Council has been made aware of potential asbestos contamination on a portion of land at 142 Greenbah Road adjoining the Gwydir Highway, where chips of fibrous cement have been reported.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Moree Plains Shire Council director of Planning and Community Development Angus Witherby said the land is a small section of park located across from the end of Boonery Road, and includes a grassed area and vegetated drainage channel extending down to the Mehi River.
"Initial laboratory testing has identified that one of the chips collected from the surface contains asbestos and accordingly the area where surface chips have been identified has been fenced off," Mr Witherby explained.
"Spraying with glue is also being undertaken as precautionary measure".
READ ALSO:
Further site inspections will take place by an external firm with the necessary skills and qualifications and, if necessary, excavations and any other work will be undertaken to determine the extent of any potential contamination, as well as providing a written report.
Council has made an initial report to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), who will also be supplied with the written report from the external contractors following which a remediation plan will be developed and implemented.
"The overall risk to public health and safety is considered low due to the fact that the chips are of bonded material," Mr Witherby said.
"Nevertheless, as a precaution, temporary fencing will be remaining in place until the conditions of the site have been fully addressed."