The hazardous waste – which can cause fatal lung diseases – was discovered by a gardener on 29 October having been left there some time within the previous four days.
It is thought the tiles would have covered a roof around six sq-m in size – roughly enough to cover a small porch, extension or outbuilding. Ruberoid-type roofing felt and some flashing-type tape were also found in the bags.
Environmental Protection are investigating, alongside St Peter honorary police, and are keen to hear from anyone who may have recently seen roof tiles being removed.
‘It is bad enough that someone has chosen to dump their asbestos waste so carelessly and in such a public location, but particularly concerning is that they appear to have no or very little knowledge of how to handle asbestos,’ an Environmental Protection spokesperson said.
‘We are very keen to hear from any householders who may have recently had a small amount of roofing tiles removed and taken for disposal or anyone who thinks they may know where the tiles were removed from.’
A licensed contractor has now taken away the asbestos, which was left exposed to the elements and should have been double-bagged.
A spokesperson for the Watersplash said: ‘The asbestos was dumped in a green-waste skip we had on site to do some general maintenance with no consideration for the danger to our staff or the people further down the line who would be disposing of the green waste.’
Anyone with information can contact Environmental Protection in confidence by emailing envprotection@gov.je or calling 709535.
