The Surfrider Foundation Canada says the heavy rains across the region Thursday and Friday led to thousands of plastic pellets flowing into the Audley Channel on Annacis Island, spilling over onto the banks.

In some places on the shore, the piles of shredded plastic are up to three centimetres deep.

The pellets, known as “nurdles,” are made from plastic polymers and are used in the production of items like single-use plastic bags and water bottles.

Kristina Lee, vice-chair of Surfrider Vancouver, says the pollution was discovered Saturday has created a major environmental hazard.

“A lot of these plastic pellets end up draining into the [Fraser] river, being consumed by fish, birds, and eventually the humans that eat the fish,” she said. “So this is of high concern.”

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