Clean-up works continue following contamination at Boggabri waste facility

Clean-up works at the Boggabri waste facility continue after suspected asbestos-containing materials were dumped at the centre recently.

The waste facility has been temporarily closed and interim measures put in place.

In an update on Tuesday, Narrabri Shire Council said it had engaged the services of a specialised consultant to provide advice regarding the issue, including necessary sampling and testing.

“We are still under the guidance of the EPA and will continue to work towards the clean-up process,” the update read.

Following the discovery of contaminated material, residents of Boggabri were advised that although the asbestos has been contained and does not pose an immediate risk, the site is closed to the public and to refrain from entering for safety reasons during the investigation.

Alternative waste disposal options have been provided, including a temporary general waste facility on Tip Road for Boggabri residents, and the Baan Baa facility on the Kamilaroi Highway for residential bulk waste disposal. Kerbside collections continue as scheduled.

Residents have been reminded It is illegal to dump asbestos waste. It must go to a landfill licensed to accept it.

People should contact the landfill site before taking asbestos and asbestos containing materials, to check what procedures are in place.

“Always phone ahead to the licensed landfill before you start asbestos removal. They can confirm if they can accept your asbestos waste and contaminated PPE,” information from NSW EPA reads.

NSW EPA strongly recommends using a licensed asbestos removalist to remove and dispose of asbestos waste.