EPA Victoria's monitoring of waterways affected by last week's Derrimut chemical fire continues and is showing a better-than-expected result.
There are still no reported impacts to fish or birdlife in the Cherry and Laverton Creeks, and monitoring of Cherry Lake is not reporting unusual presence of contaminants.
However, with the recent rains and some impacts detected in Laverton Creek we're taking an extra precautionary approach to waters at the creek mouth where it enters the bay and the stretch east along to Altona Beach. We're advising not to let pets in contact with the water adjacent to the Doug Grant Reserve.
"We've had some very heavy rains in the last 24 to 36 hours and that will have an impact regardless of the Derrimut fire. As always, we advise people and pets to avoid swimming near stormwater or river outlets 24 to 48 hours after heavy rain. Always check for signs of pollution before swimming. For example, stormwater drains flowing, murky water, bad smell, and rubbish," said EPA Agency Commander Steve Lansdell.
"We'll keep working very closely with Melbourne Water to make sure our monitoring equipment is in place for as long as needed."
EPA monitoring is in place at multiple locations including Mt Derrimut 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 and at the footbridge near the outlet to the bay.
In the meantime, EPA is supporting Fire Rescue Victoria, WorkSafe, Brimbank Council and Melbourne Water in responding to the Derrimut chemical fire with controls in place at and near the site to prevent any further impact to waterways.
"You should still avoid contact with the water at these locations and that goes for pets, too," Steve said.
As with all emergency incidents, this remains a dynamic situation and we encourage people to stay up to date at www.emergency.vic.gov.au
EPA also publishes updates on bay beach water quality for swimmers at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/summer-water-quality/beach-report
