Mystery grey balls force closure of nine Sydney beaches

A sample of the unidentified ball-shaped debris found washed ashore at nine beaches in Sydney. Credit: Northern Beaches Council

At least nine beaches in northern Sydney, Australia have been closed after grey ball-shaped debris was found washed ashore.

On Tuesday, locals were urged to steer clear of Manly, Dee Why, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne, and North Narrabeen beaches by the Northern Beaches Council.

The warning followed the council's announcement that it is working with the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to clean up the debris and send it for testing after the regulator flagged the issue.

An unidentified ball-shaped debris found washed ashore in Australia. Credit: Northern Beaches Council

"So far, most samples identified are marble-sized with a few larger in size," the council said on Facebook.

"The Council is organising the safe removal of the matter and is inspecting other beaches."

A Sydney Water spokesperson called the debris "grease balls" and said they were working with the EPA to determine the cause.

They confirmed there were no issues with the operation of water treatment plants at Warriewood, North Head, Bondi, Malabar, and Cronulla, stating that all wastewater discharged complies with EPA regulations.

Last October, several beaches, including Sydney's iconic Bondi, were shut down after thousands of black balls washed ashore.

An inquiry revealed the balls were made of fatty acids - chemicals found in cosmetics and cleaning products - mixed with hair, food waste, and other wastewater materials.


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