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(FOX40.COM) — In Stanislaus County, a local volunteer group is asking the community to step in and help tackle a growing problem: illegal dumping in one of Modesto’s Waterways.
Operation 9-2-99 has been cleaning local rivers and parks for more than a decade. Organizers said they are facing a big job at the Tuolumne River Regional Park, but they can’t do it alone.
“Not a lot of people know this park is here for them, but that’s why we want to clean it up so that we can get people back here to be by the water and recreate,” said Chris Guptill with Operation 9-2-99.
Organizers said debris and garbage have been piling up for at least six months without being addressed. Just last week, a team of 5 volunteers pulled nearly 2,000 pounds of waste from the water, including tires, shopping carts, and plastics.
“We need to do that in more places,” said Guptill. “I don’t see an end in sight, but I don’t see anybody really doing it the way we are. We’re committed to continuing.”
Many waterways in the county don’t have any designated agency to handle cleanups, which is why residents formed the group 11 years ago. Their goal is to restore the river’s health and encourage more people to use it for recreation.
Volunteers do not need to go into the water and Operation 9-2-99 will provide gloves, bags, grabbers, and water for participants.
The group is asking volunteers 18 and older to meet in front of the Pepsi Co. at 200 River Rd, near the 7th St bridge on Saturday, Sep. 13, at 9 am.
Cleanup will wrap at noon and law enforcement will be present to assist.
Looking ahead, organizers say they are looking for more ways to secure funding to continue their work.
More information can be found at https://www.modestooutdoor.org/operation-9299/
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Josie Heart
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