Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) continued its air monitoring of surrounding areas at the Somerton fire site overnight.
EPA's overnight monitoring has not identified any readings of concern.
To help ensure community confidence, EPA officers used its ‘SmokeTrak’ air monitoring device – a form of mobile equipment mounted to a vehicle – to monitor air quality readings around the site.
The ‘SmokeTrak’ device is in addition to EPA’s rapid air monitoring equipment currently located in the community and moved periodically based on wind conditions, allowing EPA scientists to provide real time air quality data to the incident controller.
This is the first time EPA has deployed its rapid response air monitoring equipment to support emergency services at a major pollution event.
EPA’s new air monitoring capability is a direct response to the Hazelwood mine fire and represents a significant investment to help ensure community confidence in air quality.
EPA staff will also join other Government agencies at today’s community information session at the Hume Global Learning Centre, 75-95 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn from 10am until 4pm to answer any questions regarding air quality from the community directly.
Given the ongoing nature of this incident and the possibility of change, the community is advised to check www.emergency.vic.gov.au for the most current incident advice.