Measures taken to deal with likely asbestos discovery at Logan Park

Dunedin (Friday, 2 December 2016) – The Dunedin City Council has taken a range of precautionary measures following the discovery of what is likely to be asbestos under a Logan Park sportsfield today.

DCC Acting Group Manager Parks and Recreation Tom Dyer says, “We are taking all practical steps to keep contractors, staff and the public safe.”

Contractor Downer is working with the DCC’s Parks and Recreation department to upgrade two sportsfields at Logan Park. Work started today and contractors were excavating a raised mound at the southern end of the park when an asbestos-like material was discovered.

The DCC and Downer responded quickly to protect the wellbeing of the local community.

Mr Dyer says, “Work stopped immediately and an appropriately qualified specialist was brought in to assess the material. It was confirmed it was likely the material was asbestos and appropriate precautions were taken straight away.

“Lab testing will happen tonight to confirm whether the material is asbestos.”

In the meantime the following steps have been taken.
• The site has been fenced off with 1.8m of temporary fencing.
• Signs have been put up advising the public of the asbestos risk within the enclosed area.
• Most of the asbestos-like material has been covered with clean fill to avoid any potential exposure.
• Some small pieces of material have been left in piles of fill – these areas have also been fenced off.
• Downer staff have been briefed on the hazard and the safe work practices that should be carried out.
• WorkSafe has been notified.

Mr Dyer says the material appears to have been buried for some time and staff will look into possible sources of the material.

All the material will be removed from the site.

Staff will be contacting organisations which use the area regularly to advise them of the situation and the steps taken.

There is likely to be a delay to the overall project, but the DCC is committed to ensuring the site is safe and that the project will be completed.

No further details are available at this stage.

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