By Molly Magennis
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have named the business responsible for the Cherry Lake pollution incident.
Melbourne Transport & Warehousing in Laverton North contaminated the waters of Cherry Creek and Cherry Lake with approximately 12,000 to 13,000 litres of a substance called Teric N9 on March 7.
The chemical substance is often used in shampoos, cosmetics, cleaning products and has a variety of industrial uses. It is very toxic to fish and when a high concentration is used, can lead to a loss of oxygen.
According to the EPA, the detergent made its way from the factory through storm water drainage, which then led to an open channel of Cherry Creek.
While the EPA has said they will hold the polluter to account, Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill has also called for harsh penalties for the business responsible.
“When all of the details of this incident are known, and if laws have been breached, we hope that any conviction or punishment matches the severity of what has occurred within our environment,” he said.
“The message needs to be very loud and very clear.
“We share the community’s concern. We know there is an enormous impact to the fish stock within the lake but the area is also popular for birdlife and the effects on the wider biodiversity is still unknown but obviously something we are deeply worried about.”
Melbourne Water have been working alongside the EPA during the clean up phase of the incident.
They have been responsible for the ongoing removal of dead fish, and have disposed of nearly 15 tonnes of mostly carp. Other dead animals, such as swans, have also been spotted on the banks of the river.
While most of the dead fish have now been removed, Melbourne Water will continue to inspect the lake twice a day and remove any further fish if needed.
Since March 17, approximately 3,000,000 litres of polluted water has been pumped from Humes Drain and Cherry Creek. Pumping and containment will continue as part of the clean up plan.
Residents should still avoid contact with waters at Cherry Lake and Cherry Creek, and should not eat or collect the fish.
