Update on EPA debris balls investigation

The NSW EPA’s expanded investigation into the source of debris balls that washed up on multiple NSW beaches between last October and January this year is progressing.

A team of technical pollution experts and specialist investigators have been exploring multiple lines of enquiry.

We are working towards reaching an important milestone in our investigation.

Our priority since the initial debris balls washed up at Coogee Beach last year has been to provide the public with regular updates on our chemical analyses of the balls and progress of our investigation. We have released 8 public announcements covering testing results and precautionary advice for the public over the past 6 months.

In addition to the clean-up advice provided to local councils and government agencies, we shared initial basic analysis on the Eastern Suburbs’ debris balls with the Government response team, led by NSW Maritime, which helped guide advice to the public to avoid attending impacted beaches or handling the debris.

In November and December last year, we shared test results identifying that the debris contained fatty acids and petroleum hydrocarbons, as well as organic and inorganic materials. Our analyses showed traces of bacteria (a collective term including E.Coli and enterococci) commonly associated with wastewater, and that the origin was likely a source that releases mixed waste.

Our advice remains the same: people should avoid touching them and should report them immediately to either their local council or the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.