Joint asbestos investigation update – 6 March 2024
Issued: 7 Mar 2024
No further evidence of asbestos contamination has been found at NuGrow’s Swanbank facility after further testing as part of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation’s (DESI) ongoing investigation.
Officers tested a further 17 samples at NuGrow and all returned negative results for asbestos.
DESI has also been undertaking air monitoring in the area and results so far indicate that asbestos levels in the residential areas in the vicinity of the NuGrow facility are consistent with the typical concentration of background airborne asbestos in the environment.
DESI officers have continued their investigations into the potential source, including conducting an inspection at the nearby Lantrak landfill site earlier this week. No compliance issues have been identified and there is no evidence to suggest that asbestos fibres may have been released from that site.
DESI’s enquiries indicate that emissions from neighbouring sites in the area are highly unlikely to account for the asbestos in the NuGrow compost sample given the size of the particles that were detected, even at higher wind speeds.
DESI will ensure the controls NuGrow has in place to prevent asbestos being received through its feedstocks are adequate and will continue educating the waste industry to improve practices regarding the identification and segregation of asbestos.
NuGrow has provided all information required by DESI under the emergency direction to date and officers are working through this material now. DESI is engaging further with NuGrow regarding its efforts to identify potential sources and to ensure any material leaving the site is suitable for use.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is nearing completion of its investigation into the supply chain, identifying around 90 locations as having received soil from NuGrow’s Ipswich facility since 2 February 2024.
WHSQ is continuing to engage with workplaces to assess any risks to workers but is confident it has reached the end of the supply chain.
Samples collected from schools and public parks have been sent for testing. Results will be published as they are confirmed for each respective site, with two negative results received to date.
The WHSQ website also provides advice and guidance for people concerned about the soil products they have purchased.
The community can also contact the DESI Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372, press 2.
DESI began proactive, precautionary testing at landfill operations, transfer stations, landscape suppliers, composters and mulch suppliers in South East Queensland on 20 February 2024.
Quotes attributable to Brad Wirth, Executive Director, Compliance, Department of Environment, Science and Innovation:
“We will continue to engage with NuGrow and monitor the situation as required to ensure any material leaving the site is suitable for use,” he said
“Our focus is on ensuring asbestos contaminated waste isn’t used in the production of soil, mulch, compost or any other products in Queensland’
“We are taking this opportunity to remind community members and waste operators of their responsibilities and obligations under legislation regarding appropriate management and disposal of asbestos.”
Quotes attributable to Peter McKay, Regulator, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland:
“WHSQ’s investigation into the supply chain is nearing completion, with the location of over 4,000 tonnes of soil that left the NuGrow site identified through our contract tracing efforts. Investigating this volume of material gives us a high level of confidence the issue is in hand.
“Samples collected from schools and public parks have been sent for testing, with negative results received for two of the nine locations thus far.
“We will continue to keep our website updated as further information becomes available.
“Based on our investigations into the product’s use, the risk to the public is low.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Health Executive Director (Health Protection and Regulation) John Piispanen:
“The health and wellbeing of the community is a priority, and we are continuing to work with our partners WHSQ and DESI, to assess any health risks to members of the public.
Based on the information currently available, the health risk in relation to asbestos in garden soil is low.”