July 26th 2024.
The Environmental Protection Agency has released a statement confirming that over 100 sites, including 24 early childhood education centres, may have inaccurate environmental reports. According to the agency, these reports were allegedly falsified by an environmental consulting firm owned by Noel Child. The agency has launched an investigation into these claims, which pertain to 135 different sites across 33 councils that were still in the development stage at the time of the alleged falsification.
Out of the 135 sites in question, 24 are currently operating as preschools. However, the agency assures the public that there are no immediate health risks associated with these sites. They also state that there is no history of contamination or exposure pathways that could impact the health of individuals. A full list of the affected sites can be found at the bottom of this article.
The EPA has taken swift action and has already begun visiting the 24 preschools today to discuss the issue with the childcare operators. In addition to the preschools, the list of affected sites also includes 18 residential properties, 8 industrial and commercial sites, one school, and 84 undeveloped sites. The affected councils include Willoughby City, Woollahra Municipal, Sutherland Shire, Lake Macquarie City, Liverpool City, Fairfield City, City of Sydney, City of Canterbury Bankstown, City of Ryde, Central Coast Council, and more. A full list of all 33 affected councils can be found on the EPA's website.
The EPA explains that Child's role as a consultant was to conduct environmental assessments of these sites as part of the development applications submitted to local councils. As such, the agency has notified all councils that may have relied on reports produced by Child and will continue to provide support and guidance as they review their records for these sites. They also encourage anyone who has engaged N G Child & Associates for environmental assessments to contact the EPA or their local council for further advice.
It is important to note that this investigation is not related to the recent asbestos-mulch debacle. The EPA wants to assure the public that they are taking this matter seriously and are committed to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of environmental reports. They will continue to provide updates on the investigation as it progresses.
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