Melbourne Water has worked through the night to pump wastewater and dispose of it offsite for treatment. Other actions include blocking stormwater drains with sandbags and placing booms to limit firewater runoff escaping to nearby waterways.
The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA Victoria) will remain vigilant by keeping EPA Victoria officers and science staff onsite of the recent chemical facility fire at Swann Drive, Derrimut.
The EPA will provide environmental advice to emergency services and relevant authorities, including Melbourne Water.
An expert from Monash University is concerned about the toxic levels of PFAS chemicals. Dr Sally El Meragawi from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University pointed to the persistent presence of PFAS chemicals in nearby recreational water following the Footscray-Tottenham factory fire in 2018.
“Contamination from fires at chemical storage sites can include a diverse range of substances, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals and more. These chemicals can have serious long-term impacts on health and the environment,” Dr Meragawi said.
“After the Footscray-Tottenham chemical factory fire in Melbourne in August 2018, levels of PFAS chemicals (PFOS and PFOA) were found to be 16 times higher than the safe recreational water quality levels downstream from the fire site for two weeks following the incident. EPA Victoria reported that contaminants like hydrocarbons, solvents (such as acetone), herbicides and heavy metals were also detected.”
Melbourne Water is managing a significant volume of contaminated firewater runoff that has entered Kayes Drain west of the fire site. Some runoff has also been reported to Cherrys Main Drain to the east.
EPA Victoria will support Melbourne Water in reducing the impact on downstream waterways, including Truganina Swamp, Cherry Lake, and Laverton Creek south of Dohertys Rd.
The EPA issued a water quality alert on 10 July that remains current. It 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 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.”
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