Between 4 to 8 million plastic two inch (2”) circular mesh disks were released from the Hooksett
New Hampshire Wastewater Treatment Facility on March 6, 2011 following a heavy rainstorm,
and entered the Merrimack River. These disks began to appear on the beaches of Cape Cod on or about March 27, 2011.
Per the MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Public
Health (DPH), the disks have been tested and have levels of bacteria typical of those present in any form of litter or debris that washes up on beaches. As a precaution however, the DEP advises that the public should treat the disks like any litter and avoid contact with the disks unless taking proper precautions as follows:
If handling the disks, the public should wear protective plastic gloves and thoroughly wash their hands, and make sure not to put their fingers in their mouth, eat, drink or touch their eyes before washing their hands. Also, the public should be advised to not allow children to play with the disks, and not to allow pets to come in contact with the disks.
If you choose to pick up the disks please use the precautions listed above. In addition the disks can be disposed of by placing them in a bag and dispose of them with your regular trash.
Where to report disks:
The Hooksett NH Sewer District has hired ENPRO Services to be their point of contact in Mass.
Calls should go to ENPRO’s 24/7 number - 800-966-1102 People should mention that they are calling about the Hooksett Event.
To read the Department of Environmental Protection's press release about the plastic disks, please click here~for the MassDEP Press Release.
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