Australian authorities have discovered asbestos in additional locations across Sydney, intensifying efforts to remove the hazardous material from public areas. The New South Wales government announced on Saturday that the contamination has been found in housing estates, schools, and parks, prompting a significant environmental investigation.
The issue first emerged in January when asbestos was detected in a playground in Sydney, leading to the discovery of contaminated recycled mulch used nearby. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has since conducted extensive testing, revealing that 32 sites across the city have tested positive for bonded asbestos, marking one of the largest investigations in decades.
New Sites Identified
Among the newly identified sites are a public school and a park in the city’s northern region, along with two residential estates under construction in Sydney’s south-west. The University of Sydney has also been flagged as potentially contaminated and is scheduled for testing over the weekend.
Taylor Swift Concert to Proceed
Despite the proximity of some asbestos concerns, EPA head Tony Chappel assured the public that the upcoming Taylor Swift concert in the city’s west would proceed as planned. “Government has ensured any necessary resources for remediation, should they be required, are in place, and we can make sure that site is clear for the Taylor Swift event,” Chappel stated.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
Since January 10, the EPA has collected nearly 300 samples citywide, with approximately 10% returning positive results for asbestos. Other confirmed contaminated sites include transport projects, a primary school, a warehouse, and a hospital. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure public safety and mitigate any health risks.
Reference(s):
Australian authorities say more Sydney sites tainted with asbestos
cgtn.com
