposal of ASS

• Council-ready management plans to streamline approvals

Local Knowledge, Proven Solutions

Based in Newcastle, we service the Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Central Coast, and all surrounding coastal NSW regions. With deep local knowledge and proven methods, we help projects stay compliant, avoid costly delays, and protect the environment.

📞 Contact Acid Sulfate Soil Solutions today to book an assessment

Close-up view of acid sulfate soil with yellowish staining