The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has reached the end of the supply chain as it traces asbestos contaminated mulch which was originally discovered at the Rozelle Parklands.
While the initial phase of supply chain testing is complete, the EPA’s criminal investigation continues to explore multiple lines of inquiry.
Over the past 8 weeks, around 6,500 tonnes of mulch has been tracked down, assessed and tested, with nearly 1,200 samples taken for analysis.
At this stage, 75 sites have returned a positive result for asbestos in mulch. All sites had low levels of asbestos contamination and NSW Health advises the risk to health is low.
The NSW Asbestos Taskforce has supported the EPA’s investigations on the ground with crews from Fire and Rescue NSW, SafeWork, Public Works and the Natural Resources Access Regulator. The NSW Government would like to thank the hundreds of staff across multiple agencies who were mobilised to trace and facilitate the testing, notification and removal of contaminated mulch.
The Taskforce will continue monitoring the situation while moving to broader consideration of legacy asbestos.
The NSW Government will move to tighten regulations and strengthen penalties for a range of environmental crimes.
The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer is continuing its review of asbestos in waste and recovered materials, including mulch. It is expected to be finalised this year.
Anyone who has concerns about mulch should call the Environment Line on 131 555, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The EPA will continue to conduct proactive compliance campaigns across industry and investigate any reports of contamination. Any additional positive results at sites accessible to the public will be added to the EPA website.
Quote attributable to Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:
‘Asbestos is illegal in any product and should not be there. The discovery of asbestos in mulch has led to the biggest investigation in the EPA’s history.
‘The first phase of this investigation is now complete. While the EPA works on its criminal investigation, the NSW Government will move to tighten regulations and make further changes as required.’
