Recovery update

Published on 18 April 2019

Desilting works between the fire site and Paramount Road are progressing well, we are now awaiting testing results to inform treatment of this material before transporting it off site to a secure landfill.

We are also still 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. Sampling results for 15 March and 2 April have been received and are being analysed. An updated report will be prepared this week, but may not be on the EPA website until after Easter. Preliminary assessment of the data shows conditions similar to previous samplings. This indicates no impacts from the dredging activities, which is expected due to the precautions taken and the lack of rain. The next sampling at the four fixed sites will occur this week.

EPA continues to advise people to avoid coming into contact with water from Stony Creek. Seek medical help if you feel unwell.

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.

Melbourne Water has ramped up sediment control measures in the creek in preparation for any heavy rainfall events by installing more booms in various locations as well as rock weirs to slow down water flow. 

EPA are undertaking air quality monitoring and water quality monitoring throughout these remediation works, and officers continue to carry out regular inspections of the fire site and ensure appropriate risk controls are in place. They are also setting up some vapour monitoring points downstream while works are occurring. Results from testing and monitoring are published on EPA’s website regularly.  

Please note: over the Easter period there will be no on-site recovery works.

We were extremely disappointed to learn of another pollution spill in Stony Creek on Friday 12 April. Thank you to the Friends of Stony Creek for alerting Melbourne Water and EPA to this. EPA sent two officers to investigate the pollution substances in Stony Creek last week, though unfortunately were unable to find a source of the pollution. Melbourne Water inspected the creek and organised a sucker truck to clean up the various affected areas. Floating booms were also in the creek to help capture the pollutants and to prevent them from being washed downstream. To report pollution spills or illegal waste disposal activities in future, please contact EPA Victoria in the first instance by calling 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842).