The Lake Macquarie Council recently revealed that illegal asbestos dumping can cost upwards of $10,000 each time someone is required to remove it.
The council is currently looking into an illegal dumping of approximately three cubic metres of the deadly material close to Dora Creek.
Rangers were directed to the site following reports of suspicious activity from a member of the community.
Keith Stevenson, waste manager for the council, stated that illegal dumping costs the organisation hundreds of thousands of dollars and it is unacceptable. He reported that the financial toll often reaches about $300,000 per year.
“In relation to an asbestos site, it can be anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the amount of asbestos removed, and the condition it’s in.
“So if it’s spread across a large area it make it harder to remove. He says this is the reason the costs often raise significantly.
“It’s not a case of just sending in a council crew.”
Mr Stevenson is calling for anyone who witnesses illegal dumping to immediately notify the organisation.
“Certainly anyone who observes anybody dumping waste, or particularly asbestos, they certainly don’t need to approach the people but get as much information as they can.
“We have a dedicated officer that will pretty much pursue that straight away.
He says the cost to the environment and the community is too high and now they are left with having to remove the deadly substance.
More info on Asbestos
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-22/asbestos-dumped-in-lake-macquarie/5109902
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