EPA and Melbourne Water have met in person with local community members whose waterways have been affected by the Derrimut chemical fire at a community pop up in Apex Park, Altona today.

Members of the community including representatives of community groups for the Truganina Swamp, Altona Foreshore and Cheetham Wetlands, Newport Lakes and the Jelly’s (Altona Beach swim club) were told how monitoring would continue and how the firewater management approach helped reduce impacts to waterways.

“It’s important to have two way conversations with the community so we can share information and hear about how they are coping,” said EPA Agency Commander Steve Lansdell. 

“People asked us about how the firewater used on the blaze was able to flow into Cherry and Laverton Creeks in particular, what was in it and what effect it is having on the environment.

“We were able to tell them a great deal that helped them understand the situation and that it was a better than expected result despite the large volume of water that was used."

EPA and Melbourne Water reported that there are still no reported impacts to fish or birdlife in the Cherry and Laverton Creeks, and monitoring of Cherry Lake continues to show water quality has not been affected. 

Heavy rains have also impacted Laverton Creek and EPA said it was taking an extra precautionary approach to waters at the creek mouth where it enters the bay and the stretch east along to Altona Beach, and advising not to let pets come in contact with the water adjacent to the Doug Grant Reserve.

“We’ve had some very heavy rain which has an impact regardless of the 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 Steve 

“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 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. 

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