County launches shoreline cleanup program
In June, Baltimore County, Md., began removing garbage from tidal waterways to enhance boater and wildlife safety. Organized by the county’s Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management, the program Ñ Clean Shores Ñ will run through October.
In the first few weeks of the cleanup, a three-man crew removed tons of debris, including 60 tires, a hot water heater, a sink, shopping carts and floating plastic and trash. “We are moving steadily along the county’s coastline, scooping out debris that puts boaters and wildlife at risk,” says County Executive Dutch Ruppersberger.
The Clean Shores program is funded by a $40,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Waterway Improvement Fund, which is generated by boating fees. Workers use a 20-foot landing craft and two all-terrain amphibious vehicles to collect debris. They are employed by Civic Works, a local youth service corps that conducts community service and environmental projects throughout the county.
For more information about the program, contact the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management at (410) 887-3778.
