Since 2015, the City of Mobile has implemented several types of litter capture devices, including litter traps, inlet screens, litter gitters, interceptors, and a litter boom to help prevent and remove litter from its waterways and rights-of-way. The city is situated in the most biodiverse watershed in North America, and it is imperative to implement projects that will help sustain and conserve its waterways. The resiliency of the city’s litter program can be attributed to public and private partnerships. Through data-driven methods, Osprey Initiative has provided the city with geospatially referenced litter hotspot data using EPA’s ETAP. Initially, the city installed 139 metal screens on inlets along its 20 Mardi Gras parade routes. Following a pilot project installation of seven litter interceptors, a capital project was implemented to install an additional 79 litter interceptors. With grant funding, an additional 26 were installed, and 20 more interceptors are planned for its current grant. Also, eight new litter boom locations are planned for installation. While the devices’ primary function is to collect litter, they can provide unforeseen benefits with their deployment. The city also partnered with Ransom Ministries on the Road to Work program, which provides litter removal services; the program helps formerly unhoused individuals to enter the workforce and earn permanent employment with the city.
After this session, participants will be better able to:
• Recognize that any size public entity can “start small” using litter interception devices. Depending on the type of device selected, they can be moved to the most effective location if the first location is ineffective.
• Leverage EPA Escaped Trash Assessment Protocol (ETAP) data for public outreach efforts with businesses, schools, neighborhoods, and citizens.
• Explore grant funding and private-public partnerships that have strengthened the City of Mobile’s ability to prevent litter in its municipal separate storm sewer system and waterways; attendees can learn about what started as pilot programs that can be adapted for any community or public entity.
Contributor/Source
Mary Collier Eastburn-Environmental Engineering Specialist
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