The Environmental Protection Agency is investigating an oil spill in the Werribee River on Tuesday.
The spill was first noticed in the section of river near the Maltby Bypass in Werribee
on March 19, with the source suspected to be from or above the
Concorde Avenue industrial estate.
This section of the river is a known habitat of the isolated Werribee population of platypus,
the southernmost population in Melbourne.
Spills of this nature are known to kill off invertebrates or bugs which platypus feed on in order to survive.
Werribee Riverkeeper John Forrester expressed concern at what the spill could mean for platypus and other species that live in or around the river.
“Our latest reports tell the story of how important that reach of the river is for platypus, and
the crucial role that part plays in recruitment of young platypus for the lower Werribee River,
all the way up to Tarneit.’
The Werribee River Association (WRA) was also alarmed by the spill, but commended the EPA for their efforts in protecting the river.
“The EPA responded promptly and conducted an assessment of the spill, with details yet to
be confirmed,” said the WRA’s Lisa Field.
“The WRA has inspected the now cleaned up site, and is cooperating with these agencies in
order to avoid future mishaps of this nature.”
Melbourne Water has also responded to the spill by cleaning the affected area downstream of the Maltby Bypass, and installing a hydrocarbon boom to catch any further spillage.
The exact location of the spill and those responsible are still being investigated.
The EPA and Melbourne Water were contacted for comment.
Cade Lucas.
