Sisters question mysterious gunk
MANY believe teenagers possess an apathetic attitude towards the environment with distractions available indoors taking the focus off outdoor attractions.
But teen sisters, Emily, 14, and Alesha Sands, 13, have challenged this attitude by showing concern for their environment.
The sisters along with their dad Greg are fighting to change the state of the canal that surrounds Marina Blvd.
For three years the family has been monitoring a strange orange-coloured substance pumped into the canal via drains.
"It's disgusting. It happens several times a month and nothing has been done about it," Emily said.
"I have no idea what it is; it's a bit like algae.
"I wouldn't feel okay swimming in the canal or drinking it."
EMILY said the family first complained about the mystery substance to Moreton Bay Regional Council mid-2011, however little insight was given as to the nature of the gunk.
Concerned about the pollution, the Sands have monitored the canal, taking photos of the substance in the waterway.
"I'm not really sure if it's toxic but I don't think it's any good," Greg said.
"I think you'd be a very sick person if you swallowed any of it.
"The fish population is affected. They get caught in this waste and if they cannot get loose, they sink to the bottom and die."
The family sought advice from an independent water tester but was told nothing could be done.
"It needs to be addressed, not shoved aside," Greg said.
Last week a Moreton Bay Regional Council spokesman said the substance was believed to be iron bacteria, a naturally occurring micro-organism.
"Bacteria feed on iron deposits washed into the canals after rain," the spokesman said.
"During feeding, they produce a rusted orange deposit."
The spokesman said water quality tests did not indicate anything unusual in the canal system.
"Testing also found some algae which occurs naturally in response to seasonal weather patterns," he said.
The family is also concerned with the amount of rubbish invading the canal.
"From floating bottles, cans, bags and all sorts of rubbish, it all seems to eventually sink to the bottom or get taken out to Moreton Bay with the tides," Greg said.
"The canals should be cleaned on a regular basis to stop this from happening."
A council spokesman said maintenance crews did collect litter from the canals on a regular basis and in response to specific requests.
