Bird

Orange sludge a natural phenomenon

Thursday 27 May, 2021
Orange sludge spotted in creeks in parts of the Goulburn Broken region is a natural phenomenon and not cause for concern.

“We recently received a report of orange sludge in a tributary of the King Parrot Creek near Flowerdale,” Goulburn Broken CMA’s Christine Glassford said. 

“When inspecting the site, I noted the scent of iron which helped verify it was due to natural, iron-oxidizing bacteria and was not a threat to aquatic wildlife, such as native fish.” 

The bacteria grow by feeding on oxidized iron that naturally occurs in the soil. The oxidized iron gives the bacteria a rusty colour and sometimes a metallic odour. It is more likely to occur in slow moving water. 

“The water remains clear as the sludge settles out” Ms Glassford said. 

“As it’s 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. 

“We’ll keep an eye on the creek and appreciate the community letting us know about changes in their local waterways.”  

The Goulburn Broken CMA acknowledges and respects First Nations people and the deep connection they have with their land and waters.


We acknowledge the Yorta Yorta and Taungurung people and their ancestors/forbears as Traditional Owners of the land and waters in the Goulburn Broken Catchment (and beyond). We value our ongoing partnerships with Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation and Taungurung Land and Waters Council for the health of Country and its people.


We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge and recognise the primacy of Traditional Owners obligations, rights and responsibilities to use and care for their traditional lands and waters.

Shepparton
168 Welsford Street, PO Box 1752, Shepparton VIC 3630
T (03) 5822 7700
F (03) 5831 6254

Benalla
89 Sydney Road, PO Box 124, Benalla VIC 3672
T (03) 5822 7700

Yea
Shop 5/10 High Street, Yea VIC 3717
T (03) 5822 7700