A significant cleaning operation is underway to dismantle an environmental eyesore known as “Wet Wipe Island” on the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge in west London. This artificial landmass, comprised of approximately 180 tonnes of congealed wet wipes that have accumulated along the river’s foreshores, is being removed this week after quietly growing for years. The mass, equivalent to the weight of 15 double-decker London buses and spanning an area roughly the size of two tennis courts, has posed a challenge for environmental authorities.
Emily McLean, a senior technical advisor for the Port of London Authority leading the clean-up in collaboration with Thames Water, described the scene as “hundreds of thousands of wet wipes mixed with river sediment, forming massive mounds.” The island’s formation can be traced back to the accumulation of wipes, deemed flushable but overwhelming the city’s sewer system, eventually finding their way into the river via overflow points and settling near Hammersmith Bridge due to the river’s bend.
The presence of Wet Wipe Island has not only been aesthetically displeasing but has also disrupted the River Thames’ flow, raising concerns about its impact on aquatic life. Environmental experts have highlighted the threat posed by the matted wipes, many containing plastic, to the river’s delicate ecosystem, home to diverse marine species. Studies have shown that marine life, including Thames flounder, are ingesting microplastics shed by disintegrating wipes, causing harm to internal organs and affecting feeding patterns.
To address this environmental challenge, the Port of London Authority initiated a comprehensive ecological study before embarking on the clean-up operation. Using specialized techniques such as mechanical excavators with a “special rake and shake” approach to sift the wipes from the riverbed without disturbing natural sediment, crews are working towards removing the island responsibly. The wiped debris is being disposed of following removal.
Volunteers, along with environmental charity Thames21, played a crucial role in raising awareness and supporting the clean-up effort. Their involvement, including the manual removal of over 140,000 individual wipes and contamination mapping, has been instrumental in building a case for large-scale removal and potential legislative actions to address plastic pollution from wet wipes.
Moving forward, the clean-up team plans to analyze samples of the removed waste to assess the plastic content, aiming to advocate for future legislation. Efforts are underway to push for legislation banning plastic in wet wipes, with local MP Fleur Anderson taking the initiative to introduce a bill to parliament. The successful completion of this project is expected to have a positive impact on the environment, addressing the challenges posed by Wet Wipe Island on the River Thames.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/enormous-wet-wipe-island-being-removed-from-river-thames-in-historic-clean-up-1.7619268)
