EPA blames detergent in stormwater for Dandenong Creek foam at Heathmont

DETERGENT washed down a stormwater drain has been blamed for a ‘mountain of foam’ which killed dozens of fish in Dandenong Creek.

Dandenong Creek was filled with foam in November. Picture: Supplied

DETERGENT washed down a stormwater drain is the likely cause of a pollution outbreak in Dandenong Creek which killed dozens of fish.

A “mountain of foam” was spotted by a local resident in the creek near Heathmont in early November, sparking fears local wildlife had been harmed.

Dead fish in Dandenong Creek. Picture: Supplied

EPA officers later found dead fish and eels along a 900m stretch of the creek and posted an alert for people to avoid the area, which has since been lifted.

RELATED: ‘Mountain of foam’ appears in Dandenong Creek

Environment Protection Authority southern metro region manager Marleen Mathias said the organisation analysed water samples and found no sign of pesticides or hazardous chemicals.

“It is likely that a detergent was washed down a stormwater drain and this caused a lowering of dissolved oxygen in the creek, which killed fish downstream,” she said.

Ms Mathias said it was unclear what type of detergent entered the creek or its source.

Foam in Dandenong Creek at Heathmont. Picture: Supplied

But she said the creek was a “regular source” of pollution complaints as it flowed between Heathmont and Wantirna and was near an industrial estate.

“With so many urban stormwater outlets in the area, EPA has been supporting Melbourne Water in pollution prevention work, including inspections of industrial sites,” she said.

“EPA urges residents to remember that the drains in their street empty into the creek, so it’s important to consider the environment, even with day to day activities like choosing where to wash the family car.”

Ms Mathias encouraged people to report pollution to epa.vic.gov.au