Large areas of the state are again facing floods, with an additional threat in eastern parts of Gippsland from now-extinguished bushfires. EPA Victoria has advice for communities preparing for another emergency situation.

“On Tuesday morning we were giving advice to the Gippsland community about managing smoke and your health. Now, almost immediately we’re reminding people from those areas and now other parts of the state that all flood waters are contaminated. Avoid contact not just because of the dangers of debris, but also of disease,” said EPA Chief Environmental Scientist Prof Mark Taylor.

“Our work on testing flood waters during last year’s event showed there were elevated risks from microbial contaminants such as E. Coli, sourced from domestic and native animal faeces.

“There’s no reason that these waters will be different with the added issue of large amounts of burn materials washed down from the bushfires.”

Professor Taylor said communities would be facing many challenges including how to dispose of damaged property from either the fire or the floods.

“It’s important to dispose of flood or fire waste appropriately and we have advice on our website that can help.”   

"Most importantly, act to stay safe and use the  www.emergency.vic.gov.au  service to keep up to date on how floods are progressing.”

For information on flood waste management go to: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/water/heavy-rainfall-events/how-to-manage-waste-after-a-flood

For information on how to manage bushfire waste go to https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/find-a-topic/manage-industrial-waste/bushfire-waste

 

When flood waters have receded, people concerned they may have soil contamination issues in their homes can take advantage of the EPA’s Gardensafe program. For information go to:

https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/get-involved/citizen-science-program/gardensafe