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.
A spokesperson for the EPA said the spill was first noticed by a member of the public at Werribee Zoo.
“Working with zoo officials EPA officers saw the sheen extended for about 100 metres but there was no flow from the most likely outlet making it difficult to identify a source,” the spokesperson said.
“We noted a hydrocarbon odour in the affected part of the river. Melbourne Water also attended hand as a precaution placed an absorbent boom to capture any future similar outflows.”
A spokesperson Melbourne Water said they had responded to the spill by cleaning the affected area downstream of the Maltby Bypass, and installing a hydrocarbon boom to catch any further spillage.
“There is no longer visible hydrocarbon slick on the river water other than build up against the absorbent booms. We’ll continue to monitor this section of the river over the coming days and adjust our response accordingly.”
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 and Melbourne Water for their efforts in protecting the river.
“The WRA has inspected the now cleaned up site, and is cooperating with these agencies in order to avoid future mishaps of this nature.”
Cade Lucas.
