Off limits: Lake Rosebery closed to the public while oil spill is investigated

The origins of an oil spill that caused the closure of a popular spot on the West Coast remains under investigation. Why the lake is closed for more than a week during the summer season:

Readers weather picture. Morning mist over Lake Rosebery at Tullah. Picture: Chris Marlow

A popular lake for recreation on the West Coast will remain closed for more than a week while authorities investigate an oil spill.

All of Lake Rosebery at Tullah is closed to the public and will remain closed while investigations into the source and type of oil involved in the spill are ongoing, with the environmental protection authority currently on site and investigating.

Lake Rosebery closed while authorities investigate an oil spill notified on Monday January 13. Lake Rosebery and Mount Murchison near Tullah. Picture: Chris Kidd

On its website Hydro Tasmania said the lake will be closed to all recreational activities such as swimming, fishing and kayaking until Wednesday January 22.

Hydro Tasmania notified the Environment Protection Authority of an oily substance on Lake Rosebery on Monday January 13, which was centred around the Henry Bay Boat Ramp.

The EPA said it deployed marine pollution staff and resources to Tullah the next evening.

An EPA spokeswoman said the source and type of oil involved in the incident is yet to be determined, and investigations into the cause are ongoing.

She said the EPA has been notified and is working with all relevant authorities, including the West Coast Council.

Originally published as Off limits: Lake Rosebery closed to the public while oil spill is investigated