Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils Strategy

By Rebecca Price, Strategic Planning and Policy Officer, DSE

Victoria has commenced the development of a strategy for the management of Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils (CASS) across the state. CASS are naturally occuring soils containg iron sulphides. When exposed to air, iron sulphides oxidise and produce highly dangerous sulphuric acid.

Why does Victoria need a strategy for CASS?

Disturbance of coastal acid sulfate soils has not historically been a significant issue in Victoria, however increasing urbanisation along the coast and increased intensity of use within settlements is leading to pressure to use areas which may contain this soil.

The Coastal Spaces Initiative 2006 recognised the increasing risks from CASS in Victoria and the need for a strategic approach to management of CASS consistent with the National Policy framework.

What has DSE done so far?

Work has commenced on a number of elements required to build a strategy for CASS in Victoria. These include:

• Preliminary risk mapping 1:100,000.
• EPA Industrial Waste Management Policy (Waste Acid Sulfate Soils) and Information Bulletin – Management of Waste Soil and Rock.
• Recent strengthening of the State Planning Policy Framework and the Environment Impact Assessment Guidelines.
• Best practice management guidelines from other jurisdictions that can be adapted for Victorian circumstances.
• National Atlas and CASS knowledge initiative.

What will a CASS strategy achieve?

• An effective planning policy framework in Victoria that places emphasis on avoiding CASS disturbance.
• Development of Information and Assessment requirements that lead to consistent investigation of CASS in development approvals.
• Clear and agreed responsibilities for all aspects of CASS within Government including the management of intellectual property and improved access to shared data.
• Capacity building and awareness of appropriate decision makers, land managers and developers.
• An increased confidence in the accuracy and quality of CASS soil investigations data for coastal areas at risk from development and land use change.

Who will develop the Strategy?

Development of the strategy is being guided by a steering committee with membership from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (Chair), the Victorian Coastal Council, Department of Primary Industries (Vic) and the Environment Protection Authority (Vic).

Funding has been received through the Natural Heritage Trust and the Victorian Environmental Sustainability Action Statement.

Want further information?

Please contact Rebecca Price, Department of Sustainability and Environment, on 131 186.