Statement on spill of saline water at Giffard West

Gippsland Water has responded to a spill of saline water near the South Gippsland Highway at Giffard West, affecting a small area along Hoddinott Creek.

The spill took place on Wednesday 18 August and was caused by a crack in the Saline Waste Outfall Pipeline, which transports saline water from the Latrobe Valley power stations to an ocean outfall at McGaurans Beach.

The pipe has since been repaired and environmental monitoring is taking place to ensure any potential impacts are managed.

The spill resulted in saline water entering the creek, a private wetland and some farm dams in the area.

Gippsland Water is working with landowners to assess any impacts to their properties. Remediation works have begun, including pumping water out of impacted dams and wetlands where accessible.

Gippsland Water is also working with the Environment Protection Authority, Parks Victoria, Southern Rural Water and landowners to assess options for remediating the creek.

Soil testing will be undertaken to assess any impacts on land, with assistance from local agronomists. The results of these tests will inform any further remediation actions that may be needed.

Gippsland Water would like to thank the affected landowners for their understanding and cooperation throughout this event.

Further updates will be provided at www.gippswater.com.au/emergencies