A DUST suppressant is being laid at the burnt out Patea freezing works site to contain any asbestos fibres. Until now dust there has been suppressed with a continuously operating water cannon. Contractors on Thursday began applying a non-toxic suppressant, an acrylic resin called AW95, to bind and settle dust particles andhelp prevent any possibility of airborne asbestos contamination of the township. Gary Bedford, Taranaki Regional Council's director-environment yesterday said the work was expected to be completed next week. The contractor would make regular return visits to monitor the effectiveness of the binder and apply more if necessary. "The application of the AW95 is being managed in accordance with Department of Labour guidelines on asbestos sites. Taranaki Regional Council will monitor air quality at the site as the project proceeds. The material is being applied with a water cannon or by hose where this is more effective and council and the contractor have controls in place to contain run off. The disused plant was largely destroyed in a major fire on Waitangi Day. There are concerns that asbestos could be released from the fire-damaged buildings. Although not toxic in itself, asbestos can be dangerous if fibres are inhaled. Mr Bedford said the Taranaki Regional Council also had been advised that the owner of one section of the site, Noel McColl, had begun work to contain debris and rubble that remained on his property after the fire. "These actions, coupled with the results of previous air and ash sampling that indicated there was no asbestos contamination in the township during the fire, should offer reassurance to Patea residents."
