Asbestos that has been uncovered at the Corowa Saleyards during excavation work has resulted in an unexpected $89,585 cleanup bill.
The asbestos was discovered in May during excavation work to enlarge the stormwater basin at the site. The contractor uncovered what they described as a trench of asbestos cement roof sheeting buried underground.
The contractor collected and capped the sheeting and continued work. A month later, a second trench of asbestos-containing material was uncovered at the site.
In total, contractors uncovered more than 150 tonnes of asbestos-containing material at the site. Contractors noted that the material was wrapped and buried in line with local legislation.
The local council (Federation Council) is at a loss to explain how the sheeting ended up at the site or when the contamination occurred.
At a recent meeting of the council, members resolved to release close to $90,000 to cover the removal bill for the asbestos-containing material.
Cr Aaron Nicholls said it was concerning to find “two great troves of asbestos”, and he noted he wasn’t aware if the land had ever been privately owned.
A second council member remarked that she believed the land had always been council owned.