Melbourne Water fights chemical cocktail from Derrimut blaze in local waterways

Melbourne Water staff and crews are working with partner agencies to manage a significant volume of contaminated runoff following a large fire on Wednesday afternoon at Swann Drive in Derrimut.

The fire commenced in a chemical factory at around 11.00am on Wednesday, 10 July.

The runoff is visible as discolouration of the water or foam on its surface, producing a noticeable odour, with most having entered Kayes Drain to the west and Cherrys Main Drain to the east of the site. The contaminated water has also entered Laverton Creek south of Dohertys Road with possible impacts downstream.

Signage has been posted at Cherry Creek, Anderson’s Swamp, Kayes Drain, and Derrimut and Cherry Lake in Altona to advise the public to avoid contact with the water. Pets should be prevented from drinking or entering the water.

The mixture of chemicals in the water includes benzene, fuel, fuel additives and breakdowns, acetone, plastics, sterenes, and volatile organic compounds.

Melbourne Water staff are working closely with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to monitor other areas which may have been affected.

Since 12.30am on Thursday, Melbourne Water staff have operated two pumps at Cherry Creek and Kayes Drain with around 3 million litres of water removed every hour for decontamination and treatment. Melbourne Water has worked with Greater Western Water to manage the flow of runoff into the sewer network. 

The water is being pumped to reduce further impacts on the ecology of downstream waterways with a third pump installed earlier today at Fitzgerald Lane to increase capacity.

Melbourne Water staff began visual inspections of and took water samples at Kayes Drain and Cherry Drain to examine the water quality and monitor the impact of the pollution event on local wildlife.

Melbourne Water staff have conducted this vital work with appropriate personal protective equipment, including monitoring air quality at the site to ensure their safety.

Thank you to our partner agencies and emergency services personnel, including 180 firefighters, who were supported by Victoria State Emergency Service volunteers. They put themselves in harm’s way to protect life and property and we are proud to continue their work.

Melbourne Water will continue to work in full collaboration with the EPA to ensure the best possible outcome for the community and the environment, including ensuring that those responsible are accountable for damage done to our waterways.

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