Melbourne Water continues to manage impact of chemical spill following Derrimut fire

Melbourne Water staff and crews are working with partner agencies to manage contaminated runoff from a large fire on Wednesday 10 July at Swann Drive in Derrimut.

The site of the fire is now contained, which means runoff is no longer expected to enter local waterways. 

Signage has been posted at Laverton Creek, Cherry Creek, Anderson’s Swamp, Kayes Drain, Cherry Lake, and Altona Beach in Derrimut and Altona to advise the public to avoid contact with the water.

Booms remain at key sites on the surface of the water and are made of a porous material, continue to draw in any remaining contaminants.

Melbourne Water personnel are inspecting booms daily and are working alongside the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to monitor water quality in the area.

Inspections by Melbourne Water staff since the incident have revealed no observable impacts to wildlife.

Pets should, however, be prevented from drinking or entering the water.

Roads and local drainage systems were washed and water used to clean the site was removed for treatment. On Monday, Melbourne Water crews flushed additional local drains adjacent to the site of the fire ahead of heavy rainfall overnight.

The fire commenced in a chemical factory at around 11:00 am on Wednesday, 10 July, which created a threat to the health of local waterways.

From 12:30 am on Thursday, Melbourne Water staff worked with Greater Western Water to manage the flow of runoff into the sewer network from three pumps at Cherry Creek, Kayes Drain, and Fitzgerald Lane.

The water was pumped to reduce further impacts on the ecology of downstream waterways, with around 3 million litres of water was removed every hour for decontamination and treatment.

If you are aware of any impacts to waterways or the environment in the area, please report them to the EPA on 1300  372  842 or Melbourne Water on 131  722.

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