Asbestos-containing material (ACM) was found washed up at beaches in Glendowie, Karaka Bays and up theTāmaki River towards Panmure. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council
Auckland Council said it is stepping up efforts to find the source of asbestos-containing material (ACM) washing up on East Auckland beaches.
While the risk to the public was considered low, the council advised people to avoid picking up the contaminated cement board fragments at affected beaches, including Glendowie Bay and Karaka Bay.
Asbestos-containing material (ACM) was found washed up at beaches in Glendowie, Karaka Bays and up theTāmaki River towards Panmure. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council
The council's Manager of Environmental Health, Mervyn Chetty, told RNZ that despite regular clean-ups, the material had been washing ashore on Auckland's eastern coastline for years, particularly after severe storms.
"The issue has not gone away, clearly, we need to revisit our approach in dealing with this and do a little bit more to work out the extent of the contamination and the best way forward in managing this."
He said the material was believed to be old construction waste, but they were continuing to investigate where it originated.
Asbestos-containing material (ACM) was found washed up at beaches in Glendowie, Karaka Bays and up theTāmaki River towards Panmure. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council
He said he was aware of schools in the area doing activities with groups of students at the beaches.
"Ideally, no activity should be conducted in areas where there's any ACM present.
"We've been in contact with the Ministry of Education, who have provided advice to the schools in the area."
He said that while people did not need to avoid the beaches, people, including children, should leave it to the council to clean up the ACM.
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