Mysterious ‘Organic Matter’ Covers Reporter As Hurricane Irene Hits Coast [VIDEO]

I may not be a scientist, but I know gross stuff when I see it. This local news reporter from Washington D.C. on the other hand, does not. WTTG-TV reporter Tucker Barnes is the latest in a slew of local reporters on the east coast that has taken advantage of Hurricane Irene for easy ratings.

Barnes was on the boardwalk as Hurricane Irene hit the coast of Maryland. He noted that he had immersed himself in organic material. That "organic material" was most likely the effects of raw sewage pouring into the water during the storm.

"It doesn't taste great," he said.

He said it had a sandy consistency and added, "I can tell you first-hand, it doesn't smell great."

Now, like I said before, I'm not a scientist but I know what certain things look like when I see it. I know what things smell like too. I wasn't on location when this video was being shot, but based on what the reporter is describing, the "organic matter" is nothing I would want anywhere near or in my mouth, let alone covering me from head to toe in 60mph winds.

The "foam" is often a toxic mixture of pollution and cyanobacteria. Bubbles and foam in the ocean can also be the result of oils from decomposing animals amongst numerous other things that would be considered "gross."

Anything for ratings right?

Do you think that some of these local reporters are taking it too far?