Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is maintaining a strong community engagement presence in the Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay areas following the West Footscray factory fire that occurred on 30 August 2018.
EPA continues to monitor air and water quality in the affected areas and to provide the latest advice to the community around any potential human health impacts.
The latest information from EPA sampling and monitoring work, and the latest public health information, is available at: https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/current-issues/industrial-fire-in-west-footscray.
EPA will continue to support Maribyrnong City Council in its role as the lead agency of the recovery efforts and in the development of a recovery plan to restore the health and water quality of Stony Creek and its riverbanks.
EPA CEO Cathy Wilkinson said EPA reiterated advice to the community to avoid all contact with Stony Creek and to keep pets away from the creek.
“Odour from the creek is unpleasant and may be affecting some people so we’re encouraging people and their pets to stay away from Stony Creek. If you are feeling unwell, seek medical advice or call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24,” Dr Wilkinson said.
EPA air quality samples taken from homes along Stony Creek found all results were below health guidelines, which means that they didn’t warrant further investigation.
EPA advice remains in place to avoid eating fish caught in Stony Creek, the lower Yarra and Hobsons Bay until further notice.
Dr Wilkinson said that EPA continued to undertake water quality sampling along Stony Creek, which has found a range of chemicals.
“While there is definitely contamination in Stony Creek, the levels of chemicals in the water are decreasing as the recovery phase starts. EPA will continue its monitoring and share these results with the community as they become available,” Dr Wilkinson said.
Dr Wilkinson said EPA has also been monitoring for asbestos in the community.
“Results of airborne asbestos sampling have all been below the limit of detection, which means no asbestos fibres were found in the air,” Dr Wilkinson said.
Dr Wilkinson said to date EPA staff have talked to over 500 people in the community to inform them of the latest public health information.
“Our staff have also handed out well over 1000 factsheets about water and air quality in the area that were informed by our sampling program,” Dr Wilkinson said.
Dr Wilkinson said EPA has issued a number of statutory notices on the owners of the West Footscray factory fire site.
“These notices require the site owner to inspect the property daily to check on any materials stored there, install security fences, keep access ways clear, and ensure controls, including contingencies for rainfall, are in place so no further run off can enter stormwater drains,” Dr Wilkinson said.
“The owners must regularly report progress to the EPA and if the notices are not complied with the owner could be fined more than $48,000 plus $8,000 for every day the works are overdue.”
To view the EPA video update click here.
Members of the community who have further questions about the incident are invited to call 1300 EPA VIC (372 842).