South East Water issues warning for Mount Martha creeks, beach and park
Walkers are being warned to avoid the water near a busy Mornington Peninsula park and beach after a sewage spill. SEE THE VIDEO
South East
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Testing has revealed high levels of contamination following a sewage spill in a Mornington Peninsula creek.
The tests were conducted after about 200 litres of untreated waste spilt into Hopetoun Creek near Uralla Drive, Mount Martha on Wednesday night.
The results of water quality tests done on Thursday by South East Water found high levels in Hopetoun Creek, Mount Martha near Ferrero Reserve football oval, Balcombe Creek Estuary and at the mouth of Mount Martha North beach.
South East Water tested the water again on Friday and conducted checks to track the movement of the sewage.
The creek was also flushed and repair works have begun on the siphon that caused the spill.
Signs warning people and their pets not to use or handle the water in the creeks and at the beach will remain in place.
‘SORRY FOR THE MESS’ RAW SEWAGE HEADED FOR POPULAR BEACH
South East Water has apologised after 200 litres of untreated waste spilt into a Mornington Peninsula creek.
The spill into Hopetoun Creek near Uralla Drive, Mount Martha happened on Wednesday night.
By Thursday morning the raw sewage had washed down the creek to the outfall into Balcombe Creek and was heading towards Mount Martha North beach.
A foul stench was wafting across the Balcombe estuary boardwalk and the contamination was clearly visible in both the outfall and the creek.
South East Water said it had contained the spill and notified the Environment Protection Authority Victoria.
“We’re sorry for the mess and any potential smells,” the authority said.
“As a precaution we’re asking you (and your animals) not to use or handle the water in Hopetoun Creek, Balcombe Creek and Mt Martha Beach North.”
The Balcombe Estuary Reserves Group was aware of the spill and said “the situation seems to be under control”.
Warning signs have been placed in the area alerting locals to the contamination.
