Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate he has made of the level of pollution caused by the collision between the Solong and Stena Immaculate.

Defra is working with multiple organisations including the Centre of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) and the PREMIAM (Pollution Response in Emergencies: Marine Impact Assessment and Monitoring) to assess the impact of this incident on water pollution and the marine environment. Satellite imagery suggests no substantial chemical spills have occurred, with fuel and other substances being burnt rather than entering the ocean in substantial quantities. No air pollution has been detected on land.

Unfortunately, it seems some of the contents of one container of small plastic pellets (‘nurdles’) spilled into the North Sea during the collision and subsequent fire. This was detected at sea on Sunday 16 March. From Sunday to Tuesday, plastic nurdles were observed coming ashore along 5-10 km of beach in north Norfolk, now extending to the Lincolnshire coast. This occurrence was predicted by environmental impact modelling, preparations for recovery and containment were made, and the PREMIAM programme was activated for pollution response and marine impact assessment. The plastic nurdles are the only pollution detected so far.

The environmental impact of nurdles depends on their quantity, plastic type, and burn state, which are being assessed by teams on the ground. Toxins released when the plastic was burned during the original collision are likely to have been washed away and diluted whilst at sea. Nurdles aren't toxic but may pose risks if ingested by wildlife. A thorough clean-up operation is underway, involving drones and other specialist equipment.

Shrimp fishers in the area have also been advised to take precautions to mitigate risks their product could contain nurdles, although the risk to human health is low. MPs for the affected coastline have been briefed, and officials will continue to monitor the situation and take further steps as necessary.