Investigation underway after asbestos dumping at M7-M12 motorway site in western Sydney
An investigation is underway after asbestos was found in a massive topsoil stockpile at the site of the M7-M12 motorway project in Western Sydney.
NSW
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Authorities have launched an investigation into the illegal dumping of asbestos at a major motorway construction site in Sydney’s west.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is probing how asbestos ended up in a 50,000-cubic-metre stockpile of topsoil at the site of the M7-M12 integration project, after traces were first detected in mid-2024.
A Transport for NSW spokesman said the contamination is believed to have occurred after “a small number of unauthorised trucks entered the site.”
Once the contractor became aware of the issue, the EPA was notified and issued a public prevention notice. The order required the area to be secured while thorough testing and planning for remediation took place.
An EPA spokesperson confirmed the agency is “investigating the alleged delivery of asbestos-contaminated material to a stockpile area known as AF17 on the M7–M12 Integration Project.”
The spokesperson said “John Holland reported the issue to the EPA in July 2024. In response, the EPA issued a Prevention Notice requiring the entire stockpile to be contained and assessed.”
“EPA officers inspected the site as removal of all the material commenced and will continue to oversee its safe removal and disposal,” the spokesperson added.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said “following investigations, a decision was made to remove the complete stockpile.” The area has been secured and is said to pose “negligible risk to the public.”
Trucks will continue removing the soil through until September, weather permitting, with all material being transported to a licensed waste facility. Authorities say all safety and environmental protocols are being followed.
Transport for NSW said the contractor responsible for the project is working closely with the EPA and is taking the matter “extremely seriously.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
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