EPA Uncovers Environmental Report Scam

Over 100 sites, including 24 early childhood education centers, are alleged to have had their environmental reports falsified by the consulting firm N G Child & Associates. The alleged falsifications span 135 sites across 33 councils in NSW, including the Hawkesbury area.

The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has launched an investigation into claims that environmental consultant Noel Child falsified sample results in these reports. The affected sites include residential properties, industrial or commercial sites, and undeveloped land. Among these, 24 early childhood education centers and 18 residential properties are currently in operation. However, the EPA assures the public that there are no immediate health risks, with no history of contamination or exposure pathways that could endanger public health.

The alleged falsifications primarily concern contaminated land assessments involving soil, groundwater, surface water, and air sampling. Impacted councils include Hawkesbury City, City of Sydney, Hornsby, Parramatta, Central Coast, Blacktown, and Randwick.

“As the consent authority for developments subject to alleged falsified records we will continue to support identified local councils affected as they undertake their own review of the individual sites affected in their LGA,” the EPA said.

“As part of our investigation into alleged falsified sampling results in environmental reports, councils with properties subject to alleged falsified reports have been notified and we will continue to provide them advice and ongoing support. 33 Councils are impacted,” it said.

EPA officers have already inspected 22 of the 24 early childhood education centers, with the remaining two to be inspected shortly. These visits have not altered the EPA’s assessment that there are no immediate risks associated with the alleged falsifications.

As part of the investigation, EPA officers have seized over 10,000 pieces of data and reviewed 2,460 files, with ongoing scrutiny of remaining files to determine the full extent of the alleged falsifications. 

All affected councils have been advised to review development applications that included reports from N G Child & Associates.Childcare owners and operators and land developers who have received environmental reports from N G Child & Associates and submitted these as part of a Development Application should contact the relevant local council, the EPA said.

This investigation is separate from the ongoing asbestos in mulch investigation.