EPA continues to support the response to Wednesday's Derrimut chemical fire. Efforts to prevent further environmental damage to waterways continues to be a major focus today with more contaminated fire water being pumped away from the area and taken for disposal.
Firefighters remain on site, but the fire is under control and there is no ongoing risk from smoke. At its height, a smoke plume rose high in the air above the fire, but EPA Victoria/s mobile air monitoring took in surrounding areas and showed ground level air quality was not impacted by the smoke..
However, firewater did run off into nearby waterways and is affecting Kayes Drain, Cherry Creek, Laverton Creek and Andersons Swamp south of the fire site. EPA advice to avoid contact with the waters there remains in place. At this stage, Cherry Lake and the bay are not showing effects, but monitoring continues.
Melbourne Water is managing a significant volume of contaminated firewater run off and continues to work around the clock to pump wastewater and dispose of it offsite for treatment. Sandbags and booms are also in place to control further escapes of wastewater.
"People and pets should avoid contact with waters downstream of the fire location until further notice. And you may experience odours in the area or see discoloured water which are also signs to avoid contact with the water," said EPA Agency Commander Steve Lansdell.
"Our testing will continue, and we'll keep the community informed. EPA water quality monitoring is in place at multiple locations including Cherry Creek Golf Course as well as near Fitzgerald and Pipe Roads, Cherry Lake inlet and outlet, and Laverton Creek including Leakes Rd, Victoria, Queen and Merton Streets.
"While our immediate focus remains on supporting the incident response, EPA continues to work closely with WorkSafe on any longer-term investigations.
"This is a highly dynamic situation, and all agencies are working extremely well together to minimise any risk to the community and the environment. We encourage people to stay updated at www.emergency.vic.gov.au "
