MARYLAND — Medical waste discovered along the Maryland coast has forced some beaches to temporarily block ocean and swimming access.
Assateague State Park manager Angela Baldwin told WMAR-2 News rangers spotted a significant amount of washed up waste following Sunday morning's high tide between 7:30 and 8am.
"The items being found are primarily hypodermic needles (that appear used but are intact), as well as needle caps in various colors," said Baldwin. "We are also finding many used feminine hygiene products (tampon applicators) and cigarillo cigar tips."
So far Assateague staff members haven't received any reports of injuries or swimmers encountering the potentially dangerous products.
As of Sunday afternoon officials said they "have no idea where [the waste] came from."
Beach Patrol in Ocean City has barred swimming until the situation is under control.
"We will work closely with the Worcester County Health Department and other public health authorities to investigate the source of the medical waste," said Ocean City Emergency Services Director, Joe Theobald. "Until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely. Your cooperation is crucial in helping us keep our beaches safe."
It's unclear how long closures will remain 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," Assateague State Park said in a Facebook post.
The problem reportedly spans a long way, from Fenwick Island, Delaware to Chincoteague, Virginia.
Here's a current list of beach and swimming closures.
- North end (all of the island North of Assateague State Park) is closed to all visitor access.
- Assateague Island State Park Beach is closed to swimming and wading.
- All oceanside beaches in Assateague Island National Park are closed to swimming and wading, including North Beach, Oceanside Camping Beach, South Beach, the beach on the Oversand Vehicle Area and Chincoteague Beach.
For now, all campgrounds, trails, boardwalks, and visitor centers remain open. Bayside water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and jet skiing are also allowed.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
