Asbestos contamination has been added to the list of the late autumn storm damage dealt with by City of Onkaparinga, with exposed sheets found at Aldinga Beach.

In a statement the council says the storm surge in late May exposed asbestos sheets at a known contaminated site in the coastal reserve at Aldinga Beach, which are believed to be from beach shacks demolished and illegally dumped in the 1960s and 70s.

“The asbestos was found by council staff as part of our post-severe weather coastal inspections and our licenced asbestos assessor and removalist contractor attended the site to make the area safe. 

“Their air monitoring didn’t reveal any airborne fibres. The asbestos was transported and disposed of by our contractor in accordance with EPA requirements on 29 May. 

“Our contractor also visited this site in February this year, in May 2024 and in January 2023 to remove pieces of asbestos.

“There was no risk to the public.

“The area where the asbestos was found is within a known contaminated site, registered in our Contaminated Land Register.”

The council says it’s not unusual for severe weather events to cause erosion and expose materials asbestos containing that were previously dumped and buried many years ago.

There are 11 similar sites across the city – including in Port Willunga, Sellicks Beach and Port Noarlunga, which the council manages with regular inspections from qualified remediation specialists. 

Asbestos or hazardous materials found in public areas should be reported to the council on 8384 0666.