August 27th, 2024 –

The Merrimack River winds through 10 towns and cities in Massachusetts, stretching for 35 miles. This vital waterway provides a rich habitat for diverse wildlife, including trout and sturgeon, as well as otters and various reptiles and amphibians. Beyond its ecological significance, the river serves as a crucial resource for the communities along its banks. Currently, five communities rely on the river for their drinking water, while all benefit from it as a source of recreation.

However, the river faces significant ecological challenges. Rising sea levels, high bacteria counts, and trash debris threaten this precious resource.

To address these challenges, the Town of Andover has launched a new initiative aimed at reducing river pollution. In an effort to inform local municipal leaders about this project, the Town invited staff from the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) to join them for a River Clean-Up Day along the Merrimack River.

As part of River Clean-Up initiative, the Town has contracted Clean Harbors, an environmental and industrial services company, to maintain and clean four floating debris booms. These booms are strategically positioned to collect trash as it flows down the river. This three-year monthly service will continue throughout the summer and fall and looks to address the issue of floating pollution that impacts the river’s ecosystem. Floating pollution in the form of trash can pose several significant problems for the river. Trash can introduce harmful chemicals and pollutants into the water, leading to decreased water quality and making it unsafe for both wildlife and human use. Additionally, trash can provide surfaces for bacteria growth, increasing the levels of harmful bacteria in the river.

Floating Debris Boom in Andover, MA. PC: Bob Douglas

During the clean-up, a dedicated workboat from Clean Harbors will navigate from boom to boom, efficiently gathering a variety of floatable debris, including barrels, plastic bags, bottles, and other litter. This ongoing effort underscores the Town of Andover’s commitment to preserving the health and beauty of the Merrimack River for all of the communities who share this resource.

Andover and Clean Harbor staff work to remove a large pallet from the River. (PC: Bob Douglas)

MVPC staff members Jerrard Whitten and Macklen Wier were invited to observe the process and learn more about the efforts. Bob Douglas, Director of Conservation for the Town of Andover, noted that the Town has already seen significant progress and expressed hope that this clean-up project could expand to other communities along the Merrimack River. Whitten, Executive Director for MVPC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of exploring collaborative grant opportunities to help reduce the costs such campaigns.

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission applauds the Town of Andover’s efforts and the project team’s work, and advocates for similar river clean-up pursuits across the region. To learn more about MVPC’s initiatives addressing climate change and how to support local efforts, visit our program page: Environment | MVPC.

Town of Andover staff with invited partners for the river clean up demo. PC: Bob Douglas