Proposed Federal Law Targets Plastic Barrage; Follows Similar National Efforts
If a newly proposed federal bill passes, companies that make, use, package, or transport plastic pellets will be in violation of the law if they discharge plastic pellets into waterways, storm drains, or sewers. The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act (HR 7634) leverages the Clean Water Act to establish zero-discharge limits for these microplastics— also called nurdles— which are the second largest source of ocean microplastics after tire dust (by weight), according to 5 Gyres Institute, researchers into plastic pollution.
It’s estimated that 230,000 tons of nurdles leak into the environment yearly—with one production plant releasing 3 to 36 million pellets in that timeframe.
Because of their small size (about 1 to 5 mm) and their light weight, plastic pellets easily spill. They have made headlines when they’ve flooded into waterways, with a couple of the most publicized events being an accident at Port of New Orleans, resulting in 743 million pellets pouring into the Mississippi River, followed the next year by the release of 1,680 tons of nurdles into the ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to UN reports.
“Spills are occurring all across our nation, and we have no way to hold anyone accountable,” Paulita Bennett-Martin, senior federal policy lead, 5 Gyres Institute says.
“Local communities turn to lawsuits as a last-ditch effort, but this is not always an accessible or equitable process for fence line communities. What would be more equitable and just is a national zero-discharge limit so that we can enjoy clean, safe waters,” she says.
...
For Complete article, please click here
By: Arlene Karidis
Source: Waste 360
Next Article Previous Article