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The Anacostia Watershed Society advocates for the removal and abatement of litter in streams as one of many tangible steps to make the Anacostia River fishable and swimmable by 2013. Together with local government agencies and technology vendors, AWS is spearheading the implementation of a range of solutions including total capture trash trap devices as shown in the adjacent figure. This technology is a rapid response method that can be installed and dismantled in less than 2 days. Conceptually, all trash that is flushed down a storm sewer with the initial pulse of stormwater is captured either by a disposable nylon mesh net or reusable metal grating.
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After every rain shower, a continuous stream of floating debris issues forth from the tributaries which drain the intensely developed neighborhoods located within the Anacostia watershed. The source of this debris is from human consumers in automobiles and their related components: roadways and parking lots. The debris littered along the shore serves to insult the human inhabitants who reside near the river, as well as to disgrace the natural integrity of the river and our capital city.
Aside from trash abatement advocacy, AWS organizes groups of volunteers to remove the trash from the river and from the surrounding communities either via canoe or on foot. As of January 2008, AWS volunteers have removed over 790 tons of debris (that's 1,580,000 pounds!) and more than 12,800 tires from the watershed. When you attend one of our cleanup events, gloves and bags are provided by AWS. Please wear clothing and footwear that you won't mind getting dirty, muddy, or wet.
During the volunteer cleanups which have taken place in the communities, AWS staff members have noticed residents coming out of their homes and picking up in their own yards, as well as on the streets adjacent to their houses. Positive action serves as an example to stimulate others to take more care.
If you are interested in participating in a scheduled cleanup or if your group is interested in volunteering, check out our calendar, and contact us at 301.699.6204 or email us.
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