Some of the millions of small plastic discs, released accidentally from a New Hampshire sewer plant three months ago, have begun washing up on Martha’s Vineyard beaches.
Over the weekend, people reported finding scores of the discs on south shore beaches. One Island resident picked up more than 60 at Quansoo. Others were found on South Beach, near the Edgartown Great Pond opening, Squibnocket, Philbin and Gay Head.
After months of exposure to salt water and sunlight, the discs are believed to pose no health threat, but authorities still have cautioned people to use gloves if they pick them up.
It is estimated some 4.3 million of the discs, which are used to soak up and consume bacteria in wastewater, were released after a malfunction at the Hooksett Wastewater treatment plant on March 6, into the Merrimac River.
The discs are each about two inches in diameter, and perforated.
The Hooksett sewer district has hired ENPRO Services to be their point of contact in Massachusetts.
Please report discs to ENPRO’s 24-hour toll-free line, 800-966-1102. Callers should mention that they are calling about the Hooksett event.
This report has been updated from the original.
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