Shell Cove developers are seeking the final sign off to bury a large cell of asbestos containing materials within their marina housing project.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The cell - of about 1200 cubic metres - has already been placed in the ground and was approved and identified in previous development applications, but now needs approval for the final capping and burial.
According to an application from Australand Corporation (a subsidiary of Frasers Property Australia), burial and enclosure is a better option than removing the contaminated material.
The material inside includes the more dangerous "friable" asbestos, which "consists of asbestos cement fragments in a weathered and deteriorated condition which could be easily pulled apart and broken down with minor hand pressure".
Under the proposal before Shellharbour council, the material will be capped with another layer of clean fill, with developers saying this reduces any safety and contamination concerns associated with excavating it again.
A long-term environmental management plan will likely require inspections about every six to 12 months, to inspect the capping layer and repair as required.
"Assuming sound construction techniques are followed, the need for any repair beyond what would normally be expected for a grass reserve is not likely and will essentially be no maintenance or low maintenance," developers said.