Acid Sulfate Soils Maps
Acid sulfate soils are naturally occurring soils and sediments containing iron sulphides that can be found below the watertable or in waterlogged conditions. When the sulphides are disturbed and exposed to air, oxidisation occurs and sulphuric acid is produced. The acid can drain into nearby waterways and can cause severe short and long term socio-economic and environmental impacts. These impacts include adverse effects on aquatic animals and ecosystems, humans and animal health, soil structure and arability, and built structures.
Accordingly, Council has prepared planning controls (Clause 20A of the Hornsby Shire Local Environmental Plan 1994) and Acid Sulfate Soils Maps (see below) in accordance with Acid Sulfate Soils Guidelines approved by the Director-General of the Department of Planning. The planning controls establish five (5) classes of land based on the probability of acid sulfate soil occurrence and require development consent for types of works that would disturb soils or groundwater levels in these areas. The planning controls also require special assessment of certain development on land identified as being subject to risks associated with the disturbance of acid sulfate soils.
Map covering the Hawkesbury River from Wisemans Ferry down to Milson's Passage, Fishermans Point and Marramarra - LEP 1994-95-1 - 536Kb
Map covering Brooklyn, Cowan Creek to Bobbin Head, Berowra Creek from Sunny Corner to Crosslands Reserve - LEP 1994-95-2 - 1.8MB