A disconcerting tarball emergency that led to the closure of four major beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs appears to be over.
Background: Beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs have been closed after a deluge of “tar pellets” began washing up, prompting a major clean-up.
The remaining beaches closed to swimmers at Coogee, Maroubra and Clovelly were allowed to reopen on Saturday after Bondi and several others reopened on Friday.
Key quote: “It still remains somewhat of a mystery and it could take a few more days to determine the origin.” – Stephen Beaman, Executive Director of the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
What else to know: The cause of the tar ball emergency remains unknown, but NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings said based on health advice the substance was not highly toxic to humans.
Tar balls form when oil comes into contact with other debris and water, usually from oil spills or seepage.
What happens next: The NSW Environment Protection Authority is still examining the bales and carrying out tests.
Beachgoers have been asked to inform lifeguards if they see tar balls.
