Asbestos find halts building work
THE discovery of asbestos at an East Perth site has resulted in the delay of building works while it is removed.
City of Perth acting chief executive Doug Forster said the asbestos-containing-material (ACM) was predominantly traces of old fence sheeting.
However, he said the risk to surrounding residents and public was very low.
“The asbestos is bonded within the fibre cement sheeting,” Mr Forster said. “Asbestos in these forms is not likely to release appreciable amounts of free asbestos fibre, which presents the main risk from asbestos through inhalation.
He said remediation works started at the Goderich Street site last Wednesday and would take up to four weeks.
“However, the City believes that the most important issue at this time is to address the presence of asbestos and ensure the safety of the community, both now and in the longer term,” he said.
Mr Forster said the site remediation works would include the excavation, transport and disposal of ACM-impacted soils to a controlled landfill licensed to accept asbestos waste .
He said building works stopped as soon as the sheeting was detected and an environmental consultant was appointed to test the site.
“The site has been secured from public access, all works have ceased and the soil was sprayed with a protective layer of hydro mulch to minimise any further disturbance until remediation begins,” Mr Forster said.
Mr Forster said the City promptly notified surrounding residents and businesses about the issue with a letter drop on December 12. A second letter detailing the remedial work, as well as a contact person for any questions, was sent to surrounding residents and businesses on December 22.
He said it was likely the asbestos-containing material was buried with other building waste when the houses that used to be at the site were demolished in the 1980s to make way for a car park.
“Past demolition and disposal practices for asbestos containing materials have resulted in many sites across Australia being contaminated by ACM,” he said.
The Key City Worker Development aims to provide affordable rental accommodation in the City and will consist of a three-storey apartment building with 48 units.
Article source: http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Asbestos-find-halts-building-work/7611473/