Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has issued three notices requiring ongoing containment and restricted access to three areas of soil in Apollo Bay found to contain asbestos sheeting – the soil itself is not contaminated.
EPA CEO Nial Finegan said a report from a member of the public regarding possible fragments of asbestos in the soil prompted EPA action.
“EPA, on a precautionary basis, quickly ensured the soil was contained and then conducted testing on the fragments and the soil to determine whether there was any asbestos present,” Mr Finegan said.
Mr Finegan said the soil was covered, fenced and warning signage was in place to deter public access.
“The areas of soil are located at the Apollo Bay Golf Club, the Apollo Bay Pony Club and an area of the foreshore next to the playground,” Mr Finegan said.
Mr Finegan said EPA took the presence of asbestos very seriously.
“Two notices have been issued to the Otway Coast Committee and one to the Apollo Bay Golf Club. These notices will be followed by clean up notices next week,” Mr Finegan said.
Mr Finegan said that EPA would also investigate whether any offences had occurred under the Environment Protection Act.