Former rugby league player Craig Izzard is facing a public hearing into allegations he turned a blind eye to asbestos dumping in his role at a western Sydney council.

In his opening address to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in Sydney, counsel assisting James Mack said it was alleged Mr Izzard solicited bribes in return for not investigating allegations of dumping, including illegal landfill operations.

He said Mr Izzard, who began his league career with the Penrith Panthers before moving on, was a former enforcement officer with the Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping Squad (RID) officer based at Penrith City Council.

The allegations involve four cases between January 2015 and March this year and include the dumping of asbestos.

"Mr Izzard was first employed by the Western Sydney RID squad in 2010 as an investigator," Mr Mack said.

"Since that time until March this year when his employment was terminated, he was a public official covered by the ICAC Act."

Izzard the principal person of interest: counsel assisting

Mr Mack said Mr Izzard is the principal person of interest in this inquiry.

Throughout the majority of Mr Izzard's employment with the squad he was responsible for the Liverpool City Council area, but that soon came to an end, Mr Mack said.

" In 2015 responsibility for enforcing the illegal dumping laws was in part taken away from the western Sydney RID squad due to community concern over inaction on illegal dumping," he said.

Mr Izzard is facing four main allegations over cases at Badgerys Creek, Luddenham, Rossmore and Riverstone.

"The economics create a black market for dumping," Mr Mack said.

"Concerned residents are usually the first to notice the black market operating."