Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is currently investigating a report of potential asbestos on the foreshore at Apollo Bay – based on an EPA site inspection and what was found, the risk to the community is considered very low and there is no immediate reason for concern for people in the area.
EPA Executive Director of Regional Services Damian Wells said EPA was made aware yesterday that two small fragments potentially containing asbestos were found by a local resident, who then alerted Victoria Police.
“Following these reports, EPA officers met with the Otway Coast Committee to inspect the foreshore. After scouring 150 metres of coastline, EPA found another three very small pieces of sheeting, about the size of a coin, with the potential to contain asbestos,” Mr Wells said.
“The pieces have been sent to a laboratory to determine if they contain asbestos; the results of these tests will be communicated to the community as soon as possible. Fragments of this nature pose a low risk to the community unless broken or crushed.
“If the fragments do test positive for asbestos, EPA will require Otway Coast Committee to commission further assessment of the area to determine if any further asbestos risk exists.”
Mr Wells said that asbestos was also found on Apollo Bay’s foreshore last summer, and it was important to note this find is significantly less than that encountered last year.
EPA encourages the community to continue reporting any concerns immediately to its pollution hotline on 1300 372 842 (EPA VIC).