Low risk of exposure as asbestos traces found at Council facility
Gladstone Regional Council (GRC) advises that traces of asbestos fibres have been found at its Derby Street Pad.
In February 2020, a licensed contractor tested material on the site and found no traces of asbestos fibres or friable asbestos in the soil.
Further testing undertaken in May 2020 identified bonded and friable asbestos-containing materials and trace asbestos fibres within stockpiled soil, while asbestos fibres were also found in parts of the drying beds.
Upon receiving report of those findings, GRC closed the Derby Street Pad and reported the findings to its employees and Unions, along with the Department of Environment and Science and Department of Natural Resources Mines and Energy.
Based on soil and air testing, the specialist consultant has indicated that there is a low risk of persons being exposed to airborne asbestos fibres above levels deemed acceptable by Safe Work Australia.
Gladstone Regional Council CEO Leisa Dowling said interim controls are in place for management of the site, and Council will arrange for the safe removal of the affected stockpile and remediation works for the drying beds.
“Gladstone Regional Council is working with the relevant experts and authorities, including the Department of Environment and Science, in order to remove the asbestos fibres from the Derby Street Pad,” Ms Dowling said.
“Council adopts a transparent approach to our communications and understand there may be concerns with respect to this discovery.
“Employee and community safety and the health of our environment remain Council’s priority.”
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