Eastern Sydney beaches investigation

The EPA has finalised testing on ball-shaped debris that washed up on beaches in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs, confirming earlier results that indicate their origin is likely a source that releases mixed waste. 

Balls were observed in debris on Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, Congwong, Frenchmans, Little Bay, Malabar and Tamarama beaches.

The EPA supported Randwick City Council with its clean-up of Coogee Beach and Gordons Bay and offered support to Waverley Council. NSW Maritime coordinated the response to this incident. 

The EPA released initial results on 6 November which found the balls contained mainly fatty acids, a small portion of petroleum hydrocarbons, and other materials, including human hair and various fibres.

Final petroleum hydrocarbon and biomarker analysis released on 2 December also showed some petroleum hydrocarbons in the balls.

Despite lengthy analysis of the chemical composition of the balls by the EPA and the University of NSW, as well as examination of weather patterns and ocean currents by NSW Maritime, we have not been able to determine where the balls originated from.

If the community sees balls in any other locations, they should report it to the NSW Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au.