X-Press Pearl incident: 1,000 tonnes of debris removed from coastline – MEPA

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has collected over 1,000 tonnes of debris from the southern coast supported by the Tri-Forces to minimise adverse impacts that the MV X-Press Pearl incident is causing the country.

The operation was coordinated by the MEPA to clean 200 km from the North Western coastline to the Southern coastline. Over 1,000 tonnes of debris was securely stored in 44 containers including plastic nurdles that were stored at a hazardous waste facility.

MEPA Chairperson Attorney-at-law Dharshani Lahandapura said that on the instructions of Urban Development, Cost Conservation, Waste Disposal and Community Cleanliness State Minister MP Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, a detailed three-stage approach, which includes an accelerated clean-up, environmentally responsible disposal and restoration, claims and damages is being formulated. She said that a team of local and foreign experts and officials are evaluating the heavily impacted areas for future action.

MEPA Chairperson said that they are working closely with the Central Environment Authority (CEA) on the disposal of the nurdles and debris that have been collected so far. “The adverse impacts of the disaster have been manifold. We have to ensure that the disposal of the waste is completed in an environmentally friendly manner. We will collaborate with private companies to dispose of waste ecologically and responsibly,” CEA Chairman S. Amarasinghe said.

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