Melbourne Water sends sewage to Kananook Creek, Carrum Beach to stop treatment plant overflowing
Melbourne’s flood emergency left a major treatment plant in danger of overflowing, prompting swift action.
South East
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Popular waterways have been closed and residents across Melbourne’s southeast warned to stay away as heavy rain put a major treatment plant at risk of overflowing.
Melbourne Water issued the warning after being forced to release treated wastewater from its Eastern Treatment Plant in Bangholme to stop uncontrolled spills.
Carrum Beach and part of Kananook Creek at Frankston were closed to “avoid impact on human health”.
Melbourne Water Managing Director Nerina Di Lorenzo said the step was needed to avoid uncontrolled discharges from the plant because it was nearing capacity due to heavy rainfall.
“The discharge will relieve the plant’s capacity and help minimise uncontrolled discharges and flooding that could occur with further rainfall forecast,” Dr Di Lorenzo said.
“There’s a risk of overcapacity if these measures aren’t implemented, which could also lead to uncontrolled treated wastewater spills to local waterways.”
Dr Di Lorenzo said the measures would not impact drinking water.
The treated wastewater was released into Taylors Drain, which flows into Eel Race Drain and then to a small section of Kananook Creek and into Port Phillip Bay at Carrum Beach.
Signs have been installed to warn people and their pets to avoid contact with the water.
“We’ve also directly notified the local community by distributing community bulletins and social media updates,” Dr Di Lorenzo said.
As part of its regular wastewater management, Melbourne Water was also discharging treated wastewater at Boag Rocks (Gunnamatta Beach) from the Eastern Treatment Plan.
During this period, the beach and surrounding areas are not suitable for swimming, fishing or pets.
The Environmental Protection Authority has also issued water quality alerts for all Port Phillip Bay beaches.
The authority has warned that the water quality is poor and advised against swimming for up to 48 hours after heavy rain as there could be a higher risk of illness to swimmers from increased pathogen levels.