ASBESTOS has been removed from vacant land in central Mornington, leaving a neighbour fearing that fragments of the deadly substance have been carried from the site by truck tyres.
The former industrial land at 73-75 Barkly St is being prepared for townhouses.
The land is next to Mornington Primary School and Josh Dawson, assistant manager of the Gillon Group development company, said asbestos removal was timed to coincide with school holidays.
In a “courtesy” letter to nearby residents, Mr Dawson said asbestos on the vacant land was “limited to sheet fragments” and was classified as “non-fibrous and does not present a risk to the community”.
Workers would wear protective clothing and air would be monitored during the work although it was “not a requirement when removing non-fibrous material”.
He said WorkSafe was aware of the asbestos removal, which complied with Victorian occupational safety and health regulations and was being carried out by “licensed asbestos hygienist and removal companies”.
John Sheilf lives in a neighbouring townhouse development and said WorkSafe had assured him there was “nothing to worry about” in regard to mud being carried from the site by truck tyres.
“But other cars can pick it up, and who’s going to wash it off?” Mr Sheilf asked.
“The man I spoke to on the phone at WorkSafe couldn’t even find the Mornington job on his computer.
“I believe it is a concern if there are asbestos particles in the paddock and I can see the mud on the road.”
On Friday morning a crane working on the site appeared to be using its bucket to scrape mud from Pearson St.
