WORK has begun to remove contaminated turf at Bruce Lee Oval, two weeks after it was flooded with sewage.
Water Corp crews removed wastewater-contaminated grass this week and say the affected areas will be returfed in the coming weeks.
According to a Water Corp spokesperson, the City of Fremantle will consult with the WA Health Department to determine when sports teams will be allowed back onto the reserve after its “thorough restoration”.
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“Once the site is handed over to the City of Fremantle, it will decide when to resume sporting activities on the new playing surface,” the spokesperson said.
“In partnership with the City, we have provided and funded temporary lighting to allow the sporting clubs use of an alternative oval, enabling them to continue their playing seasons unaffected.
“We acknowledge the disruption the overflow event caused and would like to thank the Beaconsfield community and the City of Fremantle for their ongoing patience and support.”
Water Corp confirmed they are also funding elements of the Freo Farmers Markets which have been held at the arts centre since the shitastrophe first took over the southern suburbs.
The burst main wastewater pipe on Hamilton Road near Spearwood, which was the original culprit of the suburbs-wide incident, has been repaired according to Water Corp, and both lanes of Hamilton Road have reopened.
Kitj Park is expected to “fully reopen” this week following decontamination, although affected plants won’t be replaced until the spring.
Public health restrictions to the Fremantle Sailing Club and South Beach were lifted on Monday, and closed areas in Alfred Cove and Applecross were opened on Wednesday.
“Precautionary water quality sampling has shown any impact from these smaller, localised discharges was short-term and limited in extent, with significant rainfall and tides contributing to further flushing and dilution,” a statement from Water Corp said.
by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER