Professional ASS preliminary assessments and detailed investigations for development applications in South East Queensland acid sulfate soil risk areas.
Reports prepared to meet council and state government DA requirements.
Field investigation with on-site soil sampling through to detailed laboratory analysis.
Reports delivered promptly to keep your project on schedule.
Your council or certifier will tell you if an ASS assessment is required as a condition of your development application. This typically applies when your site:
If you are unsure whether your site requires an ASS assessment, contact us and we can check your site location for you.
Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are naturally occurring soils and sediments that contain iron sulfides. When disturbed and exposed to oxygen during excavation or earthworks, these soils can produce sulfuric acid, which is harmful to the environment, infrastructure, and human health.
Many councils in South East Queensland require an ASS assessment as part of a development application where the site falls within an identified acid sulfate soil risk area. Our assessments are conducted in accordance with the Queensland Acid Sulfate Soil Technical Manual and relevant state planning policies.
Our Stage 1 service includes on-site soil sampling to determine whether acid sulfate soils are present or absent — giving you a definitive result for your DA submission.
Preliminary assessment including on-site soil sampling to determine whether acid sulfate soils are present or absent. Required for DAs in identified risk areas.
Bundled with site classification — travel already covered.
Detailed field investigation including soil sampling and laboratory analysis. Required when Stage 1 identifies a moderate to high likelihood of ASS.
| Item | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Map Review | Yes | Yes |
| Site Inspection | Yes | Full |
| Soil Sampling | Yes | Yes |
| Lab Analysis | Where required (accredited laboratory) | Yes (accredited laboratory) |
| Risk Classification | Present / Not Present | Detailed |
| Management Plan | No | Yes if required |
| Turnaround | Contact us for lead times | Contact us for lead times |
Best value when bundled with your site classification — travel is already covered. Standalone pricing available on request.
You can check your council planning maps or the Queensland Globe mapping tool. If your site is within 5 metres of the 5 AHD contour, it is likely in a mapped ASS risk area. We can also check this for you as part of your quote.
Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Combining both assessments into a single site visit saves you time and reduces overall costs. Ask us about our bundle pricing.
If Stage 2 investigations confirm the presence of acid sulfate soils, we will prepare an Acid Sulfate Soil Management Plan (ASSMP) outlining how the soils will be managed during and after construction to prevent environmental harm.
