An overzealous tradie is the most likely culprit behind a Yarraville waterway turning bright green.
A long stretch of Stony Creek passing through Cruickshank Park glowed bright green in the gloom late Wednesday afternoon, alarming passersby, but authorities say the incident is likely to have been harmless.
Environment Protection Authority metro manager Danie Hunt said the bright green substance had the colour of fluorescein, a dye commonly used by plumbers and contractors to trace and identify underground pipes.
“Fluorescein is non-toxic and biodegradable, and the slick would be expected to dissipate fairly quickly,” he said.
Mr Hunt said because of its bright colour, reports of fluorescein appearing in waterways are not uncommon.
This includes a 10-metre slick that appeared on the Yarra River at Southbank in October last year, catching widespread attention but only lasting about one hour before dissipating.
“In both cases, it appears the tradies involved have overdone it and would be advised to use less of the dye in future,” Mr Hunt said.
EPA encourages the community to report pollution to its 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) or by visiting www.epa.vic.gov.au
