Dust suppressant used on North East Link Project turns Banyule Drain bright blue

Authorities have blamed the North East Link Project for turning a Melbourne waterway neon blue, with locals told to “keep away” as the cause is investigated.

Authorities have blamed the North East Link Project for turning a waterway in Melbourne’s northeast smurf blue.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) was alerted by a member of the community to blue discolouration at the Banyule Drain south of Lower Plenty Rd in Rosanna on Wednesday.

The Banyule Drain turned bright blue after a dust suppressant was spilt in the waterway. Picture: Facebook

Sandbags were used to slow the spread of the polluted water. Picture: Facebook

Investigators believe the blue colour was caused by a dust suppressant used on the North East Link Project (NELP), which is being constructed near the creek.

Major Road Projects Victoria confirmed to the Herald Sun that this solution is routinely used on construction sites to stabilise stockpiles, prevent dust and protect air quality.

Dust suppressants can be dyed to help highlight where they have been applied — which in this case alerted community members to the spill.

Crews working on the major roads project have now been tasked with the clean-up of the creek.

A Major Road Projects spokesman said there was “no threat to the local community” — but still encouraged locals to keep their distance while investigations continued.

“We are aware of a local creek which has been impacted by their construction activities and there is no threat to the local community,” they said.

“The site clean-up is under way — however we recommend locals keep away from the creek until reviews have concluded.

“We will continue to work closely with the Environment Protection Authority to ensure impacts to the local environment are minimised.”

A section of the creek south of Lower Plenty Road on Wednesday. Picture: Reddit

The North East Link Project team has been tasked with clean-up of the pollution. Picture: Reddit

The Environmental Protection Authority is working to ensure the spill does not happen again. Picture: Facebook

The EPA said it was now working to ensure the incident was not repeated and was monitoring the road project.

“EPA investigations and assessments of any harm to the environment are continuing,” an EPA spokesperson said.

Banyule City Council is also aware of the pollution incident.

“Council will continue to work alongside EPA to inspect downstream areas and monitor for any ongoing effects,” a council statement read.

“We’re committed to protecting our local environment and supporting the agencies managing this incident.”

Originally published as Dust suppressant used on North East Link Project turns Banyule Drain bright blue