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Council calls on ENGIE to help with costs of fish disposal at pondage

Latrobe City Council has sought a meeting with ENGIE to discuss the removal and disposal of dead fish from the Hazelwood Pondage, as the temperature of the water continues to fall.

By Portal Admin - 15th May 2017 - Back to News

Fisheries has confirmed that a number of fish have died and that fish kills will likely increase from here.

Latrobe City Council’s CEO, Gary Van Driel, said there were environmental and ethical aspects to be mindful of when disposing of the fish.

"Latrobe City is the waterway manager and would normally work with Fisheries through the standard procedure for the disposal of dead fish. Our understanding is that usually fish are collected and disposed of to landfill, but in this instance, the EPA requires the fish to be frozen and then incinerated.  This will add significant additional cost to the process," Mr Van Driel said.

"Given the additional work required for disposal, and the uncertainty in relation to numbers of fish, Fisheries has indicated that Council, as the waterway manager would be required to contribute to the additional costs.

"We have therefore called on ENGIE primarily to work together towards a solution, but also to respectfully request they contribute to the cost," Mr Van Driel.

The waterway remains open to the public.

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Telephone: 5128 5458

For general enquiries, contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.

Source: www.gippsland.com

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