Dusty: Work gets underway to relocate the Defence Storage National Distribution Centre site from Moorebank Avenue to Anzac Road, Moorebank. Picture: Luke Fuda
CONCERN over unsafe work practices at the Defence Storage National Distribution Centre in Moorebank is rife.
The site, which is currently being relocated from Moorebank Avenue to Anzac Road, is known to contain asbestos and other soil contaminants from a former ammunition warehouse.
Since the works began earlier this month, Wattle Grove has been covered in a haze of dust.
Residents have lobbied local politicians and the NSW Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate the matter.
Wattle Grove resident Roy Carter said it was laughable that there was no legislative requirement for any signage to be displayed to inform residents of potentially contaminated sites.
"Even if the site is contaminated without doubt, they still do not have to notify the public or display signage," he said.
"My concern is that the Department of Defence have no idea of the level of contamination contained in that land, and are still conducting the works regardless."
Hughes MP Craig Kelly and Macquarie Fields MP Andrew McDonald completed site visits last week.
Mr Kelly said he noted a number of concerns and has been in contact with the base commander to discuss remediation strategies, including relocating site access, canvas bunting along the perimeter and use of water to reduce dust.
A Defence spokeswoman said a detailed historical study and site survey was conducted to identify contaminants, including asbestos, from previously demolished buildings and a further three identified for demolition.
"The asbestos is being removed by a licensed contractor in accordance with statutory regulations and will be transported to an approved landfill site," she said.
Procedures to mitigate airborne and soil contamination were being used in the removal of known asbestos stockpiles and this work would stop if it became excessively windy, she said.
"The foreman is constantly assessing the site for potential contaminants, and an environmental officer is on site to oversee these processes and decide on appropriate courses of action if contaminants are discovered," she said.