Recovery update

Published on 4 January 2019

Results of all water and sediment monitoring to 29 November have been analysed and the EPA website was updated on 31 December.

The latest available testing shows that water quality for Cruickshank Park and Hyde Street is generally good and meets human health recreational water quality guidelines for recreational contact. Until recently, xylene exceeded aquatic ecosystem guidelines but by 29 November was recorded at acceptable levels.

The sediment results show that sediment contamination has improved at Cruickshank Park, but deteriorated at Hyde Street (upstream of the bridge) since September 2018. Concentrations of C10-C40 hydrocarbons in sediments sampled in late November at Hyde Street exceeded aquatic ecosystem guidelines for sediments.

Contaminant levels still remain high in sediments hence EPA’s ongoing advice to users of Cruickshank Park (people and pets) and park users upstream of Geelong Road to continue to avoid contact with Stony Creek water. This increase in contamination levels is most likely due to the high flows experienced in November and December which have moved the contaminated sediments downstream. This will aid in the long term recovery of the creek.

Specialist arborists, under the direction of Melbourne Water, have continued to remove trees and other vegetation in sections. This vegetation and tree removal is expected to be completed later this month.

From 7 January 2019, the M102 Water Main Renewal Project will continue from Charlotte Street West through Cruickshank Park. An update about this project is available on Melbourne Water’s website.