Sydney
Thousands of mysterious black balls of debris that washed ashore, prompting the closure of two Sydney beaches, have been identified as a phenomenon known as ‘tar balls.’ Authorities confirmed on Wednesday night that the golf-ball-sized pieces of debris are a hydrocarbon-based pollutant, consistent with the composition of tar balls. These are typically formed when oil interacts with debris and water as a result of an oil spill or seepage at sea.
The popular Coogee Beach in eastern Sydney, located in the state of New South Wales (NSW), was closed on Oct 15 after lifeguards discovered the balls along the beach. Following the initial discovery, the local Randwick City Council closed the nearby Gordons Bay Beach after more debris was found and warned the public to avoid touching the balls.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker stated that the council is collaborating with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and relevant ports and transport agencies to safely remove and dispose of the material. ‘Our community is rightfully very protective of our natural environment, and this has been a very concerning incident,’ he noted.
An expert occupational hygienist and a specialist waste removal contractor are currently working to systematically remove the debris, following a safe work method statement developed with the NSW EPA.
