Port Augusta Ash Dam- Dust Suppression & Revegetation

Project Overview

Erizon’s team of environmental experts collaborated with Flinders Power to address dust suppression and revegetation challenges at the Port Augusta ash dam.

During a site visit, the team conducted comprehensive drone mapping and site surveying of the ash dam and adjacent borrow pits. Numerous soil samples were collected and sent for detailed analysis. The results revealed that the substrate profile was unsuitable for supporting plant life, primarily due to extremely high salinity levels. This high salinity was a significant factor in the failure to germinate and establish vegetation.

Erizon recommended a non-toxic, environmentally friendly dust suppressant for immediate dust control. However, they identified that vegetation cover was the only sustainable long-term solution for the ash dam and borrow pit.

Given the soil test results and past revegetation efforts, the project was recognised as highly challenging. Erizon designed a solution involving a tailored short-term dust suppression strategy to manage the high-risk topsoil dust, coupled with a soil amelioration plan to support long-term vegetation growth.

The recommended programme included the following:

• HydroBond – Dust Suppression for Revegetation
• AgCalcium Boost – Displaces salt and sodium from the seed zone
• Erizon provided a trial of the HydroBond and AgCalcium Boost solution on a 2,500m² area of the dam.
• The trial simulated various conditions across the 180-hectare ash dam, with the site monitored continuously to understand environmental variables.

After a successful nine-month trial period, Erizon was tasked with applying the tailored HydroBond solution to the remaining high-risk areas, covering 180 hectares of the property.

Solution

The foundation of the recommended solution was HydroBond, designed to suppress dust effectively while promoting faster germination and providing seed protection.

HydroBond is formulated using a specialist blend of polymers, water, and proprietary additives, forming a stable biodegradable crust when applied to the soil. It is permeable to both air and water, facilitating effective germination and seeding.

Alongside HydroBond, AgCalcium Boost was integrated into the solution to counteract the high salinity levels in the substrate. The calcium ameliorants displaced the sodium salts away from the seed zone, enhancing the chances for vegetation growth.

Scope

Following the successful nine-month trial, Erizon mobilised to the Flinders Power site to apply the HydroBond and AgCalcium Boost solution to 150 hectares of the Port Augusta ash dam. The project was completed in just ten days.

Upon mobilisation, Erizon’s purpose-built HydroRigs were equipped with the HydroBond and AgCalcium Boost solution. The built-in agitators ensured continuous mixing for an even hydraulic application onto the ash dam substrate. Based on the initial site evaluation and changing ground conditions, a higher concentration of the tailored HydroBond solution was applied to access roads and cultivated areas, dispersed at a rate of 350 litres per hectare.

Guarantee

At the client’s request, an eight-month guarantee on the HydroBond and AgCalcium Boost solution was provided.

Challenges

• Wind Conditions: Strong winds posed challenges during the application of the solution. A strategic approach was employed to minimise loss of HydroBond through wind drift, ensuring the project remained on schedule.
• Access Roads: Narrow access roads restricted the team’s ability to manoeuvre equipment safely and effectively. Comprehensive hazard assessments and workplace safety procedures were implemented to address these constraints.

Results

The primary objective of this project was to suppress topsoil dust and amend the highly saline soil.

Over the eight-month guarantee period, monthly monitoring of dust resistance, surface crust integrity, and weather conditions was conducted. Erizon’s solution significantly exceeded the client’s expectations, achieving the desired outcomes effectively. The client expressed satisfaction with the overall results, confirming the project’s success.