The metropolitan washington council of governments (COG) aims to improve the health of NOAA trust resources by removing large debris and ADV?S from the tidal anacostia river in washington D.C. And…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $1,118,879 Cooperative Agreement under the Marine Debris Program (CFDA 11.999) to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG). The award aims to improve the health of NOAA trust resources by removing large debris and abandoned vessels from the tidal Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Key project components include: 1) Removing 10 tons of trash and metal scrap from a 1,500-foot section of the Beaverdam Creek stream channel, 2) Removing 33 abandoned and derelict vessels from Boathouse Row on the Anacostia River, and 3) Conducting river surveys and cleanups to collect large debris such as picnic tables, shopping carts, and dockless bikes/scooters. The project also includes community outreach and monitoring efforts to prevent future debris accumulation. The award has an initial performance period from Oct 2024 to Sep 2028.

The metropolitan washington council of governments (COG) aims to improve the health of NOAA trust resources by removing large debris and ADV?S from the tidal anacostia river in washington D.C. And into maryland through three project components: 1. Large metal scrap and debris will be removed from a 1,500-foot section of the lower beaverdam creek (LBC) stream channel. COG will conduct outreach to upstream businesses and the local community to prevent new debris accumulation and hold a volunteer stream cleanup of smaller debris after the large debris cleanup to further protect the stream and make the area more accessible for recreational users. An estimated 10 tons of trash and debris will be removed and scrap metal from the site will be recycled locally. Following the removals, COG will continue their annual monitoring of the site, organize volunteer-based stream cleanups, and perform outreach to the adjacent commercial and business properties to properly dispose of their waste. 2. Anacostia river keeper (ARK) is a partner on this award and will lead the removal of 33 advs from boathouse row on the anacostia river. In addition to ADV removal, ARK will conduct outreach to the local marinas to put together best practices guidance to prevent new advs. 3. ARK will also oversee hiring a barge to help collect large debris such as picnic tables, shopping carts, dockless bikes, and electric scooters that litter the urban river. This project will include surveying the river for these items and engaging the public by setting up an online platform where river recreators can send geotagged pictures of large trash items in the river. Outreach events will also be hosted along with the barge cleanups.