Sussex container clean-up cost in the millions
In December and January, the containers were lost overboard in two separate incidents off the West Sussex coastline
The cost of cleaning up debris left by 40 shipping containers has hit West Sussex County Council to the tune of £2.7 million.
In December and January, the containers were lost overboard in two separate incidents off the West Sussex coastline, resulting in significant shoreline pollution and widespread debris, especially around Selsey and Bognor Regis.
The council worked alongside district and borough colleagues, with support from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, to clear things up in a multi-agency emergency response to protect public safety, the environment and local infrastructure.
Members of the community also worked to clear the beach, including groups such as the Selsey Beach Litter Ninjas.
Now, Deborah Urquhart, cabinet member for environment and climate change, has revealed the cost of the operation and confirmed contractual arrangements with Ambipar Response Ltd, which has supported the emergency clean-up, which is now in the demobilisation phase.
A report from Wayne Lewis, the council's service director for environment and public protection, said the upfront costs to the council were not expected to have a significant impact on its financial position.
It added: "All costs of the operation are being carefully collated, and the council is working closely with the shipping companies' insurers to ensure that all recoverable costs are claimed".