Groups threaten to sue over chronic microplastic pollution in Charleston Harbor

Three companies and SC Ports Authority implicated in violations of federal law

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Today, on behalf of Charleston Waterkeeper, the Southern Environmental Law Center sent a notice of intent to sue over extensive microplastic pollution in the Charleston Harbor. The notice identifies four facilities responsible for the pollution––Agru America, Frontier Logistics, Ray-Mont Logistics, and the South Carolina Ports Authority’s North Charleston Terminal––all of which handle microplastics on the banks of the Cooper River. The notice warns these entities that they must stop polluting Charleston waters with harmful microplastics or face a lawsuit in federal court.

For years, Charleston Waterkeeper’s sampling has revealed alarming numbers of microplastic pellets—over 25,000 nurdles—in marshes and beaches just downstream from these facilities. This only reflects a tiny fraction of the total plastic pollution from these facilities in the environment. The notice alleges that they have been spilling microplastics into the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor for years in violation of the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

This is not the first legal action over microplastics in Charleston Harbor. In 2020, SELC filed a groundbreaking lawsuit on behalf of Charleston Waterkeeper against Frontier Logistics, which spilled large numbers of nurdles from its now-closed Union Pier facility that then washed up on Sullivan’s Island. The case led to a $1 million settlement.

“We have tackled microplastic pollution in Charleston waters and won before and we are ready to do so again,” said Catherine Wannamaker, SELC Senior Attorney. “Clean water, marshes, beaches, and seafood are the lifeblood of our local economy and character of the Lowcountry; microplastic pollution is an affront to all of that.”

Small plastic pellets, known as “nurdles,” are used to make larger plastic products. Once released, these microplastics pose significant threats to human health and the environment. The pellets do not decompose and instead break down into smaller and smaller particles, which are frequently ingested by fish and by people who eat contaminated fish or drink contaminated water. Microplastics build up in the bodies of people and cause a myriad of health risks.

“Years ago we were part of one of the first nurdle lawsuits in the country. This problem is 100% preventable. These companies need to do a better job and stop polluting our estuary with microplastics that harm wildlife and water quality,” said Andrew Wunderley, Charleston’s Waterkeeper. “As long as this problem continues, we’ll act to hold the polluters accountable.”

Reporters can access photos of nurdles here. Credit: Charleston Waterkeeper