Landserv completed the management of asbestos containing material (ACM) in stockpiles at a recreational reserve. Landserv adopted a low impact approach and retained all soil on site in accordance with Cultural Heritage Management Plan requirements and working with representatives of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong traditional owners.
This project involved the management and removal of asbestos containing material (ACM) that had been dumped in the past, at a site where Council is proposing to develop a recreation reserve and educational site. In accordance with the Cultural Heritage Management Plan, no soil was able to be removed from the site. Identification of a protected species – the Growling Grass Frog – at the site required the involvement of ecologists to assist with supervision and application of delicate remediation approach to the levelling of stockpiles.
Landserv worked with licenced asbestos removalists and occupational hygienists to develop a remediation strategy to remove the ACM. The approach applied involved picking through stockpiles in several stages, initially with an excavator and then hand picking to remove residual ACM fragments.
After the initial phases of ACM removal, residual fragments were occasionally observed while the treated soil was being reinstated and landscaped across the site. To address this, Landserv continued to supervise remaining of stockpile levelling works and worked to a documented strategy with trigger levels that would prompt reengagement of asbestos removalist and occupational hygienist. Where the number and density of fragments was below the conservative trigger levels, minor amounts of ACM were able to be removed by Landserv personnel under strict safety protocols and in accordance with the applicable Worksafe Code of Practice.
After the ACM removal was completed Landserv’s experienced Environmental Scientists (with the requisite knowledge, skills and experience as defined by WorkSafe Code of Practice 2019) were able to issue clearance certificates for the area in accordance with the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
Benefits:
- A culturally sensitive method of managing ACM whilst retaining soil on site.
- Developing and adopting a management approach to minimise cost to client.
- Adopting a sensitive approach to manage endangered wildlife habitat and health.
