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It was just a year ago when Storm Water Systems installed the Flat Creek Bandalong Litter Trap in Gainesville, Georgia (similar to the one pictured above).
Not only has the device produced a steady flow of trash and recyclables, but officials are now looking at installing another such device — as part of efforts to curb the amount of pollution that ends up in Lake Lanier.
-Jeff Gill, Gainesville Times
The Bandalong Litter Trap, installed in Flat Creek, has exceeded expectations in its first year of operation, impressing officials with the significant amount of trash and debris it has collected. This innovative device captures floating debris as it travels downstream, effectively preventing it from entering Lake Lanier, a crucial water source for the region.
Strategically located just south of the Flat Creek Water Reclamation Facility on Old Flowery Branch Road, the placement of the trap was carefully chosen to intercept trash before it could flow into Lake Lanier. By capturing debris at this critical juncture, the Bandalong Litter Trap helps to maintain the health and cleanliness of the lake, which is vital for both the environment and the community.
The success of the Flat Creek Bandalong Litter Trap is the result of a collaborative effort between Gainesville City and Hall County, who joined forces to have the trap installed in December 2015. Traditionally, trash removal in this region has been a labor-intensive process, requiring hours of volunteer or city crew time to gather and dispose of litter spread throughout Lake Lanier and its connected waterways. The introduction of the Bandalong Litter Trap has revolutionized this process by allowing trash to be collected passively, 24/7, with the trap only needing to be emptied when full or after major rain events.
The continuous operation of the Bandalong Litter Trap has not only alleviated the burden of manual trash collection but has also provided a consistent and reliable method of keeping the waterways clean. As a result, officials are now considering the installation of additional traps in other key areas to further reduce pollution in Lake Lanier and its tributaries.
The positive impact of the Bandalong Litter Trap on Flat Creek serves as a model for other communities facing similar challenges with waterway pollution. The success of this project highlights the importance of innovative solutions and community partnerships in addressing environmental issues, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for Gainesville and beyond.
For more information on the Bandalong Litter Trap and its role in protecting Gainesville’s waterways, visit https://www.stormwatersystems.com/bandalong-litter-trap.
