Assateague Beach closed due to medical waste wash up

By Linda Cicoira

Beaches along the Atlantic coast from Fenwick Island, Delaware to Chincoteague and the Virginia portion of Assateague Island remain closed after a “significant amount of medical waste” including used hypodermic needles and tampon applicators began washing ashore, according to the Assateague Island National Seashore.

“Until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely,” Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald said in a statement Sunday. The city described the situation as “serious, especially given the combination of rough seas and the current health concerns.” On Monday morning, those officials said there was “considerably less” waste and debris but the beach would remain closed for swimming and surfing as a precaution.

Angela Baldwin, park manager at Assateague State Park, said the waste was first discovered about 7:30 or 8 a.m. Sunday, as rangers did their first patrols after the morning’s high tide. They collected about 50 needles Sunday, plus enough waste material to fill a five-gallon bucket.

There have been no reports of injuries from the debris. Officials are attempting to find out the cause of the problem.

     According to a statement from the Seashore, “We do not know how long the closures will be in effect. We do not know how much more material is out there, when it will stop coming ashore, and how long it will take for cleanup.” The officials thanked those volunteering to help cleanup but said they didn’t yet know what might be needed.