Related: Fuel tanker rolls at Inglewood
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The clean-up of tens of thousands of litres of fuel spilled after a truck crash in Inglewood last month has been slowed by wet weather.
But the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) said works were continuing and should be completed within the month – dependent on the weather.
The spill occurred when a tanker carrying about 50,000 litres of fuel hit a power pole and overturned, resulting in a large leak of petrol into the local environment.
EPA Team Leader of Field Operations Danny Childs said that remediation works at a residential property, that was one of a number of properties evacuated at the time, were nearing the final stages.
“About 2000 cubic metres of contaminated soil has now been removed from the residence and replaced with clean fill, a new curb and channel has been constructed and a new foundation has been poured so a new brick fence can be constructed at the home,” Mr Childs said.
“There will also be a new boundary fence and shed built at the property and garden beds will be reinstated.
“We do not expect to see any ongoing environmental issues at the property as a result of the spill last month.”
Mr Childs said the clean-up of the stormwater system was advancing well, but ongoing works were still required.
“Contamination from the huge amount of fuel from both above and below the ground is still being removed and there are still some hydrocarbon odours along the urban drain,” Mr Childs said.
“[The EPA] expects all contamination from the fuel spill at Inglewood to be removed within a month, but this would depend on good weather as periods of rain would push back this timeframe.
“The regeneration of the resident’s gardens and the installation of the new fence and walls, as well as the installation of the new stormwater drain, could take up to several months to be completed.”