Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) testing for methane in 26 Heatherton homes has shown no risk to residents or their homes.
EPA yesterday began a testing regime following the detection of slightly elevated levels of methane gas in three service industry pits around the closed Ball Road landfill last weekend. The site was operated by the former Brighton City Council from 1966 to 1984.
EPA Regional Services Executive Director Damian Wells said the results were very encouraging and showed no risk to the community, however further testing would continue.
“EPA will undertake further testing today and tomorrow in Heatherton homes to ensure local residents can have confidence in their living environments,” Mr Wells said.
Mr Wells said that EPA was committed to keeping the local community informed with the latest information.
“EPA Authorised Officers have distributed letters to those in nearby homes who will not be tested, along with factsheets. They have also explained results in full to those who have had their homes tested,” Mr Wells said.
“We will also be holding a local community information session later this afternoon where residents will be able to ask EPA Authorised Officers any questions they may have.”
To ensure appropriate ongoing management of the gas source, EPA has issued the landowner with a remedial notice to undertake increased monitoring of landfill gases. EPA is also investigating issuing another notice requiring the installation of further monitoring bores to more accurately delineate the movement of landfill gas.
The EPA Community information session will take place at:
- 4:30 – 5:15 pm, Wednesday, 27 May, 2015, corner of Cavendish Drive and Maureen Court, Heatherton
More information and Q&As are available on EPA's website.
Residents with any concerns are encouraged to call EPA on 1300 372 842.