JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
38,000 pounds of plastic waste was recently removed from the waters of the Tennessee River in October. As part of its 36th annual River Rescue event, WaterWays, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of and cleanliness of many watersheds across Southeastern Tennessee and beyond, holds the event each October as a means to both clean the shores of the majestic river while also spread awareness of environmental protection and the importance of water quality for the river itself and many other watersheds throughout the region.
Thomas Trouy, manager of the WaterWays owner of Gear Closet in Chattanooga, explained “It is considered one of the most polluted freshwater bodies of water in the entire world. And also, one of the most biodiverse freshwater bodies of water as well. So unfortunately, it’s one of the most polluted and one of the most lively,” stated Trouy. One major factor with the river’s issue with pollution is of poor disposal of waste, where people would simply toss or poorly dispose of used garbage. Even those living further inland from the river itself also pose a threat in terms of waste disposal, which if poorly disposed of could eventually be carried over and washed away into the river via rainstorms.
“We like to say that kind of everywhere around these parts is waterfront property. And when you think about it, it doesn’t take much for something you throw out on the street or in your front yard to end up in one of those water systems around here,” explained Thomas. Nonetheless, WaterWays and all of its associates and contributors are dedicated to continuing to spread awareness of the river’s protection and cleanliness, with WaterWays already scheduling next year’s River Rescue for October 4.
As for this year’s River Rescue, over 900 individuals, volunteered for the cleanup across 45 different sites throughout Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, covering over 100 miles of shoreline and land that was cleaned and restored. Sites in Marion County include Shellmound Campground, Hales Bar, South Pittsburg Boat Dock and Suck Creek. Scout Troop 5, MCHS and SPHS Interact Clubs and TN River Gorge Trust collected multiple bags of garbage, tires and large items from our waterways leaving yet another successful cleanup for the majestic and iconic river.
To learn more about TN River Rescue and how to take care of our waterways or to volunteer please visit https://tennesseeriverrescue.org/.
Photos provided by Troop 5, South Pittsburg & Marion County Interact Clubs
