Council to begin clean-up of RRC aggregate
Wingecarribee Shire Council will begin remediation of the contaminated reclaimed crushed aggregate located within the grounds of the Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) following approval from the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
The reclaimed crushed aggregate in question was found to have contained a small amount of bonded asbestos, not dissimilar to fibro, following routine laboratory testing.
The EPA have subsequently granted Council approval and provided direction on the remediation process which will involve machinery dissecting the aggregate into smaller quantities of 50 cubic metres for processing and testing.
This work will be undertaken by a specialist licensed contractor in accordance with an agreed remediation plan approved by the EPA.
During the remediation works an Industrial Hygienist will be located on site at the RRC to oversee the works and ensure the air quality continues to meet Australian Standards. The specialist contractor and Hygienist engaged have been approved by both the EPA and SafeWork NSW.
In the event that any of the smaller loads are found to contain any traces of asbestos after processing, these will be removed from the RRC and disposed of at a licensed facility. Cleared loads will be beneficially re-used on site at the RRC. Neither cleared aggregate nor otherwise will be sold to the public.
Clean-up works will begin on Monday 18 September and weather permitting is expected to take approximately nine weeks to complete.
During this time the clean-up site will be screened and fenced, dust suppression measures will be put in place and appropriate air monitoring undertaken.
These measures will ensure the RRC and its immediate surrounds continue to pose no risk to health.
Both Council and the EPA will monitor progress of all works.
Neighbouring businesses have been notified of the pending clean-up works.
The RRC will remain open during the clean-up works however onsite traffic may be diverted at times.