City of Sydney Provides Updates on Asbestos Contaminated Mulch Issue

The recent discovery of asbestos-contaminated mulch in several parks across the City of Sydney has raised concerns among residents and visitors. The City of Sydney is actively working to address this issue as quickly as possible and will provide regular updates to the public.

How did this issue come about?

On Thursday 8 February, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) informed the City of Sydney that its mulch suppliers may have received contaminated recycled mulch. In response, the city immediately initiated testing at five identified sites to determine the extent of contamination.

What is the distinction between bonded and friable asbestos?

Bonded asbestos, also known as non-friable asbestos, is mixed with cement or resin to keep the fibers intact. However, if damaged, bonded asbestos can release airborne fibers, posing a potential risk. On the other hand, friable asbestos can be easily crushed into a powder, making it more hazardous as it has a higher chance of releasing airborne fibers when handled.

Where has asbestos been found?

Following testing, bonded asbestos was found in mulch at Victoria Park and Belmore Park, while friable asbestos was detected in mulch at Harmony Park in Surry Hills. As a precautionary measure, Harmony Park has been temporarily closed and is surrounded by fences and warning signs. Victoria Park and Belmore Park, however, remain open with fenced-off areas and signs installed around the affected mulched zones. Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills and Pope Paul VI Reserve in Glebe were also tested, but no asbestos was detected in these areas.

In compliance with the guidelines set by SafeWork NSW, the City of Sydney has taken immediate steps to prevent public access to the affected areas. Licensed asbestos removalists will soon begin the cleanup process.

Will other parks be tested for contamination?

The City of Sydney plans to test an additional 32 parks within its jurisdiction where there is a possibility of contaminated mulch being used. A comprehensive list of these parks is available on the City of Sydney’s website. These potentially affected areas have already been cordoned off, and signs have been erected to alert the public.

What should individuals do if they have visited a park with asbestos contamination?

If you or your loved ones have spent time in a park where asbestos has been detected, it is natural to be concerned. For more information and guidance, please visit the NSW Health website, which provides detailed information on asbestos-related health risks.

What precautions should individuals take when visiting parks under inspection?

In preparation for inspections, the City of Sydney is cordoning off mulched areas and installing signs at the 32 parks being inspected. It is strongly advised that the public avoid mulched garden beds and areas under trees at these parks until inspections have been completed. The complete list of parks being inspected can be found on the City of Sydney’s website. Any additional asbestos findings will prompt the immediate fencing of the area and the installation of warning signs. The City of Sydney will continue to provide updates on the situation.

Where has the contaminated mulch been used in the affected parks?

The contaminated recycled mulch has been used exclusively in garden beds and areas under trees. It has not been utilized in park playgrounds, ensuring that the risk of exposure to the general public is minimized.

How long has the contaminated mulch been present in the affected parks?

The City of Sydney regularly replaces mulch in its parks. However, due to a recent issue with its suppliers, it is difficult to determine the exact batch of mulch that has been contaminated. The mulch may have been in place for up to six months.

Will other parks and sites be tested for contamination?

The City of Sydney is collaborating with its environmental consultant and asbestos assessor to investigate whether any other parks or sites may be affected. As more information becomes available, the City of Sydney will provide timely updates to the public.

When can we expect the clean-up to be completed? When will the closed parks reopen?

While an exact timeline cannot be provided at this stage, the City of Sydney assures the public that it is working diligently to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. The testing and clean-up process is estimated to take several weeks. Updates will be provided regularly.

Will the Fair Day event at Victoria Park proceed as planned?

Following a thorough investigation into the safety concerns at Victoria Park, it has been determined that the Fair Day event scheduled for Sunday 18 February cannot proceed due to the scale of the event and ongoing remediation efforts. The City of Sydney is collaborating with Sydney Mardi Gras to organize alternative events throughout the festival’s 17-day duration.

For more information

To access the full statement from the City of Sydney, which includes additional details and updates, please visit their official website.