Asbestos In Soil

Written By Joshua Spalding

Summary

Asbestos in soil refers to asbestos-containing material (ACM) or asbestos fibres present within soil, fill or made ground.

It is commonly associated with historical demolition, uncontrolled fill, buried building waste or previous disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.

Definition

Asbestos in soil may occur as:

  • visible asbestos cement fragments;

  • bonded ACM mixed through fill;

  • friable asbestos;

  • fibre bundles; or

  • dispersed asbestos fibres.

The presence of asbestos in soil does not necessarily mean an entire site is contaminated. Assessment is used to determine its source, extent, condition and potential for exposure.

Why Asbestos in Soil Matters

Disturbing asbestos-contaminated soil through excavation, handling or earthworks can release fibres into the air.

It can also affect:

  • construction and excavation methods;

  • worker protection requirements;

  • soil reuse and waste disposal;

  • remediation planning; and

  • site validation.

Common Sources

Asbestos may enter soil through:

  • historical demolition;

  • uncontrolled or imported fill;

  • buried building waste;

  • illegal dumping;

  • deterioration of asbestos-containing products; or

  • previous earthworks that spread ACM through soil.

When Asbestos in Soil Is Assessed

Assessment may be required where:

  • asbestos fragments are discovered during excavation;

  • historical fill or demolition is suspected;

  • soil is proposed for excavation, reuse or disposal;

  • redevelopment is proposed on previously developed land; or

  • validation is required following asbestos remediation.

Related Terms

  • Asbestos

  • Asbestos-Containing Material

  • Friable Asbestos

  • Non-Friable Asbestos

  • Contaminated Land

  • Asbestos Clearance Inspection

  • Site Validation

  • Waste Classification

  • Remediation Action Plan

Joshua Spalding
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