The NZ Transport Agency is working with specialist contractors to remove asbestos discovered on the construction site of the Maungatapu underpass.
Contractors are carrying out earthworks near the old Baden-Powell Centre and they uncovered the asbestos in an old demolished building.
The area is secure in line with all health and safety, environmental, legal and regulatory guidelines.
NZTA acting Bay of Plenty highway manager, Adam Francis says Worksafe NZ, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City Council are informed, and there is no immediate health risk to staff or the community.
“The site is secure in line with regulations, and we are currently working with specialist contractors to determine the best disposal measures going ahead,” says Francis.
“On Tuesday (November 10) asbestos specialists will be onsite to investigate the site. We will have a disposal method confirmed later this month,” he says.
“We will keep the community informed as we work to find the best solution,” says Francis.
