SEQWATER and Environment Department staff are investigating illegal earthworks which saw asbestos dumped at Leslie Harrison Dam.
Seqwater spokesman Mike Foster said material had been dumped without approval on Seqwater land and was understood to be part of a motor cross or BMX track which was being built by a neighbour without permission.
“The area has been sealed off with sediment fencing and material is being removed,’’ he said. “There is no effect on the water supply.’'
Seqwater was believed to have been informed of earth works by Redland City Council about two weeks and after which an investigation began.
Samples were taken and these were confirmed to contain asbestos on Friday.
“I’ve got to stress there are absolutely no health impacts,’’ Mr Foster said. “Even if the material was washed into the dam, the treatment plan has the capacity to remove it.’’
A neighbour, who declined to be named, said the material at the end of Howlett Road may have been either dumped or could have come from old huts that were in the area decades ago.
He said he was concerned about the earthworks because the catchment area was a koala corridor.
About 200 to 300 square metres of contaminated material was being removed.
The Redland City Bulletin understands some trees have been cleared which might include protected species.
Mr Foster said there was no evidence that any of the contaminated soil was transferred into Leslie Harrison Dam.
As a precaution, Seqwater installed a sedimentation fence immediately to protect against any run-off into the dam, should it rain.
The contaminated soil poses no risk to the drinking water supply sourced from the Leslie Harrison Dam.
Seqwater is currently considering the appropriate legal action to take.
Just last month Mayor Karen Williams asked Redlanders to dob in people who had dumped asbestos contaminated material at Double Jump Road, Redland Bay and West Mount Cotton Road, Sheldon.
Ratepayers were left with an $8000 clean-up bill after council staff had to removed material.
Cr Williams said that since August, last year, there had been 10 reported incidents of asbestos dumping in the Redlands.
“It beggars belief that these dumpers are willing to put the safety of others at risk,’’ she said.
“We can’t be everywhere, so we also rely on public assistance and are calling on the public to dob in these dumpers because ultimately it’s the entire community who is placed at risk and who bears the costs.’’
Illegal dumping can be reported on 13 74 68. It can incur fines up to $121,000.
Domestic asbestos can be disposed of free at the Birkdale Transfer Station. It must be double wrapped in durable and sealed plastic sheeting and must be less than 10 sq m or 250kg.
Asbestos disposal charges apply for commercial customers.
