What is Senate Bill 26-016 in Colorado?

Senate Bill 26-016 is a proposed Colorado law that would ban the release of nurdles, small plastic pellets, into rivers and streams.

Why are nurdles a concern for Colorado's waterways?

Nurdles are a concern because they are tiny plastic pellets that can spill into rivers, be mistaken for food by aquatic animals, and break down into microplastics that can enter drinking water systems.

Could Colorado's nurdle legislation inspire other states?

Yes, Colorado's proposal, similar to California's existing law, could inspire other states to enact measures against pellet contamination in waterways.

Home / Environment / Colorado Tackles Hidden Plastic Pollution in Waterways

Colorado Tackles Hidden Plastic Pollution in Waterways

26 Jan

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Summary

Bill aims to ban release of manufacturing plastic nurdles into rivers.
Nurdles, mistaken for fish eggs, threaten aquatic life and human health.
Colorado proposal could inspire similar legislation in other states.

Colorado Tackles Hidden Plastic Pollution in Waterways

Colorado is poised to address a significant source of plastic pollution with proposed legislation. Senate Bill 26-016, introduced by Sen. Lisa Cutter and Rep. Lesley Smith, seeks to prohibit the release of nurdles, small manufacturing plastic pellets, into the state's waterways. This measure would also prevent the issuance of permits that allow such plastic contamination. Nurdles, about the size of a lentil, are the raw material for plastic goods and frequently enter the environment during production or transit.

The legislation aims to protect both wildlife and public health. Aquatic animals often ingest nurdles, mistaking them for fish eggs, leading to bioaccumulation of plastic and potential chemical exposure for humans who consume these fish. Furthermore, these plastics break down into microplastics that can infiltrate municipal water systems. Scientists have already detected microplastics in human tissues, highlighting the broad implications of this pollution.