By Matt Dunn
A MYSTERIOUS black substance on a popular Venus Bay beach is under investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The EPA has warned people to stay away from the unidentified oily matter
Preliminary tests suggest it is a naturally occurring substance and has no link to the Murray Goulburn outfall pipe.
Suggestions have varied as to the source of the substance, but vary from manure washed into the ocean to plankton and other fish byproducts.
Murray Goulburn site manager Bob Alcock said the milk producer had been informed of the EPA investigation regarding the substance.
“We’re aware of the substance. The EPA is having tests done. We’ll have to wait and see what the results are,” he said.
The source of the substance, which was washed up last week coating several hundred metres along fourth and fifth beach, will be determined soon.
The EPA will test the substance to determine its composition and risk to public health.
Samples of the newest substance are being sent to a laboratory.
The EPA’s Elizabeth Radcliffe said: “All possible causes, including any link to Venus Bay outfall will be considered during the course of the investigation.
“The outcome of this investigation will be made public.”
But concern over the effects of the substance remain high and South Gippsland Shire councillor Kieran Kennedy said he had been approached by many local residents.
Cr Kennedy was shocked by what he saw when he went to the beach.
“It was down beach as far as the eye could see. From the east to the west, and in the water. It appears to stretch from Cape Liptrap to Point Smythe,” he said.
“Now is the time to address the situation. There are too many unanswered questions. We need to identify the source and alleviate the problem in the long-term.
“It’s a problem that must be addressed.”
Venus Bay home owner Lina Caneva described the substance as a “black goo”.
“I’ve seen it a few times before, but never as bad as this,” she said.
“It seems to be like an algal bloom, with a soapy smell. It could have been organic, but it certainly doesn’t look good. I hope it hasn’t come from outfall pipe, production or some other waste. Beach five is pretty spectacular.”
Suggestions of the black substance’s source vary from manure to plankton.
Another black sludge was found between Cape Liptrap and Venus Bay last month.
Venus Bay surfer Richard Henwood said the substance was something that had been occurring for as long as he had surfed the beach, about 17 years.
“I’ve heard a suggestion that it may be kelp oil. It is very slimy,” he said.
“It comes every winter. I’d certainly be interested in knowing what it is. I have no idea. It’s good news to know that it is not something from the Murray Goulburn outfall pipe.
“I’d still like to know what they’re pumping into the ocean, though.”
Murray Goulburn came under scrutiny in February this year when local residents complained of a black substance spewing from its Venus Bay outfall pipe.
An EPA investigation followed, and after further breaks in the pipe due to a build up of the substance (Ferric Sulphide), the environmental body banned its use.
The broken pipes saw many spills in a short period of time, with the substance pouring into Small Creek in Koonwarra.
Ferric Sulphide is non-toxic.
Venus Bay residents will wait with bated breath to determine what, definitively, the substance is.
If nothing else, it will help solve a mystery that has haunted the beach each winter.