Skip to content
Environment

NSW EPA Investigating Allegations of Falsified Sample Results

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) < 1 mins read

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is investigating environmental consultant Noel Child of N G Child & Associates, in relation to allegations of falsified sampling results in a number of environmental reports across NSW.  

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.

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.

From this review, we have 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

As a priority, the EPA has begun visiting the 24 childcare centres today to discuss the issues with the operators.

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.

We will endeavour to update our website with information at 10.30am and 5pm each day.

A full list of affected sites and councils that the EPA is working with can be found at the link below:

https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/community-engagement/updates-on-issues/investigation-into-alleged-falsified-sampling-results

This incident is not related to the asbestos in mulch investigation.


Contact details:

media@epa.nsw.gov.au

Media

More from this category

  • Agriculture Farming Rural, Environment
  • 07/12/2024
  • 11:48
Friends of the Earth Australia

Are Biosolids and Compost a Source of PFAS Pollution in the Belabula River?

In early 2024, farmers living in proximity to the Belabula River in New South Wales (part of the Lachlan River catchment inWiradyuricountry), reported foam containing PFAS along a stretch of the river. Local residents collected samples of the foam and subsequent analysis found that the foam was detected at 1800 times the safe drinking water limit and 4000 times the 99% ecological trigger level. The pollution was reported by the ABC in August 2024 with the NSW EPA starting an investigation a few months earlier. The pollution is a major environmental headache. Could the same scenario occur in other rivers…

  • Environment
  • 06/12/2024
  • 12:43
NSW EPA

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS TO BE STRENGTHENED ON COAL MINE LICENCES

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will work with licensees to strengthen environmental protections on coal mine licences, following extensive community consultation and our statutory five-yearly licence review. NSW EPA CEO Tony Chappel said a range of licence variations will be considered in the short, medium and long term on 59 coal mine licences across the Hunter, Central West and Illawarra to ensure best practice operations and reduced environmental impacts. “Coal mines operate in a number of different NSW communities and it’s important they do so responsibly to reduce their air, noise and water impact on neighbours and the environment,”…

  • Contains:
  • Environment, International News
  • 06/12/2024
  • 12:01
Humane Society International (HSI) Australia

Icelandic government grants five-year licence to kill fin and minke whales

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6 December 2024 Statement: We are utterly dismayed by the interim Icelandic government’s decision to grant a five-year licence to kill…

  • Contains:

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.