Recovery update
Published on 22 March 2019
EPA and Melbourne Water are about to commence desilting work of Stony Creek between the fire site and Paramount Road. This work is anticipated to continue for between 10 to 12 weeks. 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.
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.
Water and sediment results from the sampling on 15 February have been received and analysed. Water quality remains relatively good while sediments remain poor, with high concentrations of some hydrocarbons in particular. See the results on EPAs website.
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
The first day of a two-day community workshop was held on Sunday 17 March, where 24 passionate community members came to prioritising ideas and identifying key actions for the Stony Creek rehabilitation plan. Staff from Council, Melbourne Water, and EPA presented at the workshop, and representatives from DELWP, Hobsons Bay City Council and Parks Victoria were there to answer questions that people had about the recovery and rehabilitation phases that were relevant to the role of their agency. The second day of the workshop continues on Sunday 24 March.
If you missed out on being part of the community workshop, there are other ways you can still be involved and 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 future opportunities to provide feedback.
M102 Water Main Renewal Project
Good progress has been made along Somerville Road on the M102 Water Main Renewal Project. Following more than a month working in Charlotte Street and Julian Street, works are now almost exclusively focused on Somerville Road. The team continues to work with Kingsville Primary School, managing school crossings and ensuring traffic safety is being maintained. Temporary fencing is still in place at Cruickshank Park protecting areas that have been hydro-seeded, with these areas being watered multiple times each week.
More information on the project’s progress is available on the Melbourne Water website.