Shoreline Cleanups
2007 Shoreline Cleanup
We do not anticipate doing a cleanup in September 2007 as we have been unable to find a site suitable for divers and other volunteers to work together.
2006 Shoreline Cleanup
Our latest diver cleanup held September 24, 2006 yielded another dumpster full of junk from the Rideau River.
Once again the group concentrated on the stretch of the waterway behind the Chambers Street Plaza. A substantial amount of junk was retrieved this year, not as much as last, which we hope means we are getting to the bottom of it. Bob Curzon, a diver, commented that it was a great improvement over the past five years they have been working there. There are still shopping carts and other items too deeply buried to get out easily. Dan Davidson, the dive organizer, says there are still lots of metal pipes closer to the bridge. Divers would need a still day to get those; there was too much current on the cleanup day.
Some of the finds: 20 shopping carts and various other pieces, 5 bikes and bike parts, a skateboard, 2 GT racers (sleds), 3 tires, 2 large chunks of carpet and some smaller mats, three large (e.g. car) batteries, a large wooden wheel with no spokes, a fire extinguisher, 2 knives, lots of metal piping and miscellaneous metal chunks, a small grind stone, many many bottles, a CD, and someone's health card.
Parks Canada has suggested another site near Old Sly's where there are lots of tires in particular, so we will likely tackle there next. Plan to join us next year for REAL's contribution to the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.
See our 2006 Shoreline Cleanup Scrapbook.
Background
2003 was the first year REAL participated in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup organized by the Vancouver Aquarium. All debris collected is tabulated and the data combined with that of other Canadian sites. It is an opportunity for volunteers to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday or Sunday in September to help their environment and community.In 2003 we concentrated on the lower basin of the Rideau River in Smiths Falls, the canal between Old Sly’s and Comfort Inn, and around Bacchus Island in the Lower Rideau Lake. The section of the Rideau immediately behind Chambers Street Plaza has kept the group busy 2004, 2005 and 2006.
Thanks to Glenview Iron and Metal for supplying the dumpster and hauling it away.
To see national results, go to www.vanaqua.org/cleanup.
