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Dust Suppressant Spill Turns Melbourne’s Banyule Creek Bright Blue

EPA supervision has guided containment measures, water testing, ecological assessment to evaluate environmental harm

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Overview

  • On July 16, residents spotted fluorescent blue discoloration in Banyule Creek near McCrae Road in Rosanna, later traced to a polymer-based dust suppressant from the North East Link Project.
  • EPA Victoria opened an investigation immediately and has overseen sandbagging and water quality monitoring to contain the runoff.
  • North East Link Project teams are conducting cleanup operations under EPA direction and will review site protocols to prevent future chemical releases.
  • Banyule City Council and Melbourne Water confirmed local drains were not the source and are inspecting downstream areas for lingering effects.
  • Authorities have urged residents to avoid the creek as ongoing environmental assessments inform updated safeguards for the sensitive Creek Bend Reserve wildlife corridor.