You might notice some blue wave symbols around City of Belleville storm drains over the next couple of weeks.
The symbols indicate the city’s expanded Litta Trap arsenal working to keep the water system free of debris.
Each Litta Trap contains a reusable mesh basket that is installed inside catch basins to capture plastics and other pollutants.
They are regularly inspected and emptied by city staff.
(Photo: City of Belleville)
Belleville’s litter trap project was first initiated by the city’s Green Task Force in 2021.
It began with three devices and has now expanded to 20 thanks to some provincial funding.
Upon last collection, the traps had diverted 161.9 kilograms of waste from waterways.
The success of the program has recently resulted in recognition from the Great Lakes and Cities Initiative and in June of this year, the City of Belleville was awarded a Wege Award for best practices in sustainability.
“We continue to be amazed by the amount of litter these devices collect,” said Green Task Force Chair Councillor Chris Malette. “By catching this waste before it enters our waterways, we are not only improving the overall quality of our main drinking water sources, we are protecting the habitats that reside in them. We hope that when residents spot these wave symbols around town, they will be able to recognize the work going on below the surface to keep our waterways clean and help protect the environment.”
(Photo: City of Belleville)
