Fifteen months ago residents in Hazelbrook first contacted the National Parks and Wildlife Service about asbestos dumped in the national park.
One pile of the material, which they believe contains asbestos, had been wrapped in black plastic and the other was uncovered, and left in the national park at the end of Clearview Parade.
The site is just 10m from a popular trail used by walkers and cyclists.
Jan Cave, Dave Hegarty and Leta van der Wal said they have contacted NPWS on five occasions since it was dumped, asking for the asbestos to be removed. They have spoken to NPWS staff over the phone and in person at the Blackheath office, emailed one ranger and spoken with another. The uncovered pile of asbestos was removed a year ago, but the pile in plastic remains.
“Our concern is the fire hazard if it [the asbestos] explodes,” Ms Cave said.
They said the area is frequently used as a rubbish dump – everything from discarded bottles and cans to condoms and bongs – which they tidy up every few days.
“There’s a deplorable attitude in some residents of the Blue Mountains that they treat this place as a rubbish dump,” Mr Hegarty said.
“We are proud of the place and are doing what we can to keep it clean.”
After the Gazette made inquiries, an office of environment and heritage spokeswoman said: “NPWS is aware of the presence of the material. It is expected to be cleared this week.”
