The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has identified the cause behind a strong smelling odour which affected Stony Creek last week.
EPA acting western metropolitan regional manager Arun Baskaran said EPA Victoria officers have identified a likely industrial source of a strong chemical odour affecting Stony Creek in Yarraville.
“Our priority is stopping the odour and lab tests show the pollutant in the creek is a mix of biphenyl and diphenyl ether, a waxy, brown substance used in industrial heat exchangers,” he said.
“It is a tricky pollutant that can solidify on cooler days giving the impression it has gone, only to become liquid on a warm day and begin causing odour again.
Mr Baskaran said Melbourne Water has been working to remove contaminated water from the creek.
“EPA is ensuring that clean-up and prevention measures are being implemented at the likely industrial source.
“The good news is that it is posing little hazard to people’s health and the suspected source has run out, so the clean-up should only take a few days.
“EPA’s investigation is continuing around Benbow Street and downstream as far as Thomas Street.
“Water testing shows normal conditions in the creek upstream of Francis Street.”
