Monday 04 November 2013
Media enquiry from Patrick Clahane, BBC Guernsey:
As discussed, could you let me know if the environment department has found out anything more about the white waxy substance discovered at Saints Bay?
Is it palm oil?
Is the Environment Department giving any additional advice to islanders about this?
Environment Department's response:
The advice which was issued just over 24 hours ago by the Environment Department remains unchanged.
Ie The public is advised not to remove the palm oil but anyone who has picked any up should double wrap it in plastic and dispose of it with their normal refuse.
The Environment Department and States Works will monitor beaches but anyone finding white deposits is asked to report it to the Environment Services Unit, Tel:717200 during office hours or env@gov.gg. The Environment Department has instructed States Works to remove any substance of this description which may be found on beaches.
Samples of the white substance have been sent to the States Analyst to establish what the material is. Following reports of similar deposits from Jersey and Cornwall we strongly suspect it is solidified and rancid palm oil.
An update will be provided once we have more information.
ENDS
