Rotting seaweed smell poses no health risks to Safety Bay residents

The rotting seaweed at Safety Bay beach. PIC: Clean Up Our Coast/Facebook

The City of Rockingham has reassured Safety Bay residents that the putrid smell from rotting seaweed does not pose a health risk.

A series of strong weather events in winter had deposited the seaweed along the coastline of Warnbro Sound.

In some circumstances, decomposing seaweed may release hydrogen sulfide, a colourless gas characterised by the odour of rotten eggs.  

To ensure that the decomposing seaweed poses no health risk to residents the City recently purchased a hydrogen sulfide meter.  

Three rounds of testing along the beach near the Bent Street Boat Ramp has returned readings that indicate there is no risk to public health as the level of hydrogen sulfide is insignificant.  

Mayor Barry Sammels said the City would continue with a fourth round of testing on October 2 to alleviate any concerns over hydrogen sulfide in the area. 

“To ensure there is no lasting impact on the community the City has tested for hydrogen sulfide in the area near the Bent Street Boat Ramp," Mayor Sammels said.

“Three tests conducted on 11, 18 and 25 September have demonstrated the odour does not pose any risk to public health.

“Another test will be conducted on 2 October by the City’s Environmental Health Officers.” 
 

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