Port Otago has contracted Scope Group to manage the asbestos found in its former administration building site in Beach St, Port Chalmers.
Port Otago civil engineer Andy Pullar said it was advised of the asbestos in late January.
He said after the demolition of the administration building, known as "the glass house" soil testing revealed some asbestos contaminant in soil underneath a floor slab.
The soil needed to be tested before it was removed and delivered to the correct landfill for disposal.
There was a "hotspot" of asbestos discovered in the soil.
After resource consent was approved by the Otago Regional Council, work began on controlling the asbestos at the site on Monday, Mr Pullar said.
He said WorkSafe had been informed and there had been "stringent controls" put into place so there was no concern for Port staff.
The area was kept damp and fenced off so the asbestos would not become airborne and staff would not be affected.
He said staff did not need to be given a safety warning or provided with masks.
"There was no way of anyone getting into the site so masks were not required beyond the extent of the site."
Mr Pullar said Port delivery trucks were sealed with a thin layer of plastic.
The site was also being air monitored and no asbestos had been picked up in dust from it since Monday.
He said the site would become asphalt pavement to match its surrounding area.
