Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:1850:p92
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1850 (pt 92/117)
Character Range: 614380–617498

utilities. This possibility should be addressed and any risks assessed prior to choice of excavation or drilling method.

    15.2.8      Acid sulfate soil
Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are naturally occurring soils, sediments and peats which contain iron sulfides. In an anoxic state, these materials are benign and do not pose a significant risk to human health or the environment. However, the disturbance of ASS and exposure to oxygen has the potential to cause significant environmental and economic impacts including fish kills and loss of biodiversity in wetlands and waterways and contamination of groundwater resources by acid and metals (WA DEC 2009). Activities that have the potential to disturb ASS, either directly or by affecting the elevation of the water table, need to be managed appropriately.

Where ASS is identified as a potential hazard, investigation and management of ASS should be carried out in accordance with relevant state or territory requirements. Jurisdictions should be consulted for advice on appropriate control measures to apply on the management of ASS prior to any dewatering or excavation activities taking place. Further technical information is provided in WA DEC (2011).

    15.2.9      Heritage sites
Special care should be taken to ensure that any assessment works or activities on or adjacent to sites of cultural or natural heritage significance will not have an adverse impact. Heritage places may include buildings, structures, archaeological remains, or landscaped or natural areas of aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value. Where appropriate, advice should be sought from the local representatives of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples, the Australian Heritage Council, and state or territory heritage bodies and local councils.

    15.2.10  Rare habitats or endangered species
Special care should be taken to ensure that any assessment works or activities will not impact upon rare natural habitats or any endangered species. Advice may be sought from the relevant jurisdiction to ensure that site environmental protection plans are sufficiently protective.

    16              Bibliography
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ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000, National water quality management strategy. Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality, Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council & Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand.
APHA, AWWA & WEF 2005,  Standard methods for examination of water and wastewater, 21st edn, American Public Health Association, the American Water Works Association & the Water Environment Federation, Washington, DC. (Available online at           http://www.standardmethods.org)
API  2005, 'Collecting and interpreting soil gas samples from the vadose zone. A practical strategy for assessing the