23rd River Sweep deemed a success
More than 50 volunteers cleaned up 20 cubic yards of trash along Miller’s Run last Saturday as part of the 23rd annual River Sweep. The River Sweep, an annual six-state effort to clean up litter and debris in the Ohio River watershed, is the largest organized volunteer river cleanup effort in the country. The event winds through Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Illinois, covering more than 2,400 miles of shoreline.
“We are making an impact on our area waterways by picked-up trash, debris and tires,” Pennsylvania River Sweep coordinator Betsy Mallison said. “Families came out today to teach their children about giving back and making a difference. They helped to protect one of our greatest treasures, our area rivers, used for water supplies and recreation resources.”
Volunteers picked up more than 40 tons of trash and more than 50 tires, working at 24 cleanup sites across Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties. In Cecil Township alone, many interesting items were picked up – including a grill, washing machine, cement mixer, and a tractor hood.
“It is vitally important to do our part to keep the waterways clean,” said Cecil Township Manager Donald Gennuso. “Whether spread by storms or other means, the trash and debris is not only unsightly, but can also harm fish and make the water toxic to other aquatic life.”