For several weeks a team of workers has been seen at high water mark along our coast sifting sand in search of nurdles. These plastic resin pellets used in the manufacture of plastic products have become a major source of pollution around the world. They absorb poisonous chemicals and when mistaken for food are harmful to sea creatures like fish, turtles, whales and sea birds. In recent months an increase in this form of pollution has been evident as it washes up on our beaches.
In the past year there have been at least two major spills at sea involving containers falling overboard. These accidents have had disastrous consequences requiring costly clean-up operations along the Cape coastline. The team of workers seen in Pearly Beach has been laboriously sifting sand in order to recover the pellets that have floated ashore.
These workers are employed by SpillTech, a company specialising in hazardous waste management and emergency response to accidental spills. When contacted, the spokesperson for the company was unwilling to respond to the following questions:
Who was responsible for the spills?
Who is paying for the clean-up?
How much is being paid for the operation?
What quantity of nurdles has been recovered so far?
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