Help me with unknown spreading problem with driveway

Hi everyone,


Apologies if this is in the wrong forum group.


Really in need of some help here. I have this 'stuff' spreading across our stone driveway. It seemed to have started out in/around some standing water by a recessed manhole and over a few weeks it spread outwards, before I had to try and get rid of it.


When the area is wet is when this seems to thrive and spread, and it seems dormant on dry areas, however under the stones is rarely dry and quite often damp. I have been hoping warmer weather would help but seemingly the UK doesn't want to get warm this year......


It is hard to describe(pictures attached). When it is dry it looks/feels fluffy and feathery, and comes apart quite easily in your hand. When it is wet, it is more slimy.


I have searched the internet and have not come across any other images that look like this. The closest thing I found was Nostoc algae, however it doesn't really look like any of the pictures of that and none of the solutions for that have worked.


I have tried the following, but nothing has even worked in the slightest:
Weed killer
blow torch
lifting up all the stones and cleaning them with a jet washer
sodium carbonate(diluted in water)
copper carbonate(diluted in water)
algae and fungus killer
mould and mildew remover
white vinegar
covering the area for a few weeks with a tarp


Does anyone have any ideas of what this might be and/or how to tackle it?


Appreciate any help anyone can give:


Regards,


Adam

 

Hi Adam and welcome to GC

Where roughly do you live ? you could send a sample to the RHS and let them look at it

 

See RHS tips & advice for all your plant diseases and disorders / RHS Gardening

 

I live in KT15 Addlestone.
Thanks for the advise. I will look into that.

 

Hi you are very close to Wisely gardens so may be worth contacting them as they may be interested to see what it is ?


Or its as simple as what may becoming out the manhole and its just waste ? as it looks like paper etc when left to go mushy ... lets us know how you get on

Spruce

 

There has been blockages in the pipes around the manhole, but the water/waste level has never risen to ground level, so I couldn't see how it affects my driveway. It seems that a blocked pipe maybe the likely cause, but I just don't understand how.

 

If it has a partial blockage it may only be overflowing at certain times of the day.

Up till now its not rained around here for weeks, not sure where you are, so the gravel should have been pretty dry for some time.

 

I wonder if the water/waste pipe has collapsed somewhere and is pushing the waste to the surface?
Is there anyone local to you that rents out a, drainage inspection camera.