The EPA has required the Hobsons Bay City Council to investigate the potential harm to human health arising from asbestos in reserves or land areas managed by the council. They will also review council procedures related to mulch sourcing, safety checks, and maintenance. The EPA has already inspected 59 mulch producers in Victoria over the past five weeks but has not found any asbestos. However, in light of a recent scandal in NSW where asbestos-contaminated mulch was found at 75 sites, including schools, there is concern and a need for stricter regulations.
Contaminated materials have been found in six council-run parks, including five in Hobsons Bay and one in Pascoe Vale South. The contamination levels found at the Hobsons Bay parks are described as very low, with only a few pieces of asbestos found in a large number of parks. As a precaution, the council has been asked to fence off areas where contamination has been found until further testing and remediation can take place. The EPA is examining three potential ways the mulch may have become contaminated, including contamination during the supply pathway, pre-existing contaminants on the site, or illegal dumping.
Hobsons Bay Council has been working to determine the origins of the contaminated mulch and is examining 10 parks to identify traces of asbestos. Despite delays in determining the supplier of the contaminated mulch, the council has been prioritizing community safety by closing affected parks. They are working to gather information on the supplier and contractors involved in sourcing the mulch. Experts argue for a crackdown on contaminants in mulch and soil processed at recycling plants and for stricter enforcement of safe asbestos disposal practices.
The EPA is also testing for potential asbestos at the PA Burns Reserve dog park in Altona North after reports from the community. New mulch spread in the park has been contaminated with building waste, and the EPA has taken samples for prioritized testing. Asbestos has also been found in nearby parks, leading to fencing off of affected areas. The EPA has inspected multiple parks in Hobsons Bay and Merri-bek council areas and removed potential asbestos pieces for testing. There is a focus on following health advice and making improvements in processes and procedures to prevent future contamination incidents.
Hobsons Bay City Council has been reassuring the public and advising them to follow the EPA’s health advice regarding the asbestos contamination found in parks. The council is working to understand the causes of the contamination and make necessary improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future. Premier Jacinta Allan has stated that the EPA already has strong powers and should be allowed to carry out its investigations. Concerned individuals can report suspected asbestos-contaminated mulch or illegal dumping to the EPA contact center for further action.
