Gladstone Port Authority in Queensland, Australia, was experiencing problems with sulphidic marine clays (acid sulphate soils) resulting from its past dredging and land reclamation operations.
Due to a planned change in a railway siding and loop line approximately 30,000 cubic metres of this sulphidic marine sediment was excavated and stockpiled. This stockpiled material oxidized and became acidic, resulting in an ecological scald where no vegetation was possible.
The Virotec total solution was successful in neutralising the acid generating capacity of the stockpile whilst at the same time preventing heavy metal leachate escaping into the nearby harbour. ViroSoil™ Technology was able to enhance nutrient retention, retain water and promote vigorous plant growth.
The Virotec total solution proved to be innovative, efficient, effective and immediately applicable during the treatment of the accumulated sulphidic marine sediment.
The Virotec ViroSoil™ Technology Total Solution components included design, engineering, application, monitoring and regulatory authority liaison.
“Everyone at Gladstone Port Authority was very pleased with the outcome. ViroSoil™ Technology initially provided good results in regards to pH correction and after over two years of monitoring the results continue to be very good.
Additionally, the leachate and runoff from the site has been of good quality since the application of ViroSoil™ Technology. During the application of ViroSoil™ Technology reagents, the Virotec team were diligent, efficient and adhered to all site safety requirements.
There has been no adverse affect or public comment from the ViroSoil™ Technology application. The ViroSoil™ Technology reagents have proven to blend well with the black marine clay to form a brown soil of a better appearance. We will continue to liaise with Virotec during the ongoing vegetation programme”.
Gladstone Port Authority
Do you have an acid sulphate soil problem and would like to know more about ViroSoil™ Technology? Contact us for more information on our products and treatment solutions.
