Stony Creek Contaminant Review

Stony Creek Contaminant Review

Background

Stony Creek has a long industrial history, including a warehouse fire in 2018, which has seen it significantly affected by different types of pollution. The creek has important environmental values, including supporting some native frog and fish species, as well as amenity and recreation values. From a management perspective, it is important to understand whether different rehabilitation activities are required for historic pollution compared to post-fire contaminants.

 

Photo of Stony Creek. In the background is a raised road. Under the road is concrete with two circles cut out to allow the creek to flow through. River runs from the bottom right of the photo up to the middle. Green grass with intermittent patches of dirt take up the rest of the photo, as well as trees. Most of the trees are barren branches, with some trees showing dark green leafage. Photo of Stony Creek looking downstream towards Paramount Road.
Photo of a Stony Creek stormwater drain. Water is coming out of the drain rapidly. Photo appears to be from a park. Background has large, open grassed space with trees in the distance. There's a gravel path and small native plant display to the left. Floating in the middle of the water flow is a black mesh bag. Inside the stormwater drain is some blue graffiti that is indiscernable. Photo of a Stony Creek stormwater drain in high flow, with a black mesh sampling bag suspended midstream.

Key points

  • An historic assessment of contaminants in Stony Creek showed predominant water quality issues: elevated nutrients, low dissolved oxygen, elevated heavy metals and TPH (total petroleum hydrocarbons).
  • A review of contaminants related to the 2018 warehouse fire found that high levels of the contaminants BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene), TPH (total petroleum hydrocarbons), PAH (Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were discharged to the creek.
  • A monitoring program has been undertaken to determine the current contaminant profile for Stony Creek and associated stormwater drains.
  • Results will guide priority post-fire management interventions.
Photos of Stony Creek with a pollution barrier sausage. The creek is running from the bottom left to the top middle of the photo before being cut off by a hill. Towards the bottom of the photo is a brown-stained cylinder object running horizontally across the creek from one side to the other. Similar to a sausage link, the object is pinched in multiple areas. In the background is a researcher wearing a light red, long-sleeved top with green overalls and a dark blue hat. The researcher has some white storage containers behind them as is poking what looks like a long stick into the creek. The creek is surrounded by eroded dirt and green folliage, with native Australian trees. Photos of Stony Creek with a pollution barrier sausage. A researcher is collecting samples in the background.
Photo of a section of Stony Creek. Creek is running from bottom right to the middle of the photo. Creek is filled with green and purple plants growing out of the water. Surrounding the creek is green folliage and trees. Some of the trees are barren with no folliage, and others have dark green leaves drooping from the branches. Photo of a section of Stony Creek.

Expected completion date

2022

#StonyCreek #contaminants #HealthImpacts #StonyCreekRehabilitationPlan #2018fire

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information