Stream Clean-up Day deemed a success

Saturday, June 15, was the 20th Annual “Stream Clean-Up Day.” More than 80 volunteers joined in and removed 2,240 pounds of trash from area streams.

The clean-up was organized by representatives from the City of Fairbanks and North Pole, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, and Bob Forcier, UAF’s tank and water specialist. Forcier represented the UAF Stormwater Advisory Committee. The event is a requirement for maintaining the UAF Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

Clean-up volunteers included community residents, Ft. Wainwright BOSS soldiers and Eielson airmen, Fairbanks Paddlers Club members, Troop 1 Boy Scouts and Troop 187 Girl Scouts. Thanks to the organizers and volunteers for keeping our waterways clean.

Other permit requirements include monthly sheen surveys on the Chena River and Noyes Slough, plus sampling for pollutants that might have entered the river systems. You might also notice Bob outside your building inspecting above-ground tanks for integrity, leaks and general condition. If you have questions about anything pertaining to water or tanks, please contact Bob at 907-474-5720 or rforcier@alaska.edu.