Concrete recycling
How big an issue is this?
To date only very low levels of asbestos contamination have been identified.
What does low level of asbestos fibres mean?
- Safe levels of fibrous asbestos or asbestos finesare when the asbestos fibres weigh less than or equal to 0.001% of the weight of the material tested.
- Low level of contamination is when asbestos fibres are present between > 0.001% and 0.01% of the weight of the material tested.
- Moderate levels of contamination is when asbestos fibres are present at >0.01%-1%.
- High levels of contamination occurs when greater than 1% of the weight of the material tested is from asbestos fibres.
Of the 12 landfill stockpile samples undertaken to date, 10 samples have come back as safe and two samples have come back at the low end of the low level of contamination (0.006% and 0.007%).
How long has Council been aware of this issue?
In mid-June staff were alerted that crushed concrete sourced from Broadlands Road Landfill, being used on a Council project, contained material that looked like asbestos. Council immediately tested crushed concrete at the project site and the crushed concrete stockpile at the landfill this material was sourced from. The project site was clear, but the stockpile tests showed low levels of asbestos contamination in two samples.
There are currently three stockpiles of crushed concrete at Broadlands Road Landfill and these are also being tested for asbestos. So far, 12 samples have been taken but many more will be needed to get a truly representative understanding of the contamination because of the amount of crushed concrete in the stockpiles. Council is working as quickly as possible to get this further testing done.
What is the risk level?
The main immediate health risk associated with asbestos contamination is that small asbestos fibres can move into the air and may then be breathed in. Ongoing exposure to asbestos fibres may cause inflammation and scarring of lung tissues (asbestosis). This generally only happens when material containing asbestos is crushed or disturbed. Keeping stockpiles damp or covered prevents asbestos fibres from mobilising.
Council is following asbestos management guidelines and the stockpiles are being kept damp until a longer-term remediation and disposal option can be implemented. Council has been advised that by keeping the stockpiles damp and ensuring access to the stockpiles is restricted that there is no health risk.
How do I know if the concrete I bought is contaminated?
Staff continue to work with customers to determine the location of crushed concrete. Once located, where it is possible to access the crushed concrete, it will be tested for asbestos, and any sites that test above safe thresholds remediated as appropriate.
Anyone who has bought crushed concrete should call council on 07 376 0899.
What do I do if I think I may have contaminated concrete on my property?
Call Council on 07 376 0899.