Tests to determine if key Murray-Darling Basin wetlands are at risk of acid sulphate soils are being conducted over the next two months.

North Central CMA Waterwatch facilitator Melanie Barrot said the first round of rapid assessments would be on 20 wetlands around the Loddon Catchment.

"The selection of wetlands has been based on a range of factors including the ecological importance of the wetland, along with the level of risk posed to the environment, water supplies and human health should the wetland be affected by acid sulfate soils."

Acid sulfate soils form when sulfate-rich water mixes with sediments containing iron oxides and organic matter. When sulfidic sediments are exposed to air, chemical reactions may lead to the generation of sulfuric acid.

Ms Barrot has so far assessed the Loddon Weir, Lake Leaghur and Lake Murphy. Many of the other sites will be around Gunbower and Kerang. The rapid assessments involve field measurements of water quality and wetland sediments.

"The wetlands that have been considered include those connected to the Murray River system under normal flow levels, as well as Ramsar listed wetlands and wetlands in the Basin listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands," said Ms Barrot.

"Detailed assessments will be undertaken on priority wetlands and any wetlands determined in the rapid assessment process to have a high probability of acid sulfate soils."

In March this year the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council agreed to support an urgent project aimed at assessing the wetlands for acid sulfate soils. The work is being supported by North Central CMA Waterwatch.

Data collected will be incorporated into the Atlas of Australian Acid Sulfate Soils, as part of the Australian Soil Resources Information Systems.

Anyone interested in assisting with or finding out more about the assessments can contact Melanie Barrot on 0427 887 254.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au