Don't be alarmed by orange sludge

Goulburn Broken CMA officer Christine Glassford said the CMA had been receiving reports of the orange sludge in the King Parrot Creek near Flowerdale.

“When inspecting the site, I noted the scent of iron which helped verify it was due to natural, iron-oxidising bacteria and was not a threat to aquatic wildlife,” Ms Glassford said.

The bacteria grow by feeding on oxidised iron in the soil, giving the bacteria their rusty colour and metallic odour.

“As it is a natural bloom response, there is no need for people to be alarmed — as soon as we get a decent drop of rain it will wash away,” Ms Glassford said.

“We’ll keep an eye on the creek.”

Goulburn Broken CMA said it appreciated the community letting it know of changes in local waterways.