EPA and SafeWork NSW discontinue investigations into Blue Mountains City Council

The Environment Protection Authority has discontinued its investigation into the management and disposal of asbestos waste by Blue Mountains City Council at a range of locations.

The EPA advised Council today that the decision had been made “after an extensive investigation and review of all available evidence”.

This follows notification from SafeWork NSW last week, that it had completed its investigation relating to the Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility and had decided that no action was to be taken.

The EPA investigated Council’s management and disposal of asbestos waste at locations on the Great Western Highway, Lawson; Park Street, Lawson; and other locations at Katoomba, Valley Heights and Lapstone.

The EPA stated it had advised both SafeWork NSW and the Commissioner of the Blue Mountains Public Inquiry that it had decided to discontinue its investigation.

It also stated in the letter to Dr Dillon: “I would like to acknowledge the co-operation of Blue Mountains City Council, you and your staff during the EPA’s investigation.”

SafeWork NSW advised Council last week that it had completed an investigation into whether a breach of the work health and safety legislation occurred at the Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility. In a letter to Council, SafeWork NSW said they had carefully reviewed all the information and evidence available and determined that no legal proceedings would be commenced against the Council in relation to this matter.

Mayor Mark Greenhill said he welcomed the advice from both EPA and SafeWork NSW.  

“I want to thank Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rosemary Dillon, and her team for all their hard work during the investigations,” Cr Greenhill said. 

“However, there have been comments made outside the Council workforce that have not made this process any easier and I hope that they will now cease.”