Air quality testing for the potential presence of airborne asbestos around a Bulla landfill site found that no asbestos was detected in any of the samples.
EPA carried out the testing after receiving a number of complaints about the emission of smoke and dust from the B.T.Q. Group Pty Ltd premises, located at 500 Sunbury Road, Bulla.
Residents were concerned the composition of the particles emitted from the smoke and dust may have included asbestos.
EPA contracted occupational hygienists to carry out air quality testing on 23 September at several locations around the landfill. Analysis results showed asbestos levels were below the limit of detection.
“This is a positive outcome for the local community concerned with the potential presence of airborne asbestos,” EPA Metro Manager Richard Marks said.
“But we acknowledge that there are other issues and will continue to require improvements to bring the site back into compliance and reduce the impact on surrounding land uses.”
EPA will continue to provide advice to the site’s operators regarding operational controls to minimise dust and smoke emissions during this work.