Savannah litter interception and prevention / organization: savannah riverkeeper opportunity number: NOAA-NOS-ORR-2024-2007991 opportunity name: FY24 NOAA marine debris interception technologies under…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Debris Program (CFDA 11.999) provides $617,015 in funding to the Savannah Riverkeeper Inc. to address waterborne litter in the Ogeechee and Savannah River watersheds. The key products and services to be delivered include:

• Installation and maintenance of 9 litter boom devices at specified locations to intercept and remove approximately 13,500 lbs of litter over 3 years
• Education and outreach activities reaching 600 middle school students and 1,500,000 points of contact with underserved communities to raise awareness and promote litter prevention
• Collection and public reporting of comprehensive data on the types and quantities of litter intercepted through the project

The award began on October 1, 2024 and is scheduled for completion on March 31, 2028. This project aims to create ecological benefits, improve marine habitats, and reduce the environmental impacts of marine debris within the targeted watersheds.

Savannah litter interception and prevention / organization: savannah riverkeeper opportunity number: NOAA-NOS-ORR-2024-2007991 opportunity name: FY24 NOAA marine debris interception technologies under the bipartisan infrastructure law funding:federal:$560,050 non-federal match: 56,050 objectives: the objective of this project is to address waterborne litter that affects the ogeechee and savannah river watersheds. Method of reducing waterborne litter: installation of 9 litter boom devices located within the ogeechee and savannah river watershed at: site 1: kayton canal@president street site 2: kayton canal@truman site 3: bilbo canal@president street site 4: springfield canal@victory DR site 5: springfield canal@enmarket arena site 6: chippewa canal@van buren site 7: harmon canal@edgewater site 8: holland canal@white bluff site 9: wilshire canal@abercorn ST methods used: installation of proven litter interception devices: the litter booms were chosen because they perform well in brackish water and extreme changes in flow. The devices are portable enough to be removed during hurricanes and other storm systems that sometimes threaten the atlantic. Training and regular maintenance the maintenance and monitoring of the litter boom interception devices is extremely important to this project. Osprey initiative will provide regular monthly cleanouts of all the devices, with on-call visits around significant storm events. In addition to cleaning out the collected litter and recycling, osprey will examine the devices and repair any damaged equipment. Collecting comprehensive data on litter collected: litter collected will be recorded using GIS mapping apps categorized by recyclables, glass, tires, and electronic items. Data to be shared publicly via GIS map. Community engagement: ogeechee riverkeeper will provide education and outreach through curriculum creation and delivery at title i public middle schools. Curriculum around litter and pollution, how IT affects clean water, wildlife, and human health and litter prevention. This curriculum will be aligned with georgia standards of excellence lesson plans. The savannah riverkeeper will engage with the local community groups, religious entities, and local businesses and subsistence fishing communities through outreach activities highlighting litter loads, litter sources, and prevention strategies. Significance of activities: 9 litter booms installed and maintained for 3 years interception and removal of litter from each installation site(13,500 LBS. Of litter removed) middle school outreach: 600 middle grade students over two school year underserved community outreach: 1,500,000 points of contact through social media, 1350 in person community meetings 4.5 acres of habitat protected