The EPA alleges Aurora Property Investments caused an environmental harm at Payneham gym
Patrons of an eastern suburbs gym feared material falling from the roof posed “risk to human health”, court documents reveal.
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Patrons of a Goodlife gym in Payneham feared material falling from the roof was asbestos, court documents reveal.
The Environment Protection Authority has taken action against the landowner of 314 Payneham Road, Aurora Property Investments, and its director Alex Panas, for allegedly causing an environmental harm.
In documents tabled with the Environment, Resources and Development Court, the agency alleges on October 28, 2017 Aurora caused harm by having the roof of the gym cleaned, which contained asbestos, with a high pressure water sprayer.
“As a result of the roof cleaning … debris containing asbestos was deposited on the roof, in airconditioning units and on the bitumen surface of the car park next to the building,” the agency alleges in court documents.
The agency alleges Mr Panas was first informed by a resident on the afternoon of November 1, 2017 patrons had “made complaints about debris coming from the roof and raised concerns that the material was asbestos”.
A gym patron then notified the EPA of the “potential harm posed by the asbestos” at approximately 2pm the following day.
The agency alleges Mr Panas was aware that the roof was made of asbestos, and people were coming and going from the building during the time the roof was being cleaned.
“The residue from the cleaning was being washed down into the gutters of the building and the second defendant intended to leave it there until the following week,” documents filed on behalf of the agency state.
The EPA also claims from about October 28 to November 1, Aurora polluted the environment by failing to prevent the deposits of asbestos.
“Exposure to asbestos is a potential risk to human health,” documents reveal.
“(Aurora) was the person in charge of the place for the purposes of cleaning the roof.”
The agency submitted it resulted in property damage and more than $5000 in costs to take reasonable and practical measures to mitigate environmental harm.
Mr Panas and Aurora Properties are yet to file a defence.
Mr Panas declined to make a statement as the allegation was before the courts.
The matter returns to court in February.
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