Mad River (just downstream of the Findley St. Bridge)
This would be my top priority. It is large and spews a high volume of litter. It has very easy access and is close to my home. There is a lot of space between the opening and the river which lends itself to numerous possibilities for a wide array of trap/screen options. Building a retention pool to capture petrolium materials during lower level flows would be simple too.
Mad River (almost under the Findley St. Bridge)
Although this pipe is small and has far less debris, it would have to be included for the following reasons: 1. Because it is small, it would be very easy to install a trap/screen here. 2. It is less than fifty feet from the first opening (above) and thus would be very convenient to maintain. 3. It has a significant drop in elevation which lends itself to some good collection configurations.
GMR (south side at Riverscape under the upstream side of the Main St. Bridge)
This discharge has shown high levels of litter and would be convenient to manage by MetroParks workers or volunteers. It is also convenient for me if neccessary. Litter could be trapped as it flows from the pipe, before passing under the bike path, or after passing under the bike path. This is a small opening and it would be easy to provide a trap/screen here.
GMR (east side immediately downstream of the Washington St. Bridge)
This discharge opening has water in it even when there is no flow, which is most of the time except after rains. It would still be easy to place a trap/screen across it prior to where it empties into the GMR.
GMR (east side 200 yards downstream of the Hwy 35 Bridge)
This discharge opening areacollects litter flowing past it during high water as much as spilling out its own. This location is very convenient and would be very easy to monitor and maintain. The design of the discharge chute would be ideal for implementing an inexpensive trap/screen.
GMR (east side at the west end of Apple St.) This is my favorite location on the GMR!
The constant year round flow of clear water coming from this four tunnel discharge fills a large deep pool before blending with the river. Often times the water is clear enough to see the bottom eight to ten feet below the surface. Many native fish species can be found here throughout the year. Muddy storm water mixes with the clear when it rains and debris of litter, leaves, and even occasional sticks can be seen floating out, even after light rains. This location would be worthy of special consideration because of the clear water that normally fills this pool. Litter from the people staying at the shelter nearby is another serious problem that needs to be addressed as it has become one of the most littered places on the GMR shoreline in our area (from direct discarding).
GMR (east side downstream from Stewart St Bridge, across from Marriott)
This large tunnel has a clear year round flow also although it is much lighter than the tunnels at Apple St. Litter does flow from here after heavy rains and twice this year I have witnessed significant chemical discharge coming from this opening . . . once was a paint type of material and the other was a sudsy cleaning product.
GMR (west side between 35 and Welcome Stadium)
These discharge openings would be easy to provide traps/screens on, and easy to monitor, but less accessable for me to maintain. I do not know how much litter comes from these openings, but I believe that any opening that is easy to work with is worth considering.
There are several hundred discharge pipes in our area, and the more we get people involved upstream from us, the better off we will be in Dayton. Also, it may be possible that Middletown and Hamilton would have an interest in supporting our efforts as they would benefit directly from any good we do.
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Potential storm sewer discharge litter collection sites.
Just a few of the several hundred emptying into our streams and rivers in our area.
The problem! ! !
If you are interested in helping in any way at all, or if you just want to stay informed of what is going on, please send me an email so that I can stay in touch. kcthetc1@yahoo.com
My poster from Hunting & Fishing Show
Who's to blame?
1st - A high percentage of apathetic residents who think nothing of discarding their trash along our streets. 2nd - The city, who is responsible for what pours out of the storm water discharge pipes that empty (this trash) directly into our streams and rivers.
3rd - The Miami Soil and Water Conservation District who is supposed to be monitoring our waterways.
Who has the answer? PANDSCORP founder Ken Carman:
1st - form a rapid response team of concerned citizens who would be immediately notified when high waters cause litter to be concentrated on the shores of the GMR, allowing them to pick it up while it can be more easily removed.
2nd - Create an "Adopt a Site" storm sewer discharge litter screen program where different groups and organizations can take responsibility for monitoring and maintaining various discharge locations.
3rd - build a river powered device that would collect and remove all debris that floats lightly on the river (trees and heavier items would pass under). Read more about this by clicking here.
If appropriate screens were placed in front of each discharge site, and each of the willing organizations (or even individuals or businesses) took responsibility for just one location, this problem would all but disappear.
Sites would not have to be monitored very often, primarily only after heavier rains. A smaller group of highly concerned (motivated) citizens who frequent our waterways could send out email notifications when screens near capacity. Leaders without vision will try to tell you why this can't be done, rather than putting all of the challenges on the table and providing solutions for each one . . . or providing assistance to those who would be interested in taking charge.
Dayton needs to take responsibility for all of the trash (and oil) that we are pouring into our waterways . . . then we can put more pressure on communities upstream from us, to do the same.
Who's to blame? See and read more at the bottom of this page!
Photos of litter between the Washington Street Bridge & the Stewart Street Bridge . . . Taken March 9th, 2010
