Green sludge spotted leaking into Cronulla beach

Bright green liquid has been spotted leaking into the water at a popular south Sydney beach. Here’s what we know.

The leak was spotted between North Cronulla and Cronulla Beach on Wednesday afternoon. Picture: Elizabeth Pike

Bright green liquid has been spotted leaking into the water at a popular south Sydney beach.

Locals began to notice the waves between North Cronulla and Cronulla Beach turn green at about 2pm on Wednesday.

The source of the liquid was tracked back to a pipe coming out of the rock face metres from the Cronulla ocean bath.

Sutherland Shire Council have been made aware of the leak and are in the process of investigating the matter.

The source of the bright green liquid was tracked down to a nearby pipe. Picture: Elizabeth Pike

“Sutherland Shire Council is aware of a coloured substance that has exited the stormwater system at North Cronulla,” a Sutherland Shire Council spokesperson said.

“Following a site visit, it appears to be a harmless dye commonly used by plumbers to test drainage lines and detect faults. “Council is currently investigating the matter to identify the source of the substance.”

Local resident and Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society vice president Adrian Polhill first noticed the spill right before he was about to go for a swim.

He said the community should be made aware of leaks beforehand, or at least informed the liquid is non-toxic, to avoid causing alarm.

Mr Polhill said signage should have assured the public the liquid was non-toxic. Picture: Elizabeth Pike

A similar green liquid was found at Cronulla Mall. Picture: Adrian Polhill

“It’s shocking to see such an unusual colour in the ocean,” Mr Polhill said.

“Many in the community were concerned and there was no signage to indicate it was a non-toxic liquid.”

Mr Polhill later came across a construction site at Cronulla Mall with a similar green liquid pooled on the ground.

There is no indication the construction is responsible for the beach spill.

As of 4pm the green liquid was still entering the water, however, it is expected to wash out to sea as the tide comes in.

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