EPA Victoria advises of further fish deaths in the Anglesea River due to recent
heavy rain.
EPA’s southwest manager Eve Graham said fish deaths in the area occurred
naturally after heavy rain in the river catchment flushed acid soils from coal
deposits and tea tree marshes in the river, its tributaries and the estuary.
“EPA has ruled out pollution as a cause through compliance visits to industries
operating along the catchment,” Ms Graham said.
“This catchment has a history of such events, so it is important to note this
natural process, which will be resolved as the catchment dries out.”
Surf Coast Council is putting up signs advising against eating dead or dying
fish and to avoid contact with the water.
The Surf Coast Shire and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority have
monitored oxygen levels and pH of the Anglesea River and its tributaries during
winter.
A 2011 independent review into water quality issues in the Anglesea River
undertaken by Professor William Maher found low pH and elevated metal levels
resulted predominantly from natural sources in the catchment.
In the event of more rainfall in the river catchments, further fish deaths may
occur. To report fish deaths contact EPA’s Pollution Hotline on 1300 EPA VIC
(1300 372 842).