Acid Sulfate Soils

Acid sulfate soils are widespread along the NSW coast, in estuarine floodplains and coastal lowlands, including urban areas, farmland, mangrove tidal flats, salt marshes and tea-tree swamps.  These soils include those that are producing acid (actual acid sulfate soils) and those that could become acid producing (potential acid sulfate soils).

Potential acid sulfate soils are naturally occurring soils containing iron sulfides (pyrite).  They become actual acid sulfate soils when they are dried, usually because of human activity, and the pyrite is exposed to air. In air, pyrite is oxidised, resulting in production of sulfuric acid.

If you require further information, download the Acid Sulfate Soil Fact Sheet and view a copy of the ASS Maps through our Local Environmental Plan (LEP) maps.  A copy of the Acid Sulfate Soil Manual is available at the City of Canada Bay Council Administration Building upon request.