Ball-shaped debris that forced Sydney beaches to close contained faecal matter and E. coli
The makeup of the small, ball-shaped debris that recently washed up in Sydney's Northern Beaches has been revealed, and it's just as gross as the first time.
More balls washed up on several beaches last Wednesday, including Manly, Dee Why, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne and North Narrabeen.
The mysterious balls have been appearing across Sydney since the first batch was discovered in October 2024.
READ MORE: The frantic five-hour window to turn White House into Trump's home
White and grey coloured balls were found scattered along the shores at nine beaches in Sydney's north last week. Nine
The balls that washed up last week were made of faecal matter and E. coli as well as saturated fatty acids, according to the results of testing announced today.
"In addition to the hydrocarbons identified in the preliminary test results last week, the latest results indicate the presence of saturated fatty acids, along with faecal coliforms and E-coli," a council spokesperson said.
"Northern Beaches Council is hoping that the EPA analysis will identify the source so that they can stop this from happening at other beaches."
"We are continuing to conduct regular inspections of our beaches and encourage the community to report any sightings."
READ MORE: Donald Trump credits teenage son Barron for helping him secure young voters
The balls that washed up in October were made up of similar products as well as PFAS chemicals, steroidal compounds, antihypertensive medications, pesticides, and veterinary drugs. Nine
The balls that washed up in October were made up of similar products as well as PFAS chemicals, steroidal compounds, antihypertensive medications, pesticides, and veterinary drugs.
Northern Beaches Council also said others had washed up over the weekend.
"A small number of marble-sized balls mixed in with pumice have also been cleaned up from harbour beaches this week including at Little Manly and West Esplanade, and Council continues to monitor and clean up as needed."
The council also said several beaches in its LGA are closed today due to hazardous surf, not debris.
READ MORE: All the executive orders signed by Trump on day one of his second US presidency
The Environmental Protection Authority is expanding its investigation into the balls to try and identify their source. Randwick city council
The Environmental Protection Authority over the weekend that it's expanding its investigation into the debris to try to identify its source.
"Investigating pollution incidents from unknown sources is incredibly challenging, but we will work with other government agencies and examine all potential sources with site visits commencing today," EPA Director of Operations Adam Gilligan said on Saturday.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
