The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has completed site inspections at 24 council-run childcare centres as it investigates allegations of falsified sampling results in environmental reports spanning 135 sites across 33 NSW councils.
It says no immediate risks to public health and safety have been identified as a result of the weekend’s childcare centre inspections.
On Saturday, the Authority announced it was investigating the actions of environmental consultant, Noel Child, of N G Child & Associates.
It says the allegedly falsified reports mostly relate to contaminated land assessments involving soil, ground and surface water, and air sampling.
“The EPA understands that part of Mr Child’s role was to test potential development sites and then make environmental assessments for clients as part of development applications to local councils,” it said in a statement.
“We seized more than 10,000 pieces of data and have finished reviewing 2,460 files and are investigating alleged falsified samples.”
“Following a review of all available data, the EPA confirms that there are no immediate risks to public health and safety. The analysis revealed no history of contamination or exposure pathways that could affect people’s health.”
It’s understood the EPA was alerted to the alleged falsification of results by a laboratory manager after an EPA-accredited site auditor raised concerns with the lab about the validity of results contained within a report prepared by N G Child & Associates.
As part of the review, the EPA identified 135 different sites that have been the subject of alleged falsified reports.
These include:
- 24 early childhood education and care services
- 18 residential properties
- 8 industrial/commercial sites
- 1 school
- 84 sites yet to be developed.
The EPA has completed its inspections at the council-run childcare centres and says it will continue to work with councils to provide support for the remaining sites.
“These visits have not changed our assessment of risk for these sites,” it said.
It has also contacted all affected councils and advised them to review all development applications associated with NG Child & Associates.
“We are notifying all councils that may have relied on reports produced by Mr Child in approving development applications, and will continue to provide advice and support as they review their records for these sites.”
“Anyone who has engaged N G Child & Associates to undertake environmental assessments as part of a development application is encouraged to contact the EPA or their relevant local council for advice.”
It says the incident is unrelated the state’s ongoing asbestos in mulch investigation.
The identified councils affected are:
- Bayside Council
- Blacktown Council
- Blayney Shire Council
- Burwood Council
- Camden Council
- Campbelltown City Council
- Canada Bay city Council
- Central Coast Council
- City of Canterbury Bankstown
- City of Parramatta Council
- City of Ryde Council
- City of Sydney
- Cumberland Council
- Edward River Council
- Eurobodalla Shire Council
- Fairfield City Council
- Georges River Council
- Hawkesbury City Council
- Hornsby Council
- Inner West Council
- Ku-ring-gai Council
- Lake Macquarie City Council
- Liverpool City Council
- Northern Beaches Council
- Penrith City Council
- Randwick City Council
- Shoalhaven City Council
- Strathfield Municipal Council
- Sutherland Shire Council
- The Hills Shire Council
- Willoughby City Council
- Wollondilly Shire Council
- Woollahra Municipal Council.
