EPA Victoria is currently investigating the source of diesel between The Boulevard and Plumber Street, Port Melbourne.
Determining the exact source of the leak will take time as there are a number of potential sources. Air measurements undertaken by EPA found hydrocarbon vapour levels typically associated with diesel to be at either very low levels or not detectable.
Clean up led by Melbourne Water in the drainage system around the area continues.
At this stage it is believed that very little, if any, diesel has made its way through the drains into the bay, however, Melbourne Water is taking all precautionary measures to ensure this remains the case.
Contaminated water is being vacuum pumped onto trucks by Melbourne Water. The contaminated water will go to an EPA nominated landfill/treatment site. Clean up could take up to eight weeks.
EPA continues to work with Melbourne Water and the City of Port Phillip with regard to this matter. EPA will inform the community once its investigation is complete.
The discharge of crude oils to waterways is a contravention of the Environment Protection Act (1970), the environmental repercussions of which EPA takes very seriously.