Sydney reopens beaches after tar ball scare

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Sydney reopens beaches after tar ball scare

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The clean-up on Coogee Beach on Thursday

Beaches in the *********** city of Sydney have reopened for swimmers after being closed earlier this week when thousands of mysterious ****** tar-like ****** washed ashore, prompting health concerns.

Officials say tests found the ****** to be formed from chemicals similar to those in cosmetics and cleaning products but it is still unclear where they came from.

Eight beaches including Bondi – the city’s most famous – were closed and a massive clean-up ordered amid fears the ****** deposits were toxic.

New South Wales’s Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe, said investigations were continuing to establish the source of the pollution and who was responsible.

The state’s maritime authority said the ****** were not highly toxic to humans but should not be touched or picked up.

“Based on advice from the Environment Protection Authority, we can now confirm the ****** are made up of fatty acids, chemicals consistent with those found in cleaning and cosmetic products, mixed with some fuel oil,” said New South Wales Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings.

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Some of the tar-like ****** on Coogee Beach

The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said laboratory testing was continuing, to try to determine where the ****** came from, Reuters news agency reports.

“It is still somewhat of a mystery and may take a few more days to determine origin,” said EPA Executive Director Stephen Beaman.

The tar ****** were “not harmful when on the ground but should not be touched or picked up”, Mr Hutchings was

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.

“If you see these ******, report them to a lifeguard. If you or your family accidentally touches one, wash your hands with soap and water or baby oil.”

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