Natural Springs

[topograph]

So we're walking the property for our final approval before closing, and come across a 5x2 piece of standing water surrounded by algae and some weird gelatin like substance. The ground around it is slimy and sticks to the bottom on my boots. Questions:
1. Are there springs in the Fern Acres area?
2. If so, how would I determine if this is a spring or just a low spot?
3. What is the disgusting gelatin like substance?

Joelle