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Strathy residents concerned about health risks from illegally dumped asbestos
Life changed for Strathmerton’s Barry and Julie Koch in May 2020.
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Talking almost three years later, Ms Koch said that was the month she noticed an increased volume of trucks arriving at the Strathmerton transfer station.
That facility is next door to the Kochs’ home, and the couple were shocked to later find out that the trucks were dumping asbestos-contaminated material.
Moira Shire Council, however, has moved to alleviate any concerns.
“The asbestos discovered at the Strathmerton transfer station in May 2020 is a small load that presents no threat to the community,” a spokesperson said.
“It has undergone a thorough inspection by a licensed hygienist and the site will be remediated in August 2023.”
Ms Koch said she first heard rumours about the contamination via a conversation with one of the workers at the station.
She said a truck driver had told her he was there to water down the asbestos-contaminated dirt.
With her husband suffering from a severe respiratory illness, Ms Koch said she contacted council right away.
The couple allege their concerns were dismissed.
“When Julie rang Moira Shire they wouldn’t come out to see us,” Mr Koch said.
“They said ‘no, there is no asbestos in the dirt’.”
The council spokesperson said council was unable to identify a record or source of this contact.
“However, we acknowledge the accusation made by the neighbours and will investigate their concerns,” the spokesperson said.
Council eventually admitted that asbestos-contaminated material had been dumped in Strathmerton.
Those findings came to light during the commission of inquiry into Moira Shire Council in 2023.
The inquiry resulted in the dismissal of the previous council and the installation of new administrators, who have promised a remediation of the site.
It stated that less than 10 cubic metres of asbestos-containing material was stored at the Strathmerton station, despite the location not being suitable to hold the hazardous material.
“Asbestos identified at Strathmerton transfer station was embedded within a small two-metre squared area of flattened soil, which sits down gradient of the neighbouring property,” the council spokesperson said.
“It is of very low risk of migration. The need to consult with neighbouring properties was deemed unnecessary given the associated risk.”
The Kochs have said they were unaware that the asbestos was being dumped illegally at the time, and Mr Koch alleged the asbestos was dumped about 8m to 10m from the fence of their property.
After the asbestos dumping was confirmed, Ms Koch got in contact with EPA Victoria, which advised her and her husband to stay indoors and keep all windows and doors closed.
Council, for its part, sent a letter to the Kochs in December 2020 to say that it sent in ‘Class A’ asbestos cleaners to pick over the deposited fill and to remove any general waste and asbestos fragments.
The letter also stated that a geo-fabric layer was placed on top of the fill material and a 200mm layer of clean fill was then placed on top of that, and that the amount of asbestos found was below the EPA threshold for action.
Council confirmed this week that a comprehensive audit was under way to identify any historical asbestos deposits across all council sites.
“Although some past instances of asbestos have been found, Moira Shire Council assures the community that these findings have been contained, safely managed and do not pose an immediate danger,” the spokesperson said.
“Council remains fully committed to the health and wellbeing of its staff and residents, and will continue to conduct regular audits and inspections to minimise any potential risks.”
Despite the commission of inquiry’s findings, and the resolve of council to further remediate the site and get to the bottom of how the material was illegally dumped in Strathmerton, the Kochs still feel neglected.
For them, the biggest fears are for Mr Koch’s health and the possible devaluation of their property.
They are demanding the council compensate them should it be discovered that their property had lost value due to its proximity to the asbestos-contaminated material.
“Because it’s their (council’s) fault,” Ms Koch said.
The Kochs have also alleged that despite reports that council had tested neighbouring properties for contamination, they had not been contacted.
“I don’t think they have even taken samples,” Mr Koch said.
Council said it was currently appointing an independent licensed specialist to undertake remediation of the site in a safe manner that would, in no way, affect the surrounding community.
“During these works observations will be undertaken by a licensed occupational hygienist to ensure risks to the community are managed,” the spokesperson said.
“Remediation is likely to commence in August.”
Council said it was safe for people to be outdoors near the transfer station in Strathmerton.
“As the bonded asbestos is undisturbed, there will be no airborne fibres from the material to pose a risk to neighbouring property residents, animals or to the broader community,” the spokesperson said.
“This advice has been verified by an independent occupational hygienist. The EPA has also inspected the site and were satisfied with the controls on site.”