In NSW’s Eastern Creek, a waste management company has been fined $15,000 for failing to cover asbestos waste at its landfill facility adequately.
The Environmental Protection Authority was at the site to conduct routine odour inspections and identified uncovered asbestos fragments.
James Goodwin, the EPA Director for the Metro-West Operations, explained that while it was only a small amount, operators must manage all asbestos per the law and comply with safety requirements.
“We are committed to protecting the community from poor asbestos waste management practices,” Mr Goodwin said.
“The failure to handle asbestos appropriately potentially creates risks to the health of workers and visitors who entered the landfill, so all asbestos waste must be completely covered once it is received at a landfill site.”
The EPA can also work with SafeWork NSW in terms of its investigative capacity, where the issue may relate to improper asbestos handling that could harm workers.
The EPA has committed to ongoing inspections at the site to ensure the company takes the appropriate steps to reduce risk.
“All licensees have the responsibility to do the right thing in all aspects of their operation,” Mr Goodwin said.