Sydney: Mysterious balls on toxic beaches

The Northern Beaches council said in a statement on Tuesday that the last batch of balls had been cleared from harbor beaches this week.

He urged anyone who sees the balls not to touch them and to contact authorities.

In addition to acids and bacteria, the balls also contained pumice, a volcanic rock.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said she hopes the EPA analysis will “identify the source so it can prevent this from happening to other beaches.”

“We continue to conduct regular inspections of our beaches and encourage the public to report any sightings,” he said.

The the first batch of litter in October at first it was mistakenly called “tar balls,” but it was later discovered to contain everything from molecules of cooking oil and soap scum to blood pressure drugs, pesticides, hair, methamphetamines, and veterinary drugs.

Scientists said they resemble grease, oil and grease stains – often called “fatbergs” – that commonly form in sewage systems.

But Sydney Water said its water treatment plans were operating normally and there were no known problems with the city’s waste systems.