Friday 12 December 2014
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Guernsey Press.
Guernsey Press Enquiry:
Further to the statement released yesterday regarding the white substance found on local beaches, are there any updates on the substance itself? I know the statement said an analysis was going to take place.
If it does turn out to be palm oil, does the Department know how it gets onto the beaches and why it is so poisonous dogs?
Will there be measures put in place to help prevent poisoning of any animals - routine beach checks for example?
Further Guernsey Press Enquiry:
Further to my email from yesterday, are there any updates on the white substance (presumed palm oil) found on the beaches? Has there been a confirmation and is Environment sending out additional warnings due to the bad weather which may wash up more of the material despite it being cleared yesterday?
Environment Department Response:
An analysis of a sample of a white waxy substance recently found washed up on the west coast between Perelle and Portelet has revealed it to be petroleum based. Whilst this means it is less attractive than palm oil to animals, dog owners are still advised to continue to exercise caution when walking on beaches and to keep their dogs away from any waxy substances that have been washed up. Although the sample tested was not palm oil we understand there have been other reports of wax lumps found on other beaches and we cannot rule out the possibility these lumps may contain palm oil.
As stated previously the Environment Department has instructed States Works to remove any substance of this description which may be found on beaches. The public is advised not to remove the palm oil but anyone who has picked any up should double wrap it in plastic and dispose of it with their normal refuse. The Environment Department and States Works will continue to monitor beaches but anyone finding white deposits is asked to report it to the Environment Services Unit, Tel:717200 during office hours or email: env@gov.gg.
Contact Information:
Environmental Services Unit
Environment Department
Tel: 717200
