Recovery update

Published on 7 December 2018

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) continues to advise people to avoid coming into contact with water from Stony Creek. Seek medical help if you feel unwell.

EPA is working closely with Melbourne Water to monitor the effectiveness of the clean-up of Stony Creek upstream of Paramount Road and to ensure the appropriate management of contaminated sediments is removed from the waterway.

Further sampling of water and sediment will occur next week, results will be shared with partner agencies to inform recovery work and will be published on EPA’s website. EPA expects that the water and sediment samples taken last week will be available in the week of 10 December.

To date, Melbourne Water has 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 week specialist arborists wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) worked with cranes to remove trees and other vegetation in sections from Stony Creek. Further testing and assessment will be undertaken by EPA during the work and after it is complete to ensure the creek has been remediated to appropriate 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.

EPA officers are continuing to inspect the fire site regularly, to monitor compliance with statutory notices and ensure appropriate management of risks.

The M102 Water Main Renewal Project has progressed past Roberts Street in Yarraville, and is currently in Charlotte Street West, moving towards Cruickshank Park. Regular updates are available on Melbourne Water’s website.

Discharge into Stony Creek

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is responding to a grout discharge into Stony Creek, near Whitehall St in Yarraville.

Officers were notified of approximately 150m of affected water and are working with the relevant duty holder on the clean-up.

More information can be found on EPA’s website.

Voting now open for Stony Creek Recovery Stakeholder Advisory Group

You are invited to cast your vote for the individuals you believe can represent your aspirations for the recovery of Stony Creek.

Voting closes at noon on Friday 14 December, with the successful candidates announced later on the same day.

Vote here

Hot weather warning

With forecast hot weather in the coming week, pet owners are reminded to keep pets away from the Stony Creek. Dog drinking facilities are available at McNish Reserve and Tuppen Street in Cruickshank Park, Yarraville.

Tips to survive the heat

There are simple things you can do to stay safe in the heat:

  • Drink plenty of water - Take a bottle with you always.
  • Hot cars kill - never leave kids, adults or pets in hot cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
  • Keep cool - seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics.
  • Plan ahead - schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.
  • Help others - look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.

For more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat.

 

 

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