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Dead fish discovered in waterways after Coolaroo recycling plant blaze

FISH have been found dead after water used to douse the SKM Recycling factory fire seeped into waterways at Coolaroo.

Drone Footage Shows Stubborn Fire At Melbourne Recycling Plant. Credit - MFB (Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade) via Storyful

FISH have been found dead after water used to douse the SKM Recycling factory fire seeped into waterways at Coolaroo.

About 100 fish have died as the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) warned members of the public and pets to avoid waterways.

Firefighters put out the blaze at Coolaroo. Picture: MFB
Firefighters put out the blaze at Coolaroo. Picture: MFB

Sampling at Merlynston Creek and Jack Roper Reserve Lake found extremely low levels of dissolved oxygen that “would not support aquatic life such as fish and insects”.

The EPA confirmed that carp had been found dead at the southern end of Jack Roper Reserve Lake near the Western Ring Road while further fish deaths were expected.

High levels of E. coli were also found, which indicated the presence of microorganisms that could cause illness, the EPA warned.

The recycling plant fire. Picture: MFB
The recycling plant fire. Picture: MFB
The fire in full fury. Picture: 7 NEWS
The fire in full fury. Picture: 7 NEWS

Signs have been put up warning the public and pets to avoid waterways and avoid fishing or recreational activity until further notice.

The dead fish have been removed by Melbourne Water officers.

The EPA would continue to monitor water quality while samples have been taken from the fish to determine cause of death.

No further water run-off would impact local waterways after contaminated water at SKM Recycling Coolaroo was now being pumped into the sewer.

Anyone concerned about their health should contact their local doctor or NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.

ashley.argoon@news.com.au

@ashargoon

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/dead-fish-discovered-in-waterways-after-coolaroo-recycling-plant-blaze/news-story/7d19be2988798c122a7ce3fc068186cf