Recovery Update
Published on 12 April 2019
Desilting works between the fire site and Paramount Road are progressing better than expected – approximately 750 cubic metres of contaminated sediment has been removed from a 200 metre section of the creek where the fire occurred. This was the most heavily impacted part of the creek.
Material is being temporarily stockpiled and contained at the site where it will be treated before being transported for disposal to a secure landfill. To prevent contaminants being washed downstream while these works are underway, creek flows are being diverted around the immediate area via an above-ground bypass pipe and pumping equipment.
We are awaiting sampling results to determine if further excavation of this area of the creek is required to effectively remove any contamination that may have infiltrated deeper into the soil.
EPA’s routine monthly water and sediment sampling at the four fixed sites occurred on 15 March, results have just been received, but are yet to be analysed. EPA has now moved to fortnightly sampling for the duration of dredging activities in Stony Creek. The first fortnightly sampling occurred on 2 April. EPA will aim to publish both sets of recent sampling results on EPA’s website in the week of 17 April.
During the remediation between the fire site and Paramount Road, there may be an increase in odours released. Continue to report odours to EPA on 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842). EPA are proactively undertaking air monitoring. On 11 April EPA installed air monitoring canisters at the remediation site and at the nearby residential area of Park Avenue.
Rehabilitation planning
A summary of feedback received from all of the community events and online activities over the last couple of months is now available on Melbourne Water’s Your Say page, including a summary report of outcomes and recommendations from the two-day community workshop. Community feedback will be used to create a community-focused rehabilitation plan to help restore and enhance the condition of the creek in the long-term.
Council will work closely with Melbourne Water, EPA Victoria to refine the identified actions from the community workshop, and to assign roles, responsibilities and accountabilities for the rehabilitation plan.
M102 Water Main Renewal Project
The M102 Water Main Renewal Project continues to work its way along Somerville Road towards Williamstown Road. This week, pipe-laying works have been concentrated between Adaleigh Street and Maryston Street, with Adalaigh Street reopening over the last weekend and Maryston Street closing on Saturday. Residents living in both Adaleigh Street and Maryston Street were made aware that to access their properties they could use an existing ‘Right-of Way’ laneway that runs parallel to Somerville Road. This seemed to work smoothly, and there have been no issues of note to report from this.
From tomorrow access to and from Somerville Road from Maryston Street will reopen, while the intersection of Somerville Road and Tuppen Street will be closed from Friday, 12 April. Vehicle access to Tuppen Street is available via Austin Crescent East and residents have been informed of this upcoming closure. Asphalting/road resurfacing works on Somerville Road between Julian Street and Adaleigh Street is also occurring this week, with works being carried-out over two nights to avoid impacts to traffic during the day. There is one night of works remaining to complete asphalting and no complaints have been received from local residents. Local businesses have been informed of the upcoming works and the likely impacts for access and parking – the project team will continue to work closely with these business owner/operators whilst works are in the area.
Conditions in Cruickshank Park remain the same, with temporary fencing in place protecting the new growth of grass where the water main passed through. Overall, the project remains on track and is progressing to schedule. More information on the project’s progress is available on the Melbourne Water website.