Recovery update

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Published on 31 May 2019

It’s been a wet week onsite, with over an inch of rainfall in the last week. Fortunately, there haven’t been any major issues on site as a result of this high rainfall. The latest water, sediment and air quality monitoring results have been published on the EPA website.

Multiple inspections undertaken during the week have proved that sediment and debris control measures are continuing to work well, with no significant changes in Creek conditions. 

The rain has caused delays to processing and treating the stockpiled contaminated material at the fire site. This should be completed by the end of next week, weather permitting. Before the material can be transported offsite, samples will be tested to ensure the sediment complies with EPA requirements.

EPA are awaiting final analysis results from 3 and 17 May which are expected to be available in the next two weeks.

Preparations are also underway to remove approximately 450 cubic metres of treated material offsite early next week.

EPA and Melbourne Water have worked to classify waste within the bund (storage structure) and remove it offsite. This will make way for further scraping of the Creek surface, where required, downstream to Paramount Road.

Melbourne Water continues to work on the development of the draft rehabilitation plan, with input from Council and EPA.

EPA continues to monitor the environment in the affected areas and their ongoing advice is:

  • Avoid contact with the water in Stony Creek.
  • Don’t walk along the edge of Stony Creek.
  • Don't let pets swim in the area or drink the water.
  • As a precaution avoid eating fish from Stony Creek.
  • Seek medical help if you feel unwell.