Work in the area ceased on Monday May 28 when Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) staff were informed that a number of concrete pipes located during drainage improvement work could possibly contain asbestos.

The $2.3 million safety upgrade is being funded and constructed by the RMS.

A spokesman for the RMS said that the presence of asbestos was confirmed on Wednesday May 30 and remediation work began soon after.

“While the work site has been declared safe, Roads and Maritime is working with the specialist, the EPA and Blayney Shire Council to remediate the stockpile site and Blayney Waste Facility in accordance with best practice in asbestos management,” he said.

“Any asbestos identified on a project site is managed according to these procedures to ensure there is no risk to the public.”

A large stockpile of contaminated material is being stored on the Mid-Western highway opposite the entrance to the Blayney Golf Club.

Another smaller stockpile is situated in the Blayney Waste Facility.

A spokesperson for the NSW Environmental Protection Authority stated that NSW EPA is aware of this matter and the EPA’s investigation is ongoing.

Blayney shire council general manager Rebecca Ryan said that a number of agencies were engaged in the issue.

“As soon as Council was made aware of the issue, Council immediately notified the lead agency, NSW EPA and continues to liaise with all stakeholders on the issue including SafeWork NSW and RMS,” she said. 

“Council has been advised by RMS that an urgent remediation plan is being prepared and undertaken.”