Test Methods and Specifications

Austroads Technical Specification ATS 2135 sets out the requirements for the management of Acid Sulfate Soils (ASS), including identification, testing and treatment during the construction of the Works.

ASS are soils, sediments or other materials containing iron sulphides. They are environmentally benign when left undisturbed in an aqueous, anoxic environment, but when exposed to oxygen the iron sulphides oxidise, releasing sulfuric acid and soluble iron. Both substances have considerable ability to degrade the natural and built environment.

ATS 2135 applies:

• a) if soil (including imported material) will be disturbed in an area identified as a site of a high probability of ASS in the Atlas of Australian Acid Sulfate Soils;
• b) if ASS, not previously known, are encountered during the work under the Contract;
• c) where an area of terrain containing fill material, typically resulting from the reclamation of low-lying swamps, or from other activities such as mining, dredging, or significant ground disturbance associated with developments like dams or levees, will be disturbed; and/or
• d) if specified in the Contract documents.

This technical specification can also be downloaded as a Word document.