Trash Netting System

All stormwater runoff in the City drains, by way of pipes and waterways, into the Baltimore Harbor. The stormwater runoff, also, washes debris and trash from the streets, residential lots, commercial lots, industrial lots, or the entire City into the Harbor. The Harbor ends up collecting the City trash.

The BHWA has partnered with the City to address this serious problem. In March 2006, the City installed a floating trash netting system at the Harris Creek storm drain outfall, located at Boston Street, in Canton. The community will be responsible for the maintenance, which includes changing the full trash bags. Each bag could weigh as much as 500 lbs and is changed when full (estimated to be 30 changes per year).  Since the system has been installed, we have had several heavy rainfalls which have tested the system. The good news is that the system works! Due to several weeks with little rainfall prior to the installation, there was a build up of debris within the storm drains. Several heavy spring rains served to flush out the trash which was successfully contained and prevented from entering the Harbor by the netting system. The system was overwhelmed, but very little trash entered the Harbor.  When storms occur on a more regular basis, such as in two or three week periods, there will be little floating trash stored in the twin storm drains. Be mindful, if we have continuing droughts, the nets will be overwhelmed when a large storm does occur, which would flush the trash into Harris Creek.

This is a demonstration project for the City. More importantly, the trash is brought to the public's attention, visually, when the bags are changed. Of course education is an important component in our goal of reducing waste in the Harbor. Seeing all that comes into the Harbor at Harris Creek is a valuable visual reminder.  Other trash netting systems are planned for the Harbor. The trash netting systems address the Harbor trash issues in the short term. However, in the long term, the culture of our City and people must change. If we desire a clean Harbor we cannot continue to trash our streets, neighborhoods and businesses. The BHWA is embarking on partnering with other organizations, to include Parks & People, Living Classrooms Foundation and the National Aquarium in Baltimore to prepare and implement education programs for schools (K through 12), as well as for communities and businesses. Join us.

For more information, contact Phil Lee at phone: (410) 563-7300; e-mail: plee@moffattnichol.com   

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Baltimore Harbor Watershed Association
2700 Lighthouse Point East 501
Baltimore, MD 21224

Ph: 410-563-7300
Fx: 410-563-4330