By Benjamin Millar
The West Footscray factory inferno was so fierce investigations may never be able to determine exactly what chemicals were being stored on site, according to authorities.
Almost three months on from the August 30 fire that spewed a thick plume of smoke over the inner-west, sparking health concerns and devastating Stony Creek, Victoria Police arson and explosive squad detectives investigating the fire – flagged as potentially suspicious by the MFB – are yet to publicly reveal its cause.
The was about 14,000 square metres in size and was fuelled by a range of materials, such as acetone drums, cannisters and scrap metal, despite the site not being registered as a dangerous good site as was required.
An Environment Protection Authority (EPA) spokeswoman said analysis of materials sampled at the fire site indicate the presence of hydrocarbons including benzene, toluene and xylene, along with other compounds including industrial solvents, detergents and copper.
“Further analysis is being completed but due to the ferocity of the fire and the current state of the site, it is unlikely EPA will be able to establish a detailed inventory of site contents,” she said.
The EPA is continuing to investigate potential breaches of the Environment Protection Act and still considering whether to take enforcement action over the fire.
A WorkSafe spokeswoman said a blitz on 110 industrial sites in the surrounding area by WorkSafe and EPA identified 74 contraventions relating to the handling and storage of dangerous goods.
“WorkSafe is now re-checking sites to ensure notices have been complied with, and is continuing to assist local council and other agencies with recovery activities.”
Heavy rain over the past fortnight has triggered strong odours in Stony Creek, reigniting community anxiety.
The EPA spokeswoman said testing shows conditions in Stony Creek have improved considerably since the fire due to dilution by creek flows, chemical degradation and clean up undertaken by Melbourne Water.
EPA continues to advise people avoid contact with the creek water and sediments.
Melbourne Water has pumped about 70 million litres of contaminated water from the creek and removed 170 cubic metres of contaminated sediment.
A spokesman said planning is underway to remove and stockpile additional contaminated silt from December until March.
“Further testing and assessment will be undertaken during the work and after it is completed to ensure the creek has been remediated to appropriate levels,” he said.
“Inspections have shown no return of the black sludge following rainfall events.”
The spokesman said impacts had been “minimal” from contaminated water entering the creek last Wednesday after another fire broke out in an industrial area on Paramount Road.
Melbourne Water has been working with Maribyrnong Council and Clare Court Children’s Service to create new frog habitats away from the creek.
The clean-up response is being coordinated by the council according to a confidential recovery plan.
The plan will not be released, but will be provided to a new stakeholder advisory group expected to meet next month.
A spokeswoman said the council is supporting Melbourne Water in working with the community and in some monitoring activities.
“Council will seek funding from the state government to cover the costs incurred,” she said.
More than 2500 dead fish and birds have been collected from the lower reaches of Stony Creek in the wake of the fire .
EPA continues to advise people and pets to avoid contact with Stony Creek and avoid eating fish caught in Stony Creek and the lower Yarra.
