Asbestos material dumped above Oxley Beach in the 1950s has been removed with remaining contaminated fill capped and secure.
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Port Macquarie-Hastings Council says it took the steps after heavy rainfall exposed the material that covers an area of some 440 square metres.
Council says it became aware of asbestos contaminated material in the gully line above the southern end of Oxley Beach in April 2016.
The area was immediately cordoned off and exposed asbestos material was removed.
- Dan Croft
In her letter, Jess Anderson, said she ‘was shocked to see that the natural waterfall before Oxley Beach had been filled in with rocks’.
Ms Anderson also raised her concerns about pets drinking asbestos contaminated water.
But council’s acting director Dan Croft said ‘at all times, the safety of the community and work crews has remained the highest priority’.
“The area was immediately cordoned off and exposed asbestos material was removed,” Mr Croft said.
“Council engaged a geotechnical consultant to assess the site and prepare a remediation action plan shortly after.
“The area was checked after every rainfall event and any exposed asbestos material was removed as an interim measure until the onsite remedial works commenced.
“Council follows Safe Work NSW requirements in cases where there is risk to the community from contaminated sites.
“This includes cordoning off the areas and providing appropriate signage.”
Mr Croft said the contaminated site was registered with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and on council’s contaminated site register. He said council proceeded to remediate the site pursuant to the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 2013.
“The site has been independently validated by a qualified geotechnical consultant and the remaining contaminated fill is capped and secure,” he added.
