All 43 homes in Heatherton tested for methane contamination have been given the all clear by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).
EPA began precautionary testing of homes in the area on Wednesday following the detection of slightly elevated levels of methane gas in three service industry pits around the closed Ball Road landfill last weekend.
EPA Regional Services Executive Director Damian Wells said testing of homes would wind up this week, however, further testing would be conducted on industry service pits and existing bores.
“It is good news for residents – no homes tested yesterday have recorded elevated gas levels,” Mr Wells said.
“After EPA completes today’s testing, a notice issued to the landowner will require ongoing monitoring of the area, which includes providing reports to EPA about any irregularities in methane levels.
“EPA is also considering the need for another notice requiring the installation of further monitoring bores to more accurately understand the movement of landfill gases.
“We would like to thank all residents for their cooperation and allowing our Authorised Officers to conduct the testing in their homes.
“We invite residents to a community meeting at 4.30pm today (Friday 29 May) to hear a full debrief of the testing regime and to ask any questions they may have.”
The closed landfill site was operated by the former Brighton City Council from 1966 to 1984.
The EPA Community information session will take place at:
- 4:30 – 5:15 pm, Friday, 29 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 or who would like more information are encouraged to call EPA on 1300 372 842 or visit EPA’s website at: www.epa.vic.gov.au