Bronte Beach and several other eastern beaches have reopened just a day after closing due to mysterious black debris washing ashore, though questions remain about the origins of the peculiar substance.
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The incident happened last week when beach authorities first spotted tennis ball-sized black spheres at Coogee Beach, prompting immediate closure. The debris quickly spread to neighbouring beaches, including Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama, Clovelly, and parts of Maroubra, leading to temporary closures across Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
“No remaining evidence of the reported debris can be located on Bondi, Bronte, and Tamarama beaches,” Waverley Council announced on October 18, giving the all-clear for beachgoers to return to the water. The swift reopening comes as a relief to locals and tourists alike, particularly with the popular Sculpture by the Sea exhibition proceeding as planned.
The Mystery of the Black Balls
The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken charge of the investigation into the strange debris, which varied in size from tennis balls to marbles. Early observations suggest the spheres might be “tar balls” – a phenomenon that occurs when oil spills coagulate into spherical shapes over time.
The EPA indicated that preliminary findings suggest the material appears to be hydrocarbon or oil-based in nature, leading them to assess the threat level as relatively low. However, the agency continues to exercise caution, conducting extensive testing on collected samples to determine the exact composition and origin of the material.
Ongoing Precautions
Despite the beaches reopening, authorities maintain a cautious approach. The EPA has advised the public to avoid contact with any remaining debris they might encounter. “While we understand initial Randwick City Council testing suggests the presence of hydrocarbon, at this stage EPA tests cannot confirm the contents,” EPA stated.
Photo credit: Art Takes Over Tamarama: Sculpture by the Sea Returns to Wow Sydney
Ocean pools throughout the affected areas remain open for swimming, providing a safe alternative for those still concerned about entering the ocean waters.
Published 23-October-2024