Ontario’s Ministry of Environment is monitoring the cleanup of a spill of plastic pellets in Sarnia’s Perch Creek.

Ministry spokesperson Kate Jordan said the spill was reported by Entropex on the morning of May 29.

Heavy rain and flooding carried the pellets into a drain, Jordan said.

Entropex, located on Lougar Avenue, recycles polyethylene and polypropylene for a variety of consumer and industrial applications.

Sarnia resident Zak Nicholls said he was walking along Wellington Street Friday morning when he saw booms in the ditch, and a truck and crew parked nearby. He later spoke with the Ministry of Environment about the spill.

Nicholls said he’s concerned more of the pellets could be washed into the creek the next time there’s a heavy rain.

"It’s certainly a hazard to any wildlife that ingests these pellets," he said.

Jordan said the ministry has reviewed the company’s clean up plan to continue using containment booms in various locations in Perch Creek to collect the pellets.

"The booms are also being monitored by the company and pellets that accumulate are being collected," Jordan says in an e-mail.

"The ministry will continue to oversee the progress of the clean up work and expects a further update from the company next week."

Jordan said it’s not known how many pellets were spilled.

paul.morden@sunmedia.ca