Asbestos-tainted mulch found in more Sydney sites

The sites are fenced off to prevent any public access and a remediation plan is being developed, Transport for NSW said on Wednesday.

Targeted testing at five Sydney Metro areas inaccessible to the public had also uncovered the material in Dulwich Hill, Canterbury and Campsie.

Several parts of Rozelle Parklands were closed after bonded asbestos was found in recycled mulch. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Recycled mulch containing bonded asbestos has already forced the closure of several parts of Rozelle Parklands in the city's inner west as well as other areas associated with the road interchange underneath the site.

The parklands opened in mid-December only for a child to uncover asbestos in mulch adjacent to the playground a little over a fortnight later.

It took until January 10 for park operator Transport for NSW to confirm the presence of asbestos and begin fencing off the area with more parts closed as extra tainted mulch was identified.

Work to remove more than 10 tonnes of asbestos-laden mulch began on Tuesday and is expected to keep the park closed for weeks.

While low risk compared to friable asbestos, bonded asbestos can weaken and have the potential to turn into powder as it ages and is exposed to the elements.

Transport for NSW said the discovery at the Prospect Highway came after four of 31 samples taken returned positive results for bonded asbestos.

Sydney Metro contractor Systems Connect also tested five traction substation locations where recycled mulch was used in landscaping work in October, finding bonded asbestos at three sites.

All five traction substations are not accessible to the public and are fenced. 

The contractor is preparing a remediation plan to remove the material from the substations.

Further investigation on the Western Sydney Airport project is being undertaken on the use of any recycled mulch on those project sites. 

The NSW Environment Protection Authority has been notified of all positive results.