Norfolk Waste Held Not Dangerous - The Washington Post

The director of the Norfolk Health Department said yesterday thatwaste found on local beaches last weekend probably came from stormdrains after recent heavy rains and poses no health threat.

H. McDonald Rimple said examination of two hypodermic needlesfound amid the waste indicated they were used by a diabetic to takeinsulin.

'Persons could be very helpful from a public health standpoint ifthey would dispose of such needles in nonpuncturable containers,'Rimple said. He indicated items such as coffee cans and milkcontainers could be used to minimize risk related to throwing awayneedles.

'In my opinion there is no relation between the finding of thetrash and that biological waste problem. It is important to makethat distinction,' Rimple said.

The waste found Sunday by residents of Ocean View and WilloughySpit was enough to fill two large trash bags. Most of it was simplygarbage-bottles, plastic bags, cups and fruit rinds.@Slug: B05NOR