Environment watchdog acts on Sydney asbestos find

The NSW Environmental Protection Authority has issued a series of clean up orders after asbestos was discovered at a series of sites across Sydney.

The NSW environmental watchdog has issued Transport for NSW and Sydney Metro with clean-up notices after asbestos was found in recycled mulch at a series of sites.

Last week asbestos was discovered at a series of locations in Sydney’s west and inner west.

A newly-opened park at Rozelle was closed in January after bonded asbestos was found in recycled mulch which had been laid near a playground.

Then bonded asbestos was found at landscaped sites along the Prospect Highway project between Prospect and Blacktown, as well as at traction substation sites at Dulwich Hill, Canterbury and Campsie along the Sydenham to Bankstown railway line.

The Rozelle Parklands was closed after asbestos was discovered. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Damian Shaw.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority on Saturday issued two clean-up notices to Transport for NSW and Sydney Metro.

“These notices require (Transport for NSW) and Sydney Metro to complete a detailed site investigation and prepare a report to assess the presence of asbestos in any mulch used for landscaping purposes,” the EPA said in a statement.

When the asbestos was discovered in the recycled mulch on January 24, Transport for NSW said all the material was bonded asbestos, which was considered low risk compared to friable asbestos.

The sites were either not publicly accessible or have been fenced off.

The discovered of asbestos forced the closure of Rozelle Parklands. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The EPA said on Saturday said Transport for NSW and Sydney Metro had been ordered to implement plans to ensure the areas are safe for public use.

“As there is no public access and the use of these areas differs from the Rozelle Parklands, we have not mandated the removal of all recycled mulch at this stage,” the EPA said.

“Remediation measures may be required depending on the outcomes of the reports.

“We have also issued a clean up notice to the mulch supplier, requiring them to notify purchasers of their recycled product.”