In brief
Authorities in Sydney are taking action after small marble-like balls, colored grey and white, washed ashore, leading to the closure of nine beaches, including the iconic Manly and Dee Why. This incident echoes previous closures in October, when numerous black balls prompted extensive clean-ups after contamination was traced to a sewage spill. Northern Beaches mayor Sue Heins expressed concerns over the latest debris, admitting that the origin remains unidentified. The Northern Beaches Council announced plans for testing the new debris in coordination with the New South Wales Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Residents are encouraged to report any sightings of the balls. The previous black deposits revealed a surprising mixture of substances, raising safety concerns regarding the coastal waters. Sydney Water claims there are no issues in the waste systems, adding to the mystery of the debris’ source.
