Recovery update

 Published on 16 November 2018

 Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) advice remains the same:

  • The remediation work being conducted by Melbourne Water has removed much of the black sludge and contaminated water in or on the edge of the creek. But if you come into contact with contaminated water or sludge, remove wet clothing and wash the relevant areas of your body with it with warm soapy water.
  • Water quality is much improved but it is still recommended to avoid contact with water in Stony Creek.
  • Odour levels from the creek have decreased but are still present at times. Avoid the odour if it makes you feel unwell.
  • As a precaution avoid eating fish from Stony Creek.
  • Don’t let pets swim in the area or drink the water.
  • Seek medical help if you feel unwell.

Debris around Waratah Street was identified by the Friends of Stony Creek and Melbourne Water has now cleaned up this area. Booms and hay bale bunds continue to trap floating contaminants throughout Stony Creek - these are inspected twice a week and cleaned and replaced when necessary.

Melbourne Water is currently working in other locations along Stony Creek and not downstream of Paramount Road through Cruickshank Park. However, they encourage local residents to let them know if any areas require immediate attention.

Water samples collected at two sites the day after high flows on 6 November showed essentially no change to the results from previous recent testing. This was despite the reported increase in odours on the day of the high flows. All results remain below Recreational Water Quality Guidelines (WQG) and all but one below Ecosystem WQG.

Sediment samples collected at two sites two days after the heavy rainfall showed a significant decrease in levels of contaminants. The degree of decrease is surprisingly high and should be treated cautiously. If confirmed by sampling being carried out this week, the rain event may have greatly facilitated the recovery of the creek by scouring the contaminated sediment from the creek. Full sediment testing results are now available on the EPA’s website.

The complex clean-up planning for the upstream site continues. Melbourne Water and EPA are meeting to finalise project planning for clean-up of the upper part of Stony Creek adjacent to the fire site. This work is being prioritised, given the importance of removing residual contamination from impacted sediments in this section of the waterway.

Regular inspections of the fire site are continuing, to ensure appropriate risk control measures. EPA and Worksafe are meeting with the site owner about ongoing management and clean up of the site.

During December, works supporting the M102 Water Main Renewal Project will be taking place in Cruickshank Park. More information available on Melbourne Water’s website.

Stony Creek Community Day             

Come join us for a family day at Cruickshank Park this Sunday!

You can hear about how to make a frog bog, learn about the recovery efforts and ask questions of Melbourne Water, EPA and Council.

Or just bring the family down to see the wildlife display, get your face painted, grab a sausage or have a coffee. Heaps of free family friendly activities.

Sunday 18 November

11am-2:30pm

McNish ‘Dinosaur Park’ Reserve in Cruickshank Park,

Access via Court and Francis Streets in Yarraville.

 

 

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