A WA parliamentary question addresses the identification and management of acid sulfate soils along the Southern Rail Link route, including the CBD tunnel section, to mitigate environmental risks during construction.

AnsweredQoN 464Legislative Council
Asked
23 June 2004
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

I refer the minister to her media statement dated 3 June 2004 regarding acid sulfate soils that have been identified around the State. (1) Have any studies been undertaken to test for acid sulfate soils along the route of the southern rail link? (2) If not, why not? (3) If so, have any acid sulfate soils been identified along the route of the southern rail link, including the central business district tunnel section? (4) If so, in which sections of the route? (5) If so, what is the expected result of any drainage or excavation of these soils? Hon KIM CHANCE

AnswerView source ↗

I thank Hon Ray Halligan for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of Hon Tom Stephens. (1) Yes. Surveys and physical testing have been done of those areas identified as having potential acid sulfate soils. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(1) Have any studies been undertaken to test for acid sulfate soils along the route of the southern rail link? (2) If not, why not? (3) If so, have any acid sulfate soils been identified along the route of the southern rail link, including the central business district tunnel section? (4) If so, in which sections of the route? (5) If so, what is the expected result of any drainage or excavation of these soils? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Ray Halligan for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of Hon Tom Stephens. (1) Yes. Surveys and physical testing have been done of those areas identified as having potential acid sulfate soils. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(2) If not, why not? (3) If so, have any acid sulfate soils been identified along the route of the southern rail link, including the central business district tunnel section? (4) If so, in which sections of the route? (5) If so, what is the expected result of any drainage or excavation of these soils? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Ray Halligan for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of Hon Tom Stephens. (1) Yes. Surveys and physical testing have been done of those areas identified as having potential acid sulfate soils. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(3) If so, have any acid sulfate soils been identified along the route of the southern rail link, including the central business district tunnel section? (4) If so, in which sections of the route? (5) If so, what is the expected result of any drainage or excavation of these soils? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Ray Halligan for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of Hon Tom Stephens. (1) Yes. Surveys and physical testing have been done of those areas identified as having potential acid sulfate soils. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(4) If so, in which sections of the route? (5) If so, what is the expected result of any drainage or excavation of these soils? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Ray Halligan for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of Hon Tom Stephens. (1) Yes. Surveys and physical testing have been done of those areas identified as having potential acid sulfate soils. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(5) If so, what is the expected result of any drainage or excavation of these soils? Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Ray Halligan for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of Hon Tom Stephens. (1) Yes. Surveys and physical testing have been done of those areas identified as having potential acid sulfate soils. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I thank Hon Ray Halligan for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of Hon Tom Stephens. (1) Yes. Surveys and physical testing have been done of those areas identified as having potential acid sulfate soils. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
I thank Hon Ray Halligan for some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of Hon Tom Stephens. (1) Yes. Surveys and physical testing have been done of those areas identified as having potential acid sulfate soils. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(1) Yes. Surveys and physical testing have been done of those areas identified as having potential acid sulfate soils. (2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(2) Not applicable. (3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(3) Yes. The areas of the Perth foreshore and city rail yard have been identified as potentially containing acid sulfate soils. An acid sulfate management plan is in the process of being finalised and will be submitted to the Department of Environment. Studies undertaken to date have not identified any other areas of risk. A final study to complete the contamination assessment and management plan for the whole project has been commissioned. (4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(4) Potential acid sulfate soils exist along the route in the proximity of wetlands such as the Swan and Canning Rivers and the Stakehill, Anstey and Paganoni swamps. The construction of the railway is not expected to disturb potential acid sulfate soils in these areas. (5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.
(5) Potential acid sulfate soils will be managed in accordance with Department of Environment guidelines. These soils will be separated, stored and treated. Drainage and run-off will be contained as per guidelines within the site for treatment prior to disposal.

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