Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) continues to monitor wastewater and investigate an ongoing issue at South Gippsland Water's (SGW) Korumburra treatment plant to Foster Creek. EPA Authorised Officers have inspected the treatment plant and confirmed that the discharge to Foster Creek has now ceased.
EPA served a notice on SGW to stop discharging wastewater to Foster Creek after the Korumburra plant lost its processing capacity and began discharging partially treated wastewater to the creek above the limit set by its licence.
EPA Regional Agency Commander Zac Dornom says the situation may take some time to remediate.
"The loss of processing capacity occurred following what appears to be the delivery of commercial wastewater that was too high in ammonia and phosphorus," he said.
"Until SGW can get their processing back to compliant levels, EPA will monitor to ensure alternative arrangements for managing the wastewater are working and any impact to the local community and environment is minimised."
"The local community may notice an increase in odour and truck traffic while the situation is being managed and wastewater is removed. If you do see any further pollution issues, or the possible results of pollution such as fish deaths in the Creek, please contact EPA.
"EPA is investigating any breaches of the law and will take further action in line with its compliance and enforcement policy." Mr Dornom said
EPA recommends the following for the use of water from Forster Creek and other potentially affected waterways downstream of Korumburra:
• Do not drink the water.
• Do not use the water for any domestic use such as washing, showering, bathing or processing food.
• Do not use the water for any recreational use including filling backyard swimming pools.
• Do not consume any animal such as fish and crayfish caught in these waters
• Do not use the water for irrigating food crops, turf, trees and flowers.
• Do not use the water for watering stock.
• Do not use the water as washdown water for machinery.
• Do not use the water for irrigation and fodder. Controls must be in place to ensure pigs and cattle are not exposed to pasture or fodder contaminated by sewage.
