A creek in Melbourne's north-east has turned a lurid blue after chemicals used in the construction of a major road project washed into the waterway. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has launched an investigation.
The EPA began probing after a community member reported blue discolouration in Banyule Creek, south of Lower Plenty Road in Rosanna, on Wednesday. The likely source has been traced to a dust suppressant used in the construction of the Victorian government's North East Link project (NELP).
Banyule Creek runs through an important wildlife corridor, particularly at Creek Bend Reserve, a 5.6-hectare linear park featuring river red-gums and native grassy woodlands. Banyule City Council said it shared community concern and was working with the EPA and Melbourne Water to understand the incident and manage consequences, but noted its drainage system was not considered a source.
Clean-up duties fall to the duty-holder, likely a contractor to the road project, in consultation with the EPA. The NELP has begun cleaning up the waterway, and the EPA will monitor the project to prevent recurrence. A spokesperson for Major Road Projects Victoria said there was no threat to the local community but recommended keeping away from the creek until reviews conclude.
