Daylight asbestos dumping causes alarm

• Scottsdale Police are looking to identify this vehicle in relation to allegedly dumping deadly asbestos at the Scottsdale Waste Transfer Station on Sunday. Image extracted from Dorset Council’s CCTV footage.

By Taylor Clyne
June 05, 2019

Two people put themselves and others at risk on Sunday when they illegally dumped three trailer loads of deadly asbestos at the Scottsdale Waste Transfer Station.
The incident took place during business hours with staff unaware that the loads contained asbestos until later in the day.
Director of Infrastructure Dwaine Griffin said he was called to inspect the broken concrete and later identified that the trailer loads contained large amounts of asbestos.
“This is the first time this has happened in Scottsdale that I’m aware of,” he said.
“Maybe the people weren’t aware that their rubbish contained asbestos if that is the case, we need to educate the public on the severity these fibres can cause.”
Sergeant Andrew Hanson said police were contacted about the incident to help locate the offenders.
“Technically it’s illegal dumping, that has some serious public safety concerns; in this case, because it was done during business hours it’s unlikely that the people knew it was asbestos,” Sergeant Hanson said.
“It sounds fairly innocent and nine times out of ten it is, but we’d still like to catch up with the people involved.
Mr Griffin said the site had been “made safe.”
“We will likely have to get someone out from Launceston to wrap it up and dispose of it safely; it’s a costly episode,” he said.
It’s believed the below ute is the vehicle in question. Police and Council are looking to identify them. To help with this inquiry contact Scottsdale Police on 131 444.
The incident serves as a health risk reminder to those renovating their homes or removing old concrete, the material is deadly if inhaled.
Those unsure if what they are removing is asbestos are encouraged to seek professional help.