The pollution event affecting Cherry Lake and Cherry Creek in Altona could take several weeks to remediate, according to Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).
EPA is continuing to warn the public to avoid contact with the waters of the creek and lake south of Kororoit Creek Road out to the Bay as a precaution. The water has been contaminated with approximately 12,000 to 13,000 litres of a detergent that could cause skin irritations. It has also resulted in a large number of fish deaths and EPA is also warning not to consume any fish taken from the affected waterways and avoid contact.
On Sunday 6 March, a small fire at a nearby business resulted in a large quantity of the detergent being released into Cherry Creek. EPA is investigating the exact circumstances and any breaches of the law but is confident the source has been identified and contained.
Melbourne Water and Hobsons Bay City Council, supported by EPA officers, have been working to remove dead fish.
Warning signs have been put in place around the creek and lake. Efforts to remove the contaminant will continue and updates provided to the public through media and social media.
"This has been terrible for the Cherry Lake and Creek environment with extensive fish deaths expected to have reached the thousands. EPA must take a cautious approach, but the likely effect of people coming into contact with the detergent in the lake would be a mild skin irritation for some sensitive people. Washing with clean water as soon as possible after coming in to contact with the water should be enough to manage any reaction," said EPA State Agency Commander Steve Lansdell.
"We also want to make sure people or their pets don't pick up or consume any fish taken from the area, as they will be decomposing. EPA believes it is better to err on the side of caution - if your pet has eaten some fish and you have any concerns please speak to your vet.
"Cherry Lake is a popular area with the local community and all efforts to restore it to normal are being pursued."
