Multiple beaches off of Lake Michigan have been closed for swimming after a mysterious substance was found in the water.
Local television station WLS reports that investigators are trying to determine what exactly the substance is. Tests are showing that there are "metallic flakes" in the substance and that most of it appears to be harmless, but they said that it wasn't clear as to what else was in it.
Preliminary tests show "metallic flakes" and authorities said most of it is harmless. However, they added that it's not clear what else is in the substance.
"We are completely baffled as to what it truly is, whether it came from one of the steel mills or something out of the smokestacks or possibly washed off one of the big barges as they came into the harbor," said Gene Davis, an Indiana conservation officer.
Indiana conservation officers are have asked people to stay out and away from the water until they are able to determine what exactly the substance is.
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