The state's environmental watchdog is investigating an asbestos dump at a public park in Lake Macquarie, next to a scout hall
Residents reported a large pile of soil was dumped in the northwest corner of Parbury Park at Swansea in July, near the 1st Swansea Scout Group hall.
However the NSW Environmental Protection Agency wasn't notified until September 25, when someone walking their dog noticed roof tiles in the soil, which appeared to contain asbestos.
The next day, the EPA sent officers to the lakeside park, where they undertook testing that confirmed the presences of asbestos containing material.
The Herald understands nearby neighbours have raised concerns their properties may have been contaminated, with several weeks of windy weather blowing the soil onto their property.
An EPA spokesperson said the organisation requested Lake Macquarie City Council secure the waste and then remove it.
"We understand that council has covered the waste and fenced off the area to prevent any exposure to the community including the surrounding houses," the EPA spokesperson said.
"Council is currently awaiting test results before removing it to a licensed facility."
A spokesperson for Lake Macquarie City Council confirmed the soil had been covered while it awaited the results of the testing.
"A contractor has been engaged to remove this material on Wednesday and Thursday," the LMCC spokesperson said.
"The area has been fenced off to prevent public access. Crews have also covered the material and anchored those covers to prevent any run-off or wind transfer to neighbouring properties."
The gated park is also home to rugby league fields and tennis courts.
