Swimmers are warned to stay out of the water at two popular beaches after bathers emerged from the surf covered in OIL
- Swimmers urged to avoid the water at Elwood and St Kilda beaches, Melbourne
- The state’s environmental regulator issued the alert after reports of an oil spill
- The spill was identified as vegetable oil, which poses no threat to human health
- Investigation into the spill’s source is ongoing but is believed to be commercial
Beachgoers are being urged to stay ashore at two popular swimming spots after bathers emerged covered in an oily substance and dead fish were spotted floating in a river.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria issued a warning on Friday for Elwood, St Kilda, Middle Park, South Melbourne, Sandridge and Williamstown beaches after being alerted to an oil spill.
Swimmers and paddleboarders reportedly emerged from the water covered in an oily substance, while locals reported seeing oil and dead fish floating on the Elster Creek Canal.
Swimmers are being urged to avoid entering the water at St Kilda (pictured) and Elwood beach after the state’s environmental regulator was alerted to an oil spill
A large ‘pollution alert’ sign was set up on the foreshore urging swimmers to avoid the water, while smaller signs erected on the sand advised locals to keep their pets from entering or drinking the water.
The environmental regulator identified the spill as vegetable oil – mostly palm oil- and advised it was not a threat to human health.
‘The spill has been identified as vegetable oil which presents no hazard to human health, but is still unpleasant for beachgoers and can harm some wildlife,’ EPA wrote.
Authorities feared the spill could threaten the little penguin colony at St Kilda breakwater, however it was later confirmed the penguins are safe, according to Guardian Australia.
An investigation into the source of the contamination is ongoing, with the dead fish in the Elster Creek Canal yet to be linked to the spill.
Authorities initially believed the spill would harm the little penguin colony at St Kilda breakwater (pictured), however the colony’s welfare has since been secured
Environmental Protection Authority Victoria identified the contamination as vegetable oil – mostly palm oil – and are investigating the source of the spill (pictured, Elwood Beach, Melbourne)
Early reports suggest the hazard came from a commercial source due to the volume of oil entering the bay.
Swimmers and paddleboarders were spotted entering the water on Sunday morning despite the environmental warnings.
The EPA upgraded the alert from fair to good on Sunday morning for South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Sandridge beaches.
The water quality at Elwood and St Kilda was changed from poor to fair on Sunday afternoon with locals advised that swimming was ‘suitable’ if there are no signs of pollution including an oily sheen in the water or on the sand.
Advertisement
