Who: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management
What: White River Clean-up
When: 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, September 13, 2008
Where: IDEM location - the 206th Street bridge north of Noblesville
Other volunteer groups - Moose Lodge, 950 Field Drive, Noblesville
More Information: Amy Hartsock at (317) 233-4927 or ahartsoc@idem.IN.gov
Since settlers moved near the White River, human actions have contributed to the slow degradation of the water quality in this historic body of water. However, new government initiatives and the work of volunteers throughout the last several years have added to the improvement of what many consider to be "Indiana's jewel."
Since 2004, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) staff have collected debris along a one mile stretch of the White River in the Noblesville area. On Saturday, September 13, IDEM volunteers will join other groups from the Upper White River watershed in retrieving trash and litter from the river.
"By reducing the amount of garbage that's on our roadways and in the White River, I feel like we're making a difference," said Ernest Johnson, environmental manager with IDEM and a long-time volunteer. "Clean waterways are everyone's responsibility; picking up trash is just one way I can contribute to a healthier environment."
The September 13 clean-up event is the first time groups have coordinated to visit such a large stretch of the river simultaneously. The landmark occasion will clean roughly 75 miles of the White River, and include numerous organizations, communities and volunteers from Indianapolis to Delaware County.
"I'm proud that my staff and other Hoosiers have committed to being part of the solution," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. "Improving water quality and the environment is a choice that each Hoosier should make. It takes Hoosiers working together to make such a large, positive impact."
About IDEM
IDEM (http://www.idem.in.gov/) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.
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