Recovery update

Published on 3 May 2019

EPA is advising that this week’s forecast for possible thunderstorms and heavy rain may raise odour levels around Stony Creek. EPA officers are conducting proactive water sampling during rain events this week, to assess the effects of the expected rain on the creek.

Water quality in Stony Creek has improved during the extended dry period this year. However, the forecast rain may stir up sediment that still contains contaminants from the fire, and residents near Stony Creek may experience an increase in odour. The concentrations of the chemicals should be much lower, but these are chemicals are known to give off a considerable odour, even at low concentrations.

EPA’s 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.

Approximately 750m³ of contaminated material was successfully removed and stockpiled prior to the Easter Break. A treatment trial was successfully undertaken over the Easter period and planning to begin up-scaling treatment of stockpiled material as soon as possible. When the existing material has been treated and disposed at a secure landfill, the removal of the remaining contaminated sediment from the creek will recommence if required.

Regular monitoring of sediment in the creek bed is showing fire contaminants are still present. The expected rainfall and resulting higher and more turbulent flows will stir up those sediments and carry them further along the creek. Results from previous samples show no change from previous conditions. See EPA’s website to see the latest available results.

Additional flow barriers have been installed upstream of Paramount Road to minimise the amount of sediment moving downstream during low flow events whilst we are continuing our desilting works. All booms and hay bale bunds continue to be inspected twice a week to ensure they remain in place and are operating effectively.

Removal of large exotic trees that were killed by contaminated flows downstream of Paramount Road is scheduled over the next few weeks. Council is working together with Melbourne Water to ensure minimal disruption to the local community. Removal of these trees will allow better access to sediment ponds that contain contaminated sediments and require desilting; after desilting between the fire site and Paramount Road has been completed.

This week EPA staff visited Clare Court Children’s Program, were more than 50 children participated in water testing activities and looking at ‘bugs’ from their new frog bog.

Rehabilitation planning

• Council is continuing to work closely with Melbourne Water and EPA to refine the identified actions from the community workshop, and to assign roles, responsibilities and accountabilities for the rehabilitation plan.