DoE solves mystery of suspected pollutant

(CNS): Following a number of reports to the media and marine officers the Department of Environment has solved the mystery of what some believed was oil floating in the sea around the Seven Mile Public Beach. The material is in fact peat likely churned up by wave action from underneath the beach a phenomena which occurs from time to time and as it’s a natural substance local marine life is under no threat. Deputy Director, Scott Slaybaugh confirmed that officers had followed up on the reports and carried out a thorough investigation. He said the department was grateful to the public for bringing it to their attention so they were able to examine what it was and reassure everyone that it is safe. (Photo – Scott Slaybaugh, hand model – Tracy Galvin)

He said that peat is a common substance where the mangroves grow and there is a lot of this organic naturally forming, material, which is essential slowly decaying plant life, in the area around the public beach where it was sighted on this occasion. The Deputy Director of Operations & Enforcement said the material can get churned up from under the sand and be carried out into the ocean where it picks up all sorts of ocean detritus and as it gets tumbled around in the waves it takes on a smooth appearance making it look like a tar ball or oil. (Underwater shot by Chief Enforcement Officer, Mark Orr.)