EPA to ‘work with shire’ on Bells

Erin Pearson
VICTORIA’S Environmental Protection Authority will “work with” Surf Coast Shire on a toilet block blamed for sewage spills at Bells Beach, according to a spokesperson.
However, the authority refused to reveal whether its tests at Bells confirmed independent research showing dangerously high levels of E coli in the surfing reserve.
“EPA is satisfied from looking at the data there is no imminent environmental risk,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to monitor the area and work with Surf Coast Shire who have plans to upgrade the facility.”
The EPA tests followed surfing legend and ex-Bells Beach Advisory Committee member Maurice Cole commissioning the independent testing of “black sludge” spreading at Bells.
ALS Environmental Water Resources Group, which carried out Mr Cole’s tests, confirmed the area was contaminated with “faecal matter”.
“These results are beyond what we normally test for and are of concern,” an ALS spokesperson said.
“It only takes a couple of E coli to cause an infection if you get it into an open wound.”
The spokesperson said the ALS tests found E coli up to 12 times higher than natural levels.