EPA officers and science staff will remain onsite of the Swann Dr, Derrimut chemical facility fire providing environmental advice to emergency services and relevant authorities including Melbourne Water.

Melbourne Water is managing a significant volume of contaminated firewater run off which has entered Kayes Drain to the west of the site of the fire, with some reported runoff to Cherrys Main Drain to the east.

EPA will support Melbourne Water as it works to reduce the impact to downstream waterways including Truganina Swamp and Cherry Lake and Laverton Creek south of Dohertys Rd.

Melbourne Water has worked through the night to pump waste water and dispose of it offsite for treatment. Other actions include the blocking of stormwater drains with sandbags and the placement of booms to limit firewater runoff escaping to nearby waterways.

A water quality alert was issued by EPA yesterday ( https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/current-projects-issues/water-quality-alerts ) which is still current and advises people and pets to avoid contact with waters downstream of the fire location until further notice. Avoid areas where you can detect unusual odours or there is discolouration of the water.

“EPA will be conducting tests to determine the extent of any pollution and will keep the community informed,” EPA Agency Commander Steve Lansdell said.

“This is an ongoing and dynamic situation. We will be liaising with community groups who will naturally be concerned their local environment has been adversely affected by another chemical pollution incident.”

To stay updated use the emergency.vic app ( www.emergency.vic.gov.au )