2016-02-09
Ms DUNN (Eastern Metropolitan) — My constituency question is for the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water. I have been contacted by several members of the Eastern Metropolitan Region community in relation to the toxic chemical and herbicide waste which spilt into the Yarra River from the Parks Victoria depot in Warrandyte. This is upstream from a very popular swimming, canoeing and fishing spot at Pound Bend. There are also serious concerns in relation to the health and safety of Parks Victoria workers who were exposed to these toxic substances. A report prepared by Parks Victoria states chemical waste has also killed numerous trees on the river. What action has the minister taken or is the minister taking to ensure that such an incident does not happen again? Will the minister commence an inquiry into how this incident was allowed to happen without any notification to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria? What measures, procedures and appropriate funding have been provided to Parks Victoria to ensure that such an incident does not happen again? And will any shortfalls in funding to the Parks Victoria depot in Warrandyte be addressed as part of the May budget?
ANSWER:
Last year, Parks Victoria (PV) staff identified run off from the wash bay at Warrandyte, with possible contamination of the surrounding area - including the Yarra. As a result of this identification, the practice of washing down trucks at this location was stopped in June 2015.
PV failed to notify the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), as the environmental warchdog, or my office about the potential contamination. PV has now instituted a new procedure regarding the reporting of risks and damage.
The EPA has undertaken water quality testing to see what effect the run off had on the Yarra River. This testing found levels of pesticides in the sediments near the wash area, but not in the river water.
The EPA issues a Pollution Abatement Notice (minor works), which required PV to cease washing vehicles at the site and to engage a qualified third party to undertake assessment of the impact of the contamination on the soil, surface and groundwaters - this assessment was handed to the EPA in February. The EPA are now focussing on the onsite impacts. These next steps will be formalised in an EPA notice over the coming weeks.
Hon Lisa Neville MP
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water