Guidelines for the dredging of acid sulfate soil sediments and associated dredge spoil management

​Publication details

Prepared by Stuart L. Simpson and Graeme E. Batley (CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights), Luke Mosley (University of Adelaide) and Dr Paul Shand (CSIRO Land and Water, Adelaide) on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, 2018.

The purpose of this guidance is to provide technical and procedural advice to avoid environmental harm from acid sulfate soils encountered during dredging projects. It addresses both the risks posed during dredging operations and during disposal of dredged spoil materials. The guidance describes a technical framework for evaluating the environmental acceptability of dredged material, management alternatives and means to minimise and manage potential impacts. Flexibility and discretion is necessary because this framework provides national guidance over a wide range of dredging scenarios and management options. As a consequence, not all of the considerations will apply, or relative importance will vary, depending on the specifics of the dredging project being proposed.

The guidance is intended to provide greater certainty about the assessment and permitting process for dredging activities. The intent is to provide guidance that is ‘fit for purpose’.

This report does not review, describe or evaluate methods for dredging and for collection of sediment samples for assessment, which are adequately descried elsewhere.

It is essential that the reader consult relevant jurisdictional guidance and regulations and contact the relevant state or territory government department for specific local and regional information and advice.

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