Recovery update
Published on 30 November 2018
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) conducted air sampling at two locations along Stony Creek on the 16 November due to community concerns about odour and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from the flash flood that occurred on 6 November. The levels of VOCs in the air sampled were below the limits of reporting (LOR) and well below health guideline levels.
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.
Melbourne Water is continuing to working closely with EPA to remove upstream sources of contamination between the fire site and Paramount Road. To date, they’ve removed, stockpiled and contained 170 m3 of contaminated silt ready for safe disposal in a secure landfill. By March 2019 they’ll have removed and stockpiled another 500 m3 or more of contaminated silt. This work is planned to commence in early December 2018. Further testing and assessment will be undertaken during the work and after it is complete to ensure the creek has been remediated to appropriate levels.
The latest water and sediment results are from samples taken in Stony Creek on 15 November, with results showing similar water quality to the few previous weeks. All concentrations of VOCs were below the ecological guidelines, with the exception of xylene, which was only slightly elevated.
Sediments were generally much improved with significantly lower levels of hydrocarbons and heavy metals (in particular copper which was very high previously). In some cases, levels of contaminants at the most downstream site at Hyde Street increased. Overall the flushing due to these high flows and future high flows will help with the recovery of Stony Creek by removing contaminants from the creek. Further water and sediment sampling is being conducted this week.
EPA continues to advise people to avoid coming into contact with water from Stony Creek and seek medical help if you feel unwell.
EPA officers are continuing to inspect the fire site regularly, to monitor compliance with statutory notices and ensure appropriate management of risks.
EPA staff visited a Severn Street, Yarraville resident to explain the VOC monitoring results collected in their yard. EPA is happy to provide this service to other residents who also had monitoring equipment in their yard. Contact EPA on 1300 372 842 or contact@epa.vic.gov.au
Beginning next week, works supporting the M102 Water Main Renewal Project will take place in Cruickshank Park. More info available on Melbourne Water’s website.