EPA Victoria says despite the better-than-expected testing results, it will continue its monitoring of waterways and bay beaches potentially impacted by firewater runoff from last week’s Derrimut chemical fire.

A community pop-up is being planned for Friday between 3pm and 5pm at the Apex Park BBQ area at the Car park end of Esplanade, Altona Beach or car park off Queen Street, Altona.

“You’re welcome to come along and meet EPA and Melbourne Water staff to learn more about our monitoring and latest advice,” said Steve Lansdell.

With recent rains and some impacts detected in Laverton Creek,EPA is continuing to take an extra-precautionary approach to waters at the creek mouth where it enters the bay and the stretch east along to Altona Beach. 

EPA is advising not to let pets come into contact with the water adjacent to the Doug Grant Reserve. There are still no reported impacts to fish or birdlife in the Cherry and Laverton Creeks, and monitoring of Cherry Lake is not reporting unusual presence of contaminants.

“Heavy rain always has an impact on water quality and that is regardless of the Derrimut fire. Our usual advice is to advise people and pets to avoid swimming near stormwater or river outlets 24 to 48 hours after heavy rain. Signs of pollution include stormwater drains flowing, murky water, bad smell, and rubbish; so if you see anything like that don’t swim and don’t let your pets in the water,” said EPA Agency Commander Steve Lansdell.

“We are working very closely with Melbourne Water to make sure our monitoring equipment is in place for as long as needed.”

EPA monitoring is in place 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.

“You should still avoid contact with the water at these locations and that goes for pets, too,” Steve said.

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

Community pop-up to discuss potential firewater impacts on local waterways

When:  Friday 19 July 3pm to 5pm

Where: Apex Park BBQ area at the Car park end of Esplanade, Altona Beach or car park off Queen Street, Altona