The City of Sydney confirms the discovery of asbestos in three parks, prompting ongoing testing to assess the extent of the hazardous substance’s presence and potential risks.
Confirmation has emerged of asbestos contamination in three prominent parks within the heart of Sydney, Australia’s largest city, prompting urgent investigations into the scope of the health hazard and potential spread of the dangerous carcinogenic material.
Authorities disclosed that high-risk friable asbestos, easily susceptible to crumbling into a powder, was identified at Harmony Park in Surry Hills, while low-risk bonded asbestos was detected at Victoria Park near the University of Sydney and Belmore Park adjacent to Central Station.
The revelation follows a notification from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to the City of Sydney council regarding the possible receipt of mulch contaminated with asbestos by its suppliers. Responding swiftly to this advisory, the council initiated testing at five parks, including Victoria Park, Belmore Park, Harmony Park, Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills, and Pope Paul VI Reserve in Glebe.
Test results unveiled the presence of bonded asbestos in mulch at Victoria Park and Belmore Park, prompting immediate installation of fences and warning signs around affected areas, along with the deployment of clean-up crews. Harmony Park, on the other hand, was marked for temporary closure after the discovery of friable asbestos in mulch, necessitating swift isolation and remediation efforts.
Thankfully, Prince Alfred Park and Pope Paul VI Reserve yielded negative results for asbestos contamination. However, vigilance remains paramount as testing continues at additional parks within the local area, in light of last month’s discovery of asbestos in the Rozelle Parklands.
Emphasizing that the recycled mulch product is exclusively utilized in garden beds and beneath trees, not in playgrounds, the council reiterated its collaboration with the EPA and pledged transparency in disseminating further updates as the situation evolves.
Meanwhile, the EPA has expanded its testing efforts to encompass other sites across the city, underscoring the concerted response to mitigate potential health risks posed by asbestos exposure.
