Dozens of Qld sites tested over asbestos contaminated soil scare

Four more Queensland waste facilities have tested positive for asbestos, six weeks after discoveries at two other sites triggered alarm, the Department of Environment and Science has confirmed.

A further four dump facilities tested positive for asbestos as part of the state environmental watchdog’s investigation into asbestos-contaminated soil at two waste facilities six weeks ago.

The Department of Environment and Science has finalised its investigation and issued an update on Friday saying it believes it has contained the spread of the dangerous material.

On February 28, a small amount of asbestos – two strands measuring no more than 3mm – was found in a sample from a large soil stockpile at waste company NuGrow’s Ipswich site.

As a result, tonnes of potentially contaminated soil was feared to have spread across schools, construction sites, landscape suppliers and even a car dealership.

A further small amount of asbestos – one fibre measuring 2mm by 3mm – was then detected in a mulch stockpile at Livingstone Shire Council’s Emu Park transfer station.

The concern with this discovery was that the contaminated pile was part of free mulch available to residents, with confirmation several residents had collected piles of the mulch.

NuGrow’s Ipswich site at Swanbank. Picture: Liam Kidston.

On Friday, the Department of Environment and Science said it and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland had finished testing at 36 sites.

These were waste facilities where asbestos-contaminated material may have been initially dumped, and community sites where asbestos may have been inadvertently distributed.

Two facilities – the already known waste facilities NuGrow Ipswich and Emu Park transfer station – were confirmed to have asbestos contamination in material that had left the site.

A further four waste facilities – which the Department declined to name citing the minimal risk involved – had also come back with positive asbestos test samples, but the Department confirmed the sample sources had not left those facilities, meaning no risk of spread.

Livingstone Shire Council quickly fenced off and removed the contaminated pile from the Emu Park transfer station and tracked down residents who received mulch from the facility.

NuGrow Ipswich has also complied with all of the environmental regulator’s requirements.

The Department’s statement on Friday said the results showed that Queensland does not have a widespread issue with asbestos in mulch.

“The fact that only two sites had positive detections demonstrates the majority of waste operators are putting in place appropriate controls to manage asbestos contamination,” it said.

“DESI and WHSQ have engaged with the operators of these sites to encourage, and in some cases require, improvements in the identification, management and disposal of asbestos.

“DESI will continue to educate waste operators on their responsibilities and obligations under legislation regarding the appropriate management and disposal of asbestos.”