High Ohio River water makes trash obvious
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
While the Ohio River was near flood stage a few days ago, it was clear to see from either side of the waterway, that trash litters the riverbanks. When the high water begins to recede, what is left on the banks is garbage from miles upstream.
Much of what is seen floating by is actually recyclable: plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and tin cans for starters. The rest is a combination of trees and brush, tires, styrofoam, large pieces of metal and more.
The majority of parks and recreational areas along the river do an good job of providing trash cans at all times. During events, recycling is usually also available. The rest is up to the picnic goers, fishermen, boaters, and locals who spend a nice afternoon at the water’s edge.
The Ohio River is a main source of drinking water for more than 3 million people and keeping it clean requires a lot of effort. ORSANCO is an organization established to control and abate pollution in the Ohio River basin. They have developed water pollution control standards for the protection of aquatic life, drinking water and recreational uses of the Ohio River.
On June 21st, ORSANCO’s next River Sweep will take place. When details are available, we will let you know how you can get involved in keeping our river as clean as it can be.
Topics: conserve water |
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Amazing when the water rises the number of whole trees flowing down stream, two years ago we were in the upper deck of GAB when the river was really high, I looked out and a refrigerator floated past.
Not so ununual if you’ve spent any time around the river……try volunteering for ‘River Sweep’ & you’ll really have an eye opening experience! Last year we recovered a many gallon fuel tank, 1/2 full, of a dark OILY looking substance….obviously, FUEL. I’ve also seen LARGE PROPANE TANKS; which really spell disaster if they’re partially submerged & a casual boater hits one!! On & on, the stories never end…..uniquely50