By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The state’s pollution watchdog has investigated a finding of asbestos in soil mounds in Spring Valley Park in Springvale South.
Asbestos fragments have also been recently removed from the under-construction Springvale Community Hub.
Environment Protection Authority Victoria requested the hiring of an environmental hygienist to inspect the mounds in Spring Valley, just behind temples on Springvale Road, Greater Dandenong Council’s engineering director Paul Kearsley told a council meeting on 10 February.
The “small quantity” of asbestos was believed to come from unauthorised dumping as well as council-sourced fill materials from Parkfield Reserve’s former bike track base and Tatterson Park, Mr Kearsley said.
The council-sourced fills had been certified “clean” at the time, he said.
After inspection, the hygienist removed the asbestos from the park, declaring the area as “clean” and “safe”.
The council applied new top-dressing to the former landfill site and the area near the eastern car parks from 6 February, Mr Kearsley said.
“The EPA have advised that they’re happy with the way it was managed and given the all-clear.”
The fill had been brought in as part of improvement and levelling works for the park’s “very rough” grass surface, he told Star Journal.
Asbestos cement product “pieces” at the Springvale Community Hub construction site was removed to a licensed facility.
“The soil was treated in line with approved processes,” Mr Kearsley said.
“Clean soil was then brought in to replace what was removed.
“Construction works ceased during this period and access to the site was stopped.”
