Faces River Pollution Challenges

Named on the 2015 Georgia Water Coalition’s annual Dirty Dozen List, portions of the Chattahoochee River in Helen and White County are targeted areas of pollution caused by “tuber” litter.

Gary Hopkins with Storm Water Systems, Inc., addressed the Helen City Commission on November 17th, offering a solution to the growing problem. The Bandalong Litter Trap, made locally by Storm Water Systems, has been installed throughout the world with over 250 successful installations.  Hopkins provided information about the Bandalong Litter Trap and offered to lease the one to the City of Helen.

Local businesses, Unicoi Outfitters and Trout Unlimited expressed support by agreeing to work together on a solution.   Unicoi Outfitters’ Jimmy Harris stated, “No one realizes the extent of the trash washed from the City…we are morally bound to stop this instead of looking for the easiest way to clean it up.”

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