Recovery update

Published on 8 March 2019

On-ground recovery works

This week, Melbourne Water began on-site preparations to remove at least 500 cubic metres of contaminated sediment from Stony Creek between the fire site and Paramount Road. To prevent contaminants being washed downstream while the sediment removal works are underway, creek flows will be diverted around the immediate area via an above-ground bypass pipe and pumping equipment. Contaminated sediment will be removed by excavators and other machinery, temporarily stockpiled and contained at the fire site, where it can be prepared for safe disposal to a secure landfill.

These remediation works will commence from next week and will be undertaken over a number of weeks. Further testing and assessment of sediment in and around the creek will be undertaken by EPA as works progress to ensure the creek is being remediated to appropriate levels.

EPA’s water and sediment results from the sampling on 15 Feb have just been received. Analysis and interpretation have commenced with a web update planned for the week starting 11 March. EPA officers continue to carry out regular inspections of the fire site to monitor compliance with statutory notices and ensure appropriate risk controls are in place.

The delivery of this recovery work is being coordinated across multiple agencies and is guided by advice from contaminated land specialists. The recovery efforts are highly complex and has required careful planning due to many factors, including ensuring the safety of all agency staff and contractors, the nature and extent of contaminants, treatment and disposal options of contaminated sediment, and access for machinery.

Rehabilitation planning

There are only a few days left to share your stories, ideas and aspirations online for the rehabilitation of Stony Creek. Community feedback closes Monday 11 March. A two-day community workshop will be held on Sunday 17 and Sunday 24 March. The purpose of the workshop is to further understand what the community values about Stony Creek and their ideas and aspirations for rehabilitation, and to identify a set of desired outcomes, key priorities and actions for the rehabilitation plan. Registrations are now closed. If you missed out, there are other ways you can provide feedback to help shape the Stony Creek Rehabilitation Plan. Make sure you follow Melbourne Water’s Your Say page to be kept informed of updates and opportunities to have your say.

M102 Water Main Renewal Project

Works on Melbourne Water’s M102 water main renewal project have progressed well along Julian Street and is now almost at the intersection with Somerville Road. Asphalting works along Charlotte Street (east) and Julian Street are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 18 March. Concrete barriers are in place in the centre of Somerville Road in preparation for works. These barriers will move east along Somerville Road in stages with the works. Remediation works in Cruickshank Park and to the areas of Stony Creek disturbed by the M102 project are now largely complete, with planting along the creek bank to be delivered by Melbourne Water’s Waterways & Land management team in the coming weeks. More information on the project’s progress is available on the Melbourne Water website.