Still no date for asbestos removal from Chidlow reserve

A DATE for the removal of broken asbestos material dumped in a reserve near Chidlow remains unknown.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) said officers had inspected the site and licensed asbestos removal contractors would carry out any removal.

“The Department aims to have the asbestos removed as soon as possible, depending on asbestos removal contractor availability,” a DPaW spokeswoman said.

The area around about three tonnes of asbestos material is not cordoned off and there is no warning sign.

According to DPaW, the site is not in state forest and nor is it considered to be in a recreation or highly used area.

“(Asbestos removal) is an expensive undertaking and sites are prioritised for removal based on risk,” the spokeswoman said.

Soil samples are not generally required to assess the possible dispersal of any asbestos particles.

“The Department of Health has guidance notes on the levels of asbestos that can be present in regional recreation areas,” the spokeswoman said.

Retired builder Barry Knowles, who alerted the Gazette to the asbestos dumping , said the load was in an area often used by trail and quad bikers.

Mr Knowles is battling the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma.

He founded Reflections through Reality, the title of his book, to raise funds towards finding a cure for the incurable illness.

A dog walker stumbled on the broken asbestos and contacted Mr Knowles, who said the load appeared to have been there for some time.