Response to asbestos update published at 13.30hrs Wednesday 10 April
EPA’s investigation continues into sources of possible asbestos contamination in mulch delivered to parks and reserves.
Small pieces of asbestos containing material found so far in parks and public spaces, pose a very low risk. All asbestos found to date is bonded in cement and non-friable.
EPA officers are inspecting one new site: RJ Long Reserve in Williamstown North today after receiving a report from a member of the public yesterday.
Dumping of construction and demolition waste is illegal and we encourage community to report any suspicious activities to EPA on 1300 372 842. To report potential asbestos, press option 2, then option 6.
The community is providing information and making enquiries, including related to residential properties to which EPA is responding.
EPA continues to prioritise our response and investigations into public parks and reserves and will update the community as the situation evolves.
New information:
Hobsons Bay City Council area
RJ Long Reserve, Williamstown North
A new site at RJ Long Reserve, Williamstown North has been reported. A community member advised contaminated mulch was seen in the park. EPA is investigating today, Wednesday,10 April.
Merri-bek City Council area
Shore Reserve, Pascoe Vale South
EPA inspected the site on Saturday 6 April. Three small samples were removed (and no other contamination identified).
Test results received today Wednesday, 10 April confirmed asbestos containing material.
EPA is advising Merri-bek City Council to inspect the site and confirm no other contamination is present.
Status of all sites
Inspections were conducted in parks in Hobsons Bay City Council, Brimbank Council and Merri-bek Council areas, following reports of potential asbestos.
Hobsons Bay City Council area
RJ Long Reserve, Williamstown North
A new site at RJ Long Reserve, Williamstown North has been reported. A community member advised contaminated mulch was seen in the park. EPA is investigating today, 10 April, with officers on site
Altona Coastal Park
Potential asbestos containing material was reported by Hobsons Bay City Council and samples taken for testing on Tuesday 9 April. Test results are expected tomorrow morning (Thursday, 11 April).
PA Burns Reserve, Altona
EPA inspected over the weekend and observed good quality mulch laid over industrial waste. Samples were collected for testing.
EPA test results received on Tuesday, 9 April confirmed asbestos containing material.
EPA has directed Hobsons Bay City Council to fence the site and prioritise the site for remediation
GJ Hosken Reserve, Altona North
EPA inspected on Sunday 7 April. EPA test results received on Tuesday, 9 April confirmed earlier test results from Hobsons Bay City Council (Friday, 5 April) that asbestos containing material is present at the site.
Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.
EPA is continuing its investigations into the source of the contamination.
Crofts Reserve, Altona North
EPA inspected on Saturday 6 April. EPA test results received on Tuesday, 9 April confirmed earlier test results from Hobsons Bay City Council (Friday, 5 April) that asbestos containing material is present at the site.
Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.
EPA is continuing its investigations into the source of the contamination.
Dennis Reserve, Williamstown
EPA alerted and inspected Tuesday 9 April and taken samples for testing. Test results are due to be returned by 11 April.
PJ Lynch Reserve, Altona North
EPA inspected and confirmed asbestos. A second EPA inspection on Saturday 6 April found no remaining asbestos.
Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.
Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood.
Asbestos containing material confirmed. Council has fenced off the affected area and is remediating the areas. This is likely to be completed by early next week.
Brimbank Council area
Fitzgerald Square Reserve, Sunshine West
EPA alerted and inspected Tuesday 9 April and taken samples for testing. Test results are expected tomorrow Thursday, 11 April
EPA is aware that Brimbank City Council has already conducted a proactive assessment for visual contamination at mulch used in some of its parks in June last year.
Merri-bek City Council area
Shore Reserve, Pascoe Vale South
EPA inspected the site on Saturday 6 April. Three small samples were removed (and no other contamination was identified at that time). Test results received by EPA today, Wednesday 10 April, were positive for asbestos.
EPA is advising Merri-bek City Council to inspect the site and confirm no other contamination is present.
Supply chain investigations
Under existing remedial notices Hobsons Bay City Council is required to report to EPA on the sources of mulch received over the past 18 months.
EPA is also working with Hobsons Bay City Council on potential sources of mulch at the parks in Altona North, which is believed to have been delivered as far back as 2017.
Based on EPA intelligence, we have also been inspecting potential sources of contamination.
