The state-owned Cobbora Holding Company is being investigated over alleged improper handling for storing of asbestos at the Dunedoo site of the Cobbora Coal Project.
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The NSW Environmental Protection Authority is investigating whether Cobbora Holdings has a case to answer and is also working with the company to ensure all asbestos is disposed of safely.
According to EPA regional manager Simon Smith, the EPA became aware of a possible breach at the Spring Ridge Road site after a complaint. They investigated the site and issued a clean-up notice to the company on October 31, ordering Cobbora Holdings to "cease work onsite and proceed immediately with the safe and secure clean-up of the asbestos contaminated waste".
"As a follow-up to the Notice, EPA officers inspected the area on 18 and 19 November and discovered additional asbestos material at sites where buildings had been demolished by the company," Mr Smith said.
"Following this discovery the EPA immediately directed the company to cease all clean-up work at both the Spring Ridge Road site and at the demolition sites until appropriate controls and procedures are in place."
Mr Smith said a second clean-up notice is being prepared and will be presented to Cobbora Holdings within days.
Cobbora Holdings has rejected any suggestions of wrongdoing. Chief executive officer Richard Outridge said his company took the disposal of building waste very seriously. He said they had demolished a number of derelict buildings for "safety and security reasons".
However he was adamant it was done to comply with EPA and WorkCover protocols.
"All necessary approvals and documents related to the safe disposal of asbestos have been sought and provided by the relevant agencies," Mr Outridge said.
"The waste was disposed of in the appropriate manner, including at landfills licensed by the EPA to accept contaminated landfill. Some material has been temporarily stored on CHC land for separation and recycling. This process has been overseen by independent inspectors who ensure that all visible contaminated material has been removed from the site.
"CHC has been working closely with the EPA regarding a small amount of bonded asbestos fragments (fibro) that was detected at the storage area to ensure all contaminated material is appropriately managed."
Mr Outridge also said the storage area had been secured and was remotely located, approximately 5.4 kilometres from the nearest occupied residence.
Mr Smith said the EPA had
Any member of the public who has a concern about environmental impacts or knowledge of a particular incident in the local area is encouraged to contact the EPA's 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 to make an official report.
