Investigating illegal dumping of asbestos
Two significant incidents of illegally dumped asbestos in Southern Adelaide during the past couple of months has prompted the EPA to caution the community and business to properly dispose of hazardous waste.
More than a tonne of asbestos contaminated materials was found packaged and labelled in scrub land between May and July, with 900 kg found in the nature strip at the intersection of Kokoda and Goolwa Roads at Mosquito Hill and a further 160 kg at Willunga Hill.
The EPA attended the sites and transported the bags to an accredited asbestos landfill for examination and disposal. The sites were inspected and cleared of any further asbestos material.
The packaging in both instances is identical, with 'asbestos waste' printed on the plastic bags and sealed with grey adhesive duct tape. EPA Manager Investigations and Tactical Support Stephen Barry said that the type of material found and the way in which the bags were packaged suggests there is involvement of a professional asbestos removalist.
"Someone is being paid to transport and dispose of this material and all contractors should ask for receipts to ensure that the material is received at licensed landfills,” he said.
The EPA is continuing to investigate these incidents and has called on public assistance in relation to these cases, urging anyone with information to contact the EPA.
“Asbestos is an extremely dangerous material particularly if asbestos dust and fibres are inhaled or handled incorrectly. To carelessly dump this material in a public area not only creates an environmental hazard but also poses a significant health risk," Mr Barry said.
The EPA can be contacted 24 hours on 8204 2004 or by email. People who dump waste illegally could be fined up to $120,000 and face up to 2 years imprisonment. If the dumped waste causes environmental harm the penalty increases to $500,000 and 4 years imprisonment. Corporations face higher fines, of up to $250,000 to $2 million.
