Sydney Beaches Repeatedly Closed Due to Mysterious Grease Ball Debris

The source of recurring oily debris washing ashore remains unidentified, with experts linking it to human-generated waste and sewage systems.

Nine northern Sydney beaches were closed after white and grey grease balls, similar to previous incidents, washed ashore; most have since reopened.
The debris, described as marble-sized balls, has been found at multiple Sydney beaches over recent months, including Bondi, Coogee, and Kiama.
Testing of earlier debris revealed components like cooking oils, soap scum, faeces, and traces of recreational drugs, suggesting links to sewage systems.
Experts have criticized Sydney’s reliance on primary wastewater treatment, which may contribute to the formation of such debris in the ocean.
Investigations by the NSW EPA and Sydney Water have so far failed to pinpoint the source, with illegal dumping and sewage leaks among the theories being explored.