Melbourne’s Waterway Discolored by Chemical Runoff from Building Sites

A waterway in Melbourne’s northeastern region has taken on an alarming blue hue after construction chemicals from a major road project leaked into it. The local population notified the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who then started an investigation regarding the blue coloration observed in Banyule Creek, located south of Lower Plenty Road in Rosanna, on Wednesday, as per a spokesperson for the EPA. The source of the contamination is suspected to be a dust suppressant employed in the construction of the Victorian government’s North East Link project (NELP). Banyule Creek is crucial as it traverses an important wildlife habitat, especially at Creek Bend Reserve, a 5.6-hectare linear park adorned with river red-gums and native grassy woodlands. Images posted on social media by a community group depicted the creek as a striking fluorescent blue. Banyule City Council stated they shared the public’s concerns about the contamination and were working with both the EPA and Melbourne Water to understand what led to the pollution and to address its impacts. While it was initially thought local council drains might have been a contributing factor, it was later confirmed that these were not involved in the incident. The council committed to working alongside the EPA and Melbourne Water to inspect affected areas and monitor any ongoing consequences, emphasizing their dedication to environmental protection and support for agencies managing the incident. Responsibility for cleaning up pollution falls to the project contractor, in consultation with the EPA. The NELP is a part of the Victorian government’s Big Build, involving the construction of over 6 kilometers of freeway tunnels at a projected cost exceeding $26 billion.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/17/banyule-creek-melbourne-rosanna-blue-discoloration-chemicals-epa-ntwnfb