Polystyrene Pollution ‘a Legacy Issue’

Beach Buddies had expressed its sadness at the incident

Published

3 years ago

12/05/2023

DEFA has confirmed that the demolition of the former Marine Biological Station in Port Erin is the likely source of polystyrene balls that have polluted the beach and surrounding areas.

Beach Buddies highlighted the issue today, with the charity noting the balls could be found on the site of the former station and on the beach.

The charity, led by Bill Dale, said the polystyrene likely came from the cavity walls of the building and would’ve been used for installation purposes.

Susan Rossouw, a supporter of Beach Buddies, said she was ‘dismayed’ by the incident, saying: ‘Yesterday I was on the beach and it is full of these little polystyrene balls. They are clustered in hollows where there is seaweed and on the tideline . . . millions and millions of virtually indestructible little balls. It is very sad indeed, and for me quite depressing. My husband worked in building and he suggests that this material was used in cavity insulation, and when the building [Marine Biological Station] was demolished it has all been released.’

A spokesman for Beach Buddies said: ‘If this really is proved to be a case of the polystyrene coming from cavity insulation at the Marine Biological Station then someone needs to explain how this has been allowed to happen. Polystyrene causes massive damage to wildlife, because animals can’t distinguish the difference between materials like this and items such as fish eggs. The Isle of Man has a worldwide reputation for its care for the environment as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We need everyone across the community to be involved, and in this case it appears we have not been thinking through the results of our actions.’

This afternoon a spokesperson for DEFA said the department had been ‘monitoring the site for a couple of months and been in discussion with the developer’.

They added: ‘An officer from DEFA visited the site of the former Marine Biology station today and confirmed it is a legacy issue. The beads appear to be from the demolition in March, when the vast majority were safely removed from the site and surrounding area. However, due to their size it is extremely difficult to ensure they were all gathered up and disposed of properly. DEFA has reminded the developer of their responsibility to ensure the site does not pollute the environment and also continues to liaise with the ecological advisors (MWT) for the site.’

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