Another council park has been removed from the active sites list as EPA continues its investigation of reports of asbestos in mulch in public parks and reserves.

A clearance certificate has been received from an independent hygienist for Fitzgerald Square Reserve, Sunshine West in the Brimbank Council area, with inspections showing the site clear of contamination.

Of the eight pieces of suspect material collected from the reserve and sent for testing, only one tested positive as asbestos containing material.

Sites in Hobsons Bay City Council are still being actively assessed and to date, the council’s independent hygienist has assessed 19 of the 21 public spaces that had recycled mulch applied over the past 18 months.

The remaining two sites are planned for inspection by the independent hygienist on Monday, 15 April 2024. Any suspect material will be sent for priority testing.

Seven sites have had potential asbestos material samples collected for testing, with results expected on Monday, 15 April.

Six sites have tested positive for asbestos containing material and are under active management, this includes Don McLean Reserve in Spotswood where asbestos containing material was first identified under a tree.

Six other sites that received mulch over the last 18 months have been cleared of contamination.

All areas where asbestos containing material has been detected are being actively managed to prevent public access and clear the site.

EPA has reiterated that after more than 30 inspections of parks and reserves, less than a half a shopping bag of suspect material has been found, all of it has been removed and sent for testing.

All the materials were in bonded form and present a negligible health risk.

EPA has maintained its strong presence over the weekend, continuing to respond to reports of suspected asbestos and sending material for priority testing.

While evidence points to asbestos containing materials having already been present on site before the mulch was laid or that may have been deposited at the site by other means, EPA’s Agency Command Team – comprising environment protection officers, environmental and environmental public health scientists and specialist investigators – is still actively investigating mulch producers and the supply chain of mulch supplied to council.

EPA’s proactive inspections of 59 commercial mulch producers in March this year that use recycled timbers, found no asbestos contamination in mulch at any of these premises.

Despite the low risk posed by the small number of bonded asbestos pieces found to date, EPA is coordinating with local government to have them engage independent hygienists to assess sites and clear them of any contamination.

EPA is also reiterating to the resource recovery sector, councils, and all managers of public spaces, that under the General Environmental Duty in the Environment Protection Act 2017, they must ensure action is taken to prevent and manage risks to human health and the environment.

Under this duty, public land managers have a clear responsibility to be proactively assessing the land they manage, including for contamination.

The laws also apply to resource recovery facilities – including commercial mulch producers that use recycled timbers in their products - to prevent asbestos from entering the mulch production process. 

Non-compliance with Victoria’s environmental protection laws can attract fines of up to $4 million and 5-years in prison for serious offences.

New information:

No new reports today.

No tests returned today.

Status of sites:

Hobsons Bay City Council area

Altona Coastal Park

Asbestos containing material has been confirmed at the site.

Council reports that the area has been fenced and signs have been erected while it implements its remediation plan.

Mulch was most recently laid at the site in multiple batches between September 2021 and February 2023.

The mulch producer is known to EPA and has been inspected and cleared of having contamination in mulch products.

The source of contamination is still under investigation.

PA Burns Reserve, Altona

Asbestos containing material has been confirmed at the site.

Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.

Mulch was most recently laid at the site in December 2023. 

The mulch supplier is known to EPA and is being investigated. 

The likely cause of contamination is underlying building waste on top of which the mulch was laid.

GJ Hosken Reserve, Altona North

Asbestos containing material has been confirmed at the site.

Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.

Mulch was most recently laid at the site between April and May 2022.

The mulch producer is known to EPA and has been inspected and cleared of having contamination in mulch products at its premises.

The source of contamination is still under investigation.

Crofts Reserve, Altona North

Asbestos containing material has been confirmed at the site.

Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.

Mulch was most recently laid at the site in September 2023.

The mulch producer is known to EPA and has been inspected and cleared of having contamination in mulch products at its premises.

The source of contamination is still under investigation.

PJ Lynch Reserve, Altona North

Asbestos containing material has been confirmed at the site.

Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.

Hobson’s Bay has confirmed the mulch was laid prior to 2015 and cannot provide information on the producer.

The source of contamination is still under investigation.

Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood.

Asbestos containing material has been confirmed at the site.

Council has fenced off the affected area which is being remediated. This is likely to be completed in the week of 15 April.

Mulch was most recently laid at the site in November 2022.

The mulch producer is known to EPA and has been inspected and cleared of having contamination in mulch products at its premises.

Source of contamination is most likely illegal dumping.

Truganina Park, Altona Meadows

After being inspected by a hygienist engaged by Hobsons Bay City Council, one sample of potential asbestos containing material was taken for priority testing on Thursday, 11 April.

Test Results are pending.

Doug Grant Reserve, Altona

After being inspected by a hygienist engaged by Hobsons Bay City Council, pieces of potential asbestos containing material were taken from one location in the reserve for priority testing on Thursday, 11 April.

Test results are pending.

It is suspected that potential asbestos containing material was contained in building rubble which was generated during gardening excavation works.

Laverton Creek at the rear of AB Shaw Reserve, Altona Meadows

After being inspected by a hygienist engaged by Hobsons Bay City Council, two samples of potential asbestos containing material were taken for priority testing on Thursday, 11 April.

Test results are pending.

Newport Lakes Reserve, Newport

After being inspected by a hygienist engaged by Hobsons Bay City Council, samples of potential asbestos containing material were taken for priority testing on Thursday, 11 April.

Test results are pending.

Further information

For more information on parks and reserves being investigated for potential asbestos  contamination visit https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/incidents/response-to-potential-asbestos