Response to asbestos update published at 16.40hrs Wednesday 10 April
EPA's investigation continues into sources of possible asbestos contamination in mulch delivered to parks and reserves.
Inspections and remediation work by councils has also progressed, with some sites now close to or cleared to reopen.
Merri-bek residents will be able to enjoy normal use of the Shore Reserve site after an occupational hygienist inspected it and issued a Clearance Certificate to confirm the site is safe.
An inspection by EPA officers of the RJ Long Reserve in Williamstown North today (Wednesday, 10 April) did not find any asbestos in mulch in the park, following a report by a member of the public yesterday.
Small pieces of asbestos containing material found so far in parks and public spaces, pose a very low risk. All asbestos found is bonded in cement and non-friable.
EPA's investigations are showing contamination at these sites may be a result of either, contaminated material on the ground that mulch has been laid over, or contamination introduced after the mulch was laid (either by illegal dumping or other means).
Dumping of construction and demolition waste is illegal and we encourage community to report any suspicious activities to EPA on 1300 372 842.To report potential asbestos, press option 2, then option 6.
The community is providing information and making enquiries, including related to residential properties.
EPA continues to prioritise our response and investigations into public parks and reserves and will update the community as the situation evolves.
New information:
Hobsons Bay City Council area
RJ Long Reserve, Williamstown North
Inspections of RJ Long Reserve, Williamstown North by EPA officers today (Wednesday, 10 April) found no asbestos containing material in mulch at the park.
Merri-bek City Council area
Shore Reserve, Pascoe Vale South
Shore Reserve was inspected and three small samples were tested and shown to be asbestos.
The Reserve has now been inspected by an occupational hygienist and a Clearance Certificate has been issued confirming the site is safe.
This allows Merri-bek City Council to fully reopen Shore Reserve for normal use by the community.
Status of all sites:
Inspections have been conducted in parks in Hobsons Bay City Council, Brimbank Council and Merri-bek Council areas, following reports of potential asbestos.
Hobsons Bay City Council area
RJ Long Reserve, Williamstown North
After receiving a report from a member of the public yesterday (Tuesday, 9 April), an inspection by EPA officers of the RJ Long Reserve in Williamstown North today (Wednesday, 10 April) did not find any asbestos containing material in mulch at the park.
Altona Coastal Park
Potential asbestos containing material was reported by Hobsons Bay City Council and samples taken for testing on Tuesday 9 April. Test results are expected tomorrow morning (Thursday, 11 April).
PA Burns Reserve, Altona
EPA inspected over the weekend and observed good quality mulch laid over industrial waste. Samples were collected for testing.
EPA test results received on Tuesday, 9 April confirmed asbestos containing material.
EPA directed Hobsons Bay City Council tofence the site, which has now been done including the toilet block area and prioritised the site for remediation.
GJ Hosken Reserve, Altona North
EPA inspected on Sunday 7 April.EPA test results received on Tuesday, 9 April confirmed earlier test results from Hobsons Bay City Council (Friday, 5 April) that asbestos containing material is present at the site.
Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.
EPA is continuing its investigations into the source of the contamination.
Crofts Reserve, Altona North
EPA inspected onSaturday 6 April.EPA test results received on Tuesday, 9 April confirmed earlier test results from Hobsons Bay City Council (Friday, 5 April) that asbestos containing material is present at the site.
Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.
EPA is continuing its investigations into the source of the contamination.
Dennis Reserve, Williamstown
EPA alerted and inspected Tuesday 9 April and taken samples for testing. Test results are due to be returned by tomorrow morning (Thursday, 11 April).
PJ Lynch Reserve, Altona North
EPA inspected and confirmed asbestos. A second EPA inspection on Saturday 6 April found no remaining asbestos.
Hobsons Bay City Council has restricted access to the area while it implements its remediation plan.
Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood.
Asbestoscontaining materialconfirmed. Council has fenced off the affected area and is remediating the areas. This is likely to be completed by early next week.
Brimbank Council area
Fitzgerald Square Reserve, Sunshine West
EPA alerted and inspected Tuesday 9 April and taken samples for testing. Test results are expectedtomorrow morning (Thursday, 11 April).
EPA is aware that Brimbank City Council has already conducted a proactive assessment for visual contamination at mulch used in some of its parks in June last year.
Merri-bek City Council area
Shore Reserve, Pascoe Vale South
Shore Reserve was inspected and three small samples were tested and shown to be asbestos.
The Reserve has now been inspected by an occupational hygienist and a Clearance Certificate has been issued confirming the site is safe.
This allows Merri-bek City Council to fully reopen Shore Reserve for normal use by the community.
Supply chain investigations
Under existing remedial notices Hobsons Bay City Council is required to report to EPA on the sources of mulch received since July 2021 and in addition inspect all recycled mulch laid in their parks and reserves over the past 18 months and remediate any contamination.
Based on EPA intelligence and community reports, we have also been inspecting potential sources of contamination.
