TNPA issues nurdle guidelines
Believed to have been dispersed following a shipping container incident during the recent coastal storms, the spillage of nurdles reached many beaches on the north coast
DEPARTMENTS have reportedly sprung into action to clear the KZN coastline – including Richards Bay and Mtunzini – of plastic nurdles that fell off a container ship two weeks ago.
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Executive Manager Ayanda Mantshongo said that following reports that nurdles have been discovered along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, an urgent meeting was convened last week between TNPA, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), the South Africa Local Government Association (SALGA), provincial environmental affairs, and Ezemvelo to discuss mitigating measures.
ALSO READ: Nurdle spillage along coastline proves difficult to handle
‘Affected municipalities have been informed to be on the lookout for the plastic pellets and will lead their own clean-up operations along their area of coastline.
‘A preliminary report has been submitted to DEA and progress will be monitored before a final report is issued by TNPA and SAMSA within 14 days.
‘The Port Authority’s ongoing clean-up operations within port limits have also been targeting a significant inflow of waste that was discharged into the port from the Umbilo, Amanzimnyama and Umhlatuzana Rivers, as well as municipal storm water systems,’ said Mantshongo.
Nurdle spotting
Members of the public may contact Drizit Environmental, which has been contracted to lead the clean-up operation, on their 24-hour toll free line 0800 202202.
ALSO READ: Environmental warrior volunteers needed after nurdle ‘attack’ on beaches
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