A major clean up operation has begun on Camber’s world famous beaches, after small pellets called bio-beads were found to be washing up on the beach’s golden sands.
An urgent warning has been issued to dog walkers as experts believe they could be potentially poisonous to any animal that might accidentally swallow them.
Although the plastics themselves are not dangerous, they can absorb toxic pollutants and chemicals while at sea.
Additionally, if consumed, the plastic beads could cause potentially fatal blockages inside dogs’ digestive systems.
A Rother District Council spokesperson said in a statement: ‘We are not aware of any concerns regarding public health.
‘However, due to the potential risk posed to pets, we strongly advise dog owners to keep dogs on leads and under close supervision while on the beach to stop them potentially eating the nurdles.’
The council has also advised that it is unclear where the pollution has come from and investigations are ongoing.
The spokesperson added: “Our officers are currently inspecting the shorelines to assess the level of impact across local beaches.
“We can then determine the scale of the incident and respond accordingly.
“We’re working closely with partner agencies to ensure a coordinated response to this environmental incident.
The council said that non-profit organisation Nurdle, alongside their own officers, will begin work in Camber today on the removal and clean-up operation.
“Please give our staff space to ensure the removal work goes as quickly as possible”, they added.
Scores of local residents and visitors have been seen across the swathes of Camber’s beaches with rakes and shovels in an attempt to aid with the clean up operation.
Local businessman Anthony Skinner posted on Facebook…
It is critical that the bulk of it gets collected on the next couple of tides as the size of the tide is now dropping after the full moon. There is so much rubbish on the beach, which is heartbreaking
Cleaning parties have been organised by local companies and businesses including The Camber Castle, The Rye Bay Bar & Grill, The Owl, The Kit Kat Cafe, Camber Parish Council and owners on the Parkdean Resorts Site. One owner was quoted saying…
Yes, we are visitors in a way, but we spend an awful lot to own a caravan so that we can enjoy the beaches at Camber. We couldn’t sit back and do nothing. Our family have been coming for years, and love the beach, so we felt that we needed to help
The bio-beads have been found across the entire three-mile length of the beach, which extends across the border with Kent.
Bio-beads, meanwhile, are small, dimpled pieces of plastic that are used as a filter medium in water treatment plants.
Clean Jurassic Coast, who are working with Rother District Council to clean up the microplastics, said the incident was ‘one of the worst we’ve ever seen’.
A spokesperson for the group said in a statement that the scale of the spill was ‘shocking’.
They added: ‘Millions of them are covering the sand and washing up with every wave. They’re extremely harmful to wildlife and incredibly difficult to remove.’
Nurdles and bio-beads are especially dangerous for wild birds or fish, which can mistake the small pieces of plastic for food.
It isn’t currently clear what caused the spill or from where the plastic originated. Nurdles typically enter the water system when they are lost during shipping and transport.
Meanwhile, bio-beads generally escape from water treatment plants due to poor management, storms, or improper disposal.
Speculation across various social media platforms is rife with fingers mostly being pointed towards Southern Water as well as the Environment Agency, including those from local MP, Helena Dollimore.
In a letter to the Chief Executive of Southern Water, Dollimore suggests that the biobeads, which are commonly used in waste water treatment plants, might have come from its facility in Beckley and Eastbourne.
At the time of publication, neither Southern Water or the Environment Agency has offered any explanation or taken responsibility, except to say,
We are working closely with the Environment Agency and Rother District Council to investigate the source of plastic beads which have washed up on Camber Beach, this investigation work is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the clean up operation continues with local residents being supported by refreshments being laid on at the Camber Memorial Hall. Some believe that the clean up operation could on as long as Monday if not further.
However, what is noticeable is the combined efforts and feelings of the local community, coming together to support, clean and protect their local area. Despite initial confusion about the suspected dispose of seaweed, a fair number of volunteers worked alongside the Costal Agency to help clean.
Images courtesy of Rye News, Mr. Skinner, Helena Dollimore
