Skip to content
Environment

NSW EPA Investigating Allegations of Falsified Sample Results

NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) < 1 min 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:

[email protected]

Media

More from this category

  • Environment, Government Federal
  • 14/03/2026
  • 14:46
NALSPA

Top 10 postcodes driving EV uptake revealed

New data released by Australia’s peak body for novated leasing reveals the Electric Car Discount has been booming in the outer suburbs over the past year. National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA) data for 2025 shows outer-suburban postcodes dominate the top locations for battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales purchased with the assistance of the EV Discount. The figures come amid a federal government review of the EV Discount, global fuel supply chain disruptions and rapidly escalating fuel prices. Top 10 postcodes for BEV sales via novated leasing using the FBT discount in 2025 Rank State Postcode Main suburbs…

  • Environment, Government Federal
  • 13/03/2026
  • 10:31
Battery Stewardship Council - B-cycle

$2.1b battery recycling sector critical to Australia’s sovereign capability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 13 MARCH 2025 $2.1b battery recycling sector critical to Australia’s sovereign capability Industry urges national battery stewardship framework Australia’s battery materials recovery ecosystem already contributes $2.1 billion to the economy each year, supports 19,450 jobs, and includes more than 45 facilities nationwide, according to a new industry profile released by the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry (ABRI). The sector is projected to grow to $6.9 billion and 34,650 jobs by 2050. Battery Stewardship Council CEO Libby Chaplin said these figures demonstrate why battery stewardship should be recognised as a strategic industrial priority, not simply a waste…

  • Environment, Science
  • 13/03/2026
  • 10:23
Charles Darwin University

Australia mapped into global sharks and rays database

A global database documenting the location of critical habitats for sharks, rays, and chimaeras has recently expanded to include Australia, with years of extensive…

  • 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.