An Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) investigation has revealed that a possible chemical contamination and a natural algal bloom may have contributed to the deaths of 200 fish at Three Mile Creek in Wangaratta last month.
EPA investigated the source and type of chemical present as soon as it was reported. While extensive sampling could not determine the exact type of chemical, EPA believes that a non-hazardous chemical present in the creek at the time and the algal bloom acted together to significantly reduce the oxygen in the waterway.
Three Mile Creek does not currently present a hazard to the community. EPA Officers have conducted daily monitoring of three Mile Creek and confirmed that the waterway has returned to normal environmental conditions after the 15mm of rainfall on Tuesday 7 April 2015. EPA have advised that signage erected advising residents to avoid contact with the waterway can now be removed.
The community is encouraged to report pollution on 1800 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or by visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au as soon as possible.