Environment Protection Authority (EPA) officers are investigating the source of a chemical spill in Laverton North last week.
A tip-off to the EPA hotline alerted the authority to the chemical spill in Kororoit Creek, near Silverton Close, on Tuesday.
EPA metropolitan manager Daniel Hunt confirmed that officers were still investigating the source and make-up of the spill from a stormwater drain outfall into Kororoit Creek.
An EPA officer attending the site said the spill was a white, milky substance that was possibly a cleaning agent. But its exact nature would not be known until water samples were returned in about two weeks and further investigation had been done.
“The removal of contaminated water is well under way and is anticipated to be completed in the near future,” Mr Hunt said.
“EPA has identified a potential source but its investigation is currently ongoing and any evidence gathered will determine whether any offences have occurred under the Environment Protection Act 1970.
“This incident highlights the need to remind and inform the public that the stormwater system is not connected to the sewer system and anything that is discharged to the storm water drain impacts our aquatic environment in the creeks, rivers and ultimately the ocean.”
Meanwhile, a white substance was also found in the Werribee River and Davies Creek in Truganina last Wednesday.
Mr Hunt said an EPA officer determined it was likely to be a sediment-based pollutant.
“In this instance we were unable to trace the pollutant to a source as the discharge ceased while the investigation was being conducted,” he said.
“EPA determined that the hazard associated with a sediment-based discharge of this size was relatively low.”
Anyone with information about the Kororoit Creek incident, including the substance dumped and its origin, can call the EPA on 1300 EPA VIC (372 842).
