EPA Victoria launches investigation after a Coburg river turns pink twice in four days
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11.05.2020

EPA Victoria launches investigation after a Coburg river turns pink twice in four days

Photos by LottiP via Twitter (left) and Friends of Edgars Creek (right)
Words by Kate Streader

Environmental officers are still trying to determine whether or not the pollutant which caused the discolouration is toxic.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria has launched an investigation after Coburg North waterway Edgars Creek turned bright pink twice in four days.

Following several reports from locals, EPA issued an alert warning residents to “avoid contact until further notice”. Officials are currently looking into what caused the “strange discolouration”.

According to The Age, EPA officers have not yet identified the pollutant and are yet to determine whether or not it is toxic.

The rain over the weekend has washed away most of the pollutant and Edgars Creek is now returning to normal. However, considering Edgars Creek is populated with native birds and the Coburg North end of the creek is in close proximity to numerous industrial warehouses, EPA are doing their best to trace the source of the pollution.

UPDATE 12/05/2020

The investigation found the discolouration of Edgars Creek was caused by a dye which is non-toxic in the quantities which were detected in the waterway. EPA have identified the source of the pollutant and are “considering next steps”.

If you see pollution, please report it to the EPA.

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