Volunteers are needed for River Sweep 2006, scheduled for June 17 along the shoreline of the Ohio, Allegheny, Monongahela, Beaver, Kanawha, and Kentucky rivers and other tributaries.

River Sweep is a riverbank cleanup that extends the entire length of the Ohio River and beyond. More than 3,000 miles of shoreline will be combed for trash and debris. This is the largest environmental event of its kind and encompasses six states.

"River Sweep is very important because for a few hours on one day volunteers can help make a difference in the appearance of this great natural resource," said Jeanne Ison, Project Director. “The Sweep has grown so much in the past few years, we’ve been able to expand the project to tributaries and feeder streams of the Ohio River.”

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, in partnership with various industries throughout the Ohio River Valley, sponsors the Ohio River Sweep. Other sponsoring agencies are the West Virginia Make It Shine Program, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio EPA, Illinois EPA, Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, and Kentucky River Authority. ORSANCO is the water pollution control agency for the Ohio River and its tributaries.

“Industries throughout the Ohio River Valley play an important role in this great environmental event,” said Ison. “Not only do they provide financial support, they also provide volunteers and in-kind services.”

Persons wanting to volunteer for this event can call 1-800-359-3977 for local coordinators in their area.

3/10/2006