By Cam Lucadou-Wells
“Limited” earthworks occurred on a developer’s land during a tree-felling operation that triggered an alleged asbestos scare among Berwick residents in late January, according to the state’s environment watchdog.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria southern metro manager Marleen Mathias said officers had twice inspected the yet-to-be-built Alira residential estate site off Ward Road after the tree-felling and mulching works.
“EPA officers have not observed tree felling activities … however EPA observations on the land show that only trees appear to have been removed on the land.
“Limited, if any, earthworks have actually occurred from which it is alleged dust impacted on residential neighbours.”
Ms Mathias said tree-felling didn’t require a licence or permit from the EPA but laws generally covering clean air would apply to dust emissions.
“Following recent inspections and discussions with WorkSafe, EPA has no evidence to support that works at site are not consistent with best practice.”
Resident Mark Weaven, who found a shard of confirmed asbestos material in his backyard during the works, claims building debris was unearthed, exposed and dispersed by heavy machinery during the works.
He said the debris should have been shielded by bollards or fencing at the time, or removed prior to the tree-felling.
“Even after several weeks’ exposure to the weather, evidence is still visible where the machines’ buckets have been digging and scraping the earth where this material is situated.
“If work had been carried out as per the WorkSafe guidelines … the duty to control exposure to airborne asbestos fibres should have taken priority.”
Recently, the site’s temporary fencing has been affixed with a ‘Danger – Keep Out’ sign but Mr Weaven says it doesn’t comply with asbestos signage requirements.
In a recent letter to adjoining residents in Bounty Way, developer Moremac Property Group stated there were “small amounts” of asbestos-containing material on “various parts” of the Alira site.
It was found in fibre cement sheeting of former buildings and in illegally dumped building waste, it claimed.
“We are aware there have been some concerns in respect to dust nuisance.
“We want to assure you that no materials other than the trees removed have passed through the mulcher.”
The claim that third parties had illegally dumped construction and demolition waste on the land was not confirmed by any witness or video evidence, Ms Mathias said.
A WorkSafe spokeswoman said the developer would use an independent occupational hygienist to plan and oversee the removal of asbestos material on the site. It would be undertaken by a licenced asbestos removalist.
“WorkSafe will continue to meet with site management and make regular site inspections.”
