Acid Sulfate Soil (ASS)

ASS is the common name given to naturally occurring soils that contain iron sulfides. Problems arise when these naturally occurring sulfides are disturbed and exposed to air, creating sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid can drain into waterways and cause severe environmental damage and damage to steel and concrete structures.

The following map identifies land according to it's probability of ASS. The map was adapted from the NSW Acid Sulfate Soils Risk Map produced by the former Department of Land and Water Conservation in 1998.

View Acid Sulfate Soils Planning Map (PDF 2 mb)

For development on ASS classified lands applicants may need to carry out special site investigations and reports.

View DA Annexure 7 - Acid Sulfate Soils (PDF)

BASIX and Green Buildings

Introduced by the NSW Government, BASIX, the Building Sustainability Index, ensures homes are designed to use less potable water and be responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets for houses and units.

BASIX is one of the most robust sustainable planning measures in Australia, delivering equitable and effective water and greenhouse gas reductions across NSW.  

Learn more about BASIX

Do it Right on Site

Guidelines for builders and developers about soil and water management on building sites.

View Fact Sheets produced by Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC)

• Diversion of Upslope Water
• Protected Concrete Delivery
• Dust Control
• Protected Concrete Brick and Tile Cutting
• Early Installation of Roof Drainage
• Sediment Controls
• Excavation Pump Out
• Protected Service Trenches
• Protected Wash Areas