Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is urging Victorians to use pesticides correctly after the suspected poisoning of at least 20 eels in a Melbourne creek.
EPA Executive Director of Regional Services, Damian Wells said the eel deaths in Darebin Creek last month were likely due to a pesticide polluting the stormwater system.
“An analysis of eel organs identified the presence of a chemical called permethrin, which is a commonly used domestic and industrial pesticide found in many products,” Mr Wells said.
“While this pesticide is generally safe for humans, it’s highly toxic to aquatic life,” he said.
Mr Wells said the pesticide degrades rapidly in water and so EPA officers could not detect exactly where it entered the creek or conduct a cleanup.
“However, water samples collected following the eel deaths show no chemicals of concern, so we’re confident the water has now returned to its normal state,” he said.
The dead eels were observed along Darebin Creek for about 3km between Bell Street, Bellfield, and Darebin Parklands in Alphington on May 12 and 13.
Permethrin is widely used in household fly and insect sprays, dog shampoo, head lice treatments and for commercial pest control and agriculture purposes.
Mr Wells said people should read any disposal instructions on chemicals they use at home and ensure they don’t end up in the stormwater system.
“Stormwater from your business, home and garden drains to the nearest creek, river, lake or bay, so we must all be mindful of what enters our stormwater drains,” he said.
“What seems like a little bit of run-off from your house becomes a very serious problem when it’s multiplied by many houses in your street, suburb or town.”
Mr Wells said all Victorians should follow a few simple tips when using pesticides:
- Only prepare as much as you require and follow the instructions on the label.
- Use them in your garden wisely and look for low-toxin alternatives.
- Avoid using pesticides on concrete and paths where they could wash off into a drain.
- Don’t apply pesticides if rain is predicted over the following days.
Further tips on reducing stormwater pollution at home are available at www.epa.vic.gov.au.
EPA encourages members of the community to report any pollution they observe by calling 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842) or via its website.