Recovery update

Published on 17 May 2019

Large machinery (known as a trommel) has been onsite this week to process and treat remaining contaminated material quickly and efficiently.

So far, approximately 450 cubic metres of contaminated sediment has been treated and processed from the current stockpile, leaving approximately 150-200 cubic metres left to process and treat. Once complete, samples will be taken to ensure the sediment complies with EPA requirements before transporting it off site.

Once the existing spoil stockpile has been treated and removed, further desilting works will begin.

Aerial surveys are also underway to provide baseline data on the Creek profile and this data will be used to inform reinstatement measures.

Multiple inspections carried out at the site last week proved that sediment and debris control measures have been working well after rainfall. There have also been no significant changes in Creek conditions.

Re-seeding and grass growth of the area where the site compound and work site was located is starting to grow nicely. Due to the hot and prolonged weather earlier this year, the growth took a little longer than expected.

Targeted sampling between the ‘ford’ and Paramount Road has been completed to assist Melbourne Water determine which areas of this section need to be remediated. In general, sampling has shown much lower levels of contamination in this segment.

EPA has received final results from sampling taken last month but is still awaiting final results from samples taken earlier this month.

Melbourne Water has been consulting with traditional owner groups to provide input to the rehabilitation plan as well as working closely with Council and EPA.