McMinnville Water And Wastewater Department Completes Annual River Cleanup

Members of the McMinnville Water and Wastewater Departments were out on the river this week removing litter.

Water Plant Operator Rob Bernhardt said the crew put on their swimsuits and took to their kayaks to search the water and shore for trash and tires. Berhhardt said there was more trash this year due to recent flooding.

“I’d say some larger items you know people may come to the river to throw it in just to get rid of it,” Bernhardt said. “But a lot of the smaller trash is just sitting on the shore or being washed in during the rain and heavy flooding events.”

Berhnardt said it’s important to keep the area clean, including the river. He said unfortunately, there are people who throw their tires in the river rather than paying a fee to dispose of them properly. He said this year they only found three tires.

Bernhardt said the crew removes trash from the shoreline as well as in the water and on the river bed. However, he said most of the trash is collected from the shoreline or on land adjacent to the shore.

“Very little of it’s floating in the water,” Berhnardt said. “I have found a cell phone underwater.”

Bernhardt said aside from the trash it was a nice enjoyable day, paddling up and down the river with his coworkers.