Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is calling on members of the community to come forward with any information they may have about a mysterious red substance spotted flowing into the Murray River from a local creek to the east of the Echuca-Moama Bridge last month.
EPA North West Manager Scott Pigdon said the source of the red-coloured liquid could not be determined from the water samples that EPA officers had taken from a local creek.
“EPA has also investigated possible sources in the immediate area upstream, and so far, has been unable to locate any evidence as to where the material has come from. We’re seeking any information the community can give to help us solve it,” Dr Pigdon said.
“We have confirmed the red material has come from a stormwater drain at the northern end of Mitchell Street, Echuca, and then it has flowed through a waterway surrounded by native forest before entering the Murray River.
“However, it is possible the material/liquid has pooled in the stormwater system for quite a while and then recent rainfall has flushed it north into the waterways,” Dr Pigdon said.
Dr Pigdon said there were no lasting environmental impacts as Shire of Campaspe staff and contractors had completed remedial works and removed all the red-coloured water from the affected stormwater drain.
“Both the creek and the river have now returned to their original states; but while there is no lasting impacts, we are still very keen to determine just where this material has come from,” Dr Pigdon said.
Members of the community with information regarding the substance and its origin should contact EPA on 1300 EPA VIC or via its website.