CLEVELAND, GA, Apr. 30, 2009 -- Washington D.C. has demonstrated its commitment to the environment and clean water with the recent purchase and installation of the nation's first Bandalong Litter Trap™. Storm Water Systems, North America's exclusive licensee of the Bandalong Litter Trap, installed the floating litter collecting device in the Watts Branch tributary into the Anacostia River, well-known for its critical levels of pollution and litter.
"The District of Columbia is at the forefront of designating trash as a harmful and large-scale pollutant in local waterways," said Gary Hopkins, President of Storm Water Systems. "Storm Water Systems is ready to help with proven, cost-effective solutions for communities addressing water quality problems across the nation."
The Bandalong Litter Trap in Washington D.C. is funded by a grant obtained through the collaboration of the District Department of the Environment (DDOE), the Earth Conservation Corps (ECC), and the Anacostia Riverkeeper. As an educational and training project, ECC Members will continue to work with the DDOE to maintain and empty the Bandalong. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments estimates that more than 20,000 tons of trash enters the Anacostia River every year.
Constructed of inert, corrosion-free high density polyethylene (HDPE) and aluminum, the Bandalong Litter Trap floats in waterways and utilizes the water's current to guide and capture litter before it flows downstream. Storm Water Systems worked with the DDOE to customize the trap to span the entire creek at this litter-strewn area and to allow for high flow rates during rain events. The Bandalong will also serve as an educational tool carrying a sign with an anti-litter message from the participating community organizations.
By continuously operating 365 days a year without any mechanical assistance, the Bandalong has been a proven cost-effective solution to a growing litter problem in waterways throughout Australia and Asia. The Bandalong Litter Trap is manufactured and distributed in North America exclusively by Storm Water Systems.
Public Unveiling of the Bandalong Litter Trap
A public unveiling of the Bandalong Litter Trap is scheduled at the installation site at Kenilworth Park on Tuesday, May 12. District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty as well as representatives from the collaborating organizations are expected to speak at the event including Gary Hopkins, President of Storm Water Systems.
Storm Water Systems offers innovative products and systems to clean and conserve water resources including natural waterways and storm water runoff.
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