Clean up blitz at Prince of Wales Bay
Litter at Prince of Wales Bay.
Image: Derwent Estuary Program
In support of the 2015 Clean-up Australia Business Day campaign, the Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) hosted a Business Clean-up Day on Tuesday 24 February at Prince of Wales Bay.
The DEP brought together a team of volunteers from the EPA Division, Glenorchy City Council, Hydro Tasmania, Nyrstar and Veolia Environmental Services to tackle what it has identified as the worst litter hot spot around the Derwent.
DEP Director Christine Coughanowr said thousands of items of litter have accumulated along the high tide line at Prince of Wales Bay.
“This is due to the urban and industrial nature of the catchment and the shape of the bay, which traps rubbish along the shoreline,” Ms Coughanowr said.
“Tuesday’s clean-up is part of the DEP’s Derwent Litter Campaign which is aimed at encouraging businesses, schools and the community to help clean up the Derwent,” she said.
“An estimated 100 tonnes of litter reach the Derwent estuary every year via stormwater which can harm wildlife and affect human health.
“Not only will today’s effort help reduce waste at the site but we hope to demonstrate the strength of commitment by State and local government, and business to tackle this significant waste problem together.
“Hopefully, our efforts will help to inspire others – businesses, schools and community groups – to prevent littering, to take pride in their local environment and to lend a hand in the clean-up campaign,” said Ms Coughanowr.
The Derwent Litter Campaign is supported by the DEP’s council, State Government and industry partners, as well as the EPA and Veolia Environmental Services. This year, Business Clean-Up Day is on Tuesday 24 February, Schools Clean-Up Day is on Friday 27 February, and Community Clean-Up Day is on Sunday 1 March. If you would like to join in, register your group and site on the Clean-Up Australia Day website.
Tuesday 24 February 2015