Charleston Harbor Choked by Plastic Pellets

Charleston Harbor faces a looming environmental crisis as advocates report finding over 25,000 plastic pellets, or nurdles, in and around the waterway. Charleston Waterkeeper, supported by the Southern Environmental Law Center, has issued a notice of intent to sue four companies: Agru America, Frontier Logistics, Ray-Mont Logistics, and the South Carolina Ports Authority. These companies are accused of allowing nurdles to enter the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor through spills and improper handling practices.

The tiny plastic pellets, used in manufacturing, persist in the environment for years and break down into microplastics. This contamination poses a serious risk to marine wildlife, which can ingest the nurdles, and to the broader ecosystem. Concerns are mounting for the region's clean water, seafood, beaches, and the vital local economy that depends on these natural resources. Past incidents, including a 2020 lawsuit against Frontier Logistics that resulted in a $1 million settlement, highlight the ongoing nature of this pollution problem.

Advocates emphasize that this pollution is entirely preventable, calling for companies to implement better handling practices and cease discharging microplastics into the estuary. The notice of intent to sue provides the companies a 60 to 90-day window to address the claims before a potential federal lawsuit can proceed. The situation underscores the potential for environmental damage and public health risks if the issue is not adequately addressed.