Asbestos fears grow as another park is investigated in Melbourne's west
Another park in Melbourne's west has been added to the growing list of parklandsbeing investigated for possible asbestos contamination.
Victoria's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) today confirmed RJ Long Reserve in Williamstown North was being inspected after a community member reported seeing contaminated mulch at the park.
The EPA's abestos investigation widened over the past weeabestos investigation widened over the past wee to include three parks in Altona North and a playground in Spotswood.
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Multiple playgrounds have been closed over asbestos concerns. 9News
It means ten parks are now under investigation across two council areas since the weekend.
The EPA released an update to its investigation today, saying small pieces of asbestos-containing material had been found in parks and public spaces, which "pose a very low risk".
"All asbestos found to date is bonded in cement and non-friable," the EPA said in a statement.
Impacted parklands include:
- PA Burns Reserve, Altona: Asbestos-containing material confirmed.
- GJ Hosken Reserve and Crofts Reserve, Altona North: Asbestos-containing material confirmed. Council has restricted access.
- Dennis Reserve, Williamstown: Park has been inspected, test results due tomorrow.
- PJ Lynch Reserve, Altona North: EPA inspected and confirmed asbestos. A second EPA inspection on April 6 found no remaining asbestos.
- Donald McLean Reserve, Spotswood: Asbestos-containing material confirmed. Council has fenced off the affected area and is remediating the areas.
- Fitzgerald Square Reserve, Sunshine West: EPA inspected and taken samples for testing. Test results are expected tomorrow.
- Shore Reserve, Pascoe Vale South: EPA inspected the site. Three small samples were removed were positive for asbestos.
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