EFFORTS to recoup hefty clean-up costs accrued from removing airborne asbestos particles from West Perth properties due to a factory fire are continuing.
The City of Vincent was forced to engage specialist cleaners and staff when flames destroyed a vacant Carr Street building in May.
Some areas required multiple clean-ups to rid properties of contamination.
Following the incident, the Guardian Express reported the City could pursue legal action in a bid to recover funds spent responding to the emergency, since tallied at $159,435.
Meeting behind closed doors last week, Council endorsed action taken by Mayor Alannah MacTiernan and chief executive John Giorgi, including the engagement of a senior counsel.
Ms MacTiernan said of the total fee, $143,825 had been paid to external contractors and the remainder to City employees.
She said the City had corresponded with lawyers acting on behalf of the property owners and they had met with the property owner and their solicitor two weeks ago to progress the matter.
“Asbestos clean-up is an expensive exercise, due to the need to ensure that the hazard is contained and that exposure to asbestos, by the community and the removal contractors is negated,” she said.
“The legal basis for recovery is complex and we need to develop a very strong case if we are to recover this money for ratepayers.”
She said the derelict building had been demolished soon after the fire and the site was now clear.
“The site clean-up has been completed and it has been confirmed that no asbestos hazard remains. No further monitoring is required,” she said.
“A development application for a multi-unit development has been submitted and this is currently being processed.”
The cause of the blaze is unknown, but Mr Giorgi told the Guardian in May that squatters had been spotted running from the warehouse shortly after the fire had begun.