The next stage of clean up works at Cherry Lake in Melbourne’s west is well underway, with EPA monitoring showing pollution levels have dropped significantly.

Given these results, Melbourne Water will begin to remove bunding from Cherry Creek leading into the lake, to allow more usual water flows to return.

EPA will continue its monitoring program. In the meantime, the health warnings will remain in place with EPA advising to avoid contact with the water for the time being.

“It’s a precautionary approach while water flows are returned to natural levels in the lake,” EPA Western Region Manager Steve Lansdell said.

“Our testing shows encouraging improvements from the efforts of EPA, Melbourne Water, Greater Western Water in conjunction with Wyndham and Hobsons Bay City Councils. 

Since the incident began with the release of a detergent in early March, the waters of Cherry Creek and Cherry Lake have been contaminated with a potential risk of skin irritations or mild stomach upsets. 

Investigations into the spill are progressing and EPA and its regulatory partners will keep the local community informed through public pop-up sessions and a virtual community meeting planned for the near future.

More information go to https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/incidents/cherry-creek-and-lake  and watch EPA’s social media platforms for details of upcoming meetings.