EPA investigating the source of fuel-leak under city streets as strong odour engulfs Yarra River
Experts are racing to find the source of a leak which is causing a fuel-like smell near a popular walking track along the Yarra River.
Melbourne City
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The Yarra River is emitting a strong fuel-like odour with an oily sheen seen on the surface near Flinders Walk.
Experts are investigating the cause of the smell which they believe may becoming from under the streets of the CBD.
The EPA, Melbourne Water and Melbourne City Council are working together to find the source of the spill by doing a “drain chase” where they go along city streets, opening drains to see if the odour is stronger or weaker.
EPA west metro regional manager Steve Lansdell said Melbourne’s drain system was “very complex” and that somewhere within that system, fuel has spilt and is exiting into the Yarra at Flinders Walk.
“Trying to find the source means checking drainage maps and going from drain to drain cover and literally using our noses to see where the odour stops and what is happening in the CBD area that could be the cause,” he said.
Mr Lansdell said the task was time-consuming because it was in a built-up area.
“We’ve had a couple of these incidents in recent weeks, so if anyone has information that might help us track down the source, we’d love to hear from them.”
If you have information that could help, please call EPA on 1300 372 842 or contact@epa.vic.gov.au
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