Floating waste collector splashes down at town marina
New floating litter traps have been installed at Harry Tappen Marina in Glenwood Landing, thanks to a grant from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund.
The traps, called ‘Collec’Thor,’ are silent, motorized waste collectors that attract and engulf solid or liquid waste floating on the water surface.
The Town of Oyster Bay marina was selected for the new technology by Cornell Cooperative Extension, in partnership with Friends of the Bay, The Waterfront Center, The Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee, and Oyster Bay High School.
In addition to support from local environmental advocacy groups, the project will also be supported by students from Oyster Bay High School, who will participate in the removal of debris, and analyze and identify marine pollution data in an effort to minimize plastic pollution in local waterways.
The latest in marine debris collection technology, Collec’Thors have been deemed the most efficient trash skimmers available for marine and coastal usage. They are specifically designed to target solid and liquid waste, including plastic bottles, cigarette filters, butts and packaging, microplastics and hydrocarbons. The technology uses a small pump to draw in surrounding water and skims any floating trash into its receptacle. The mechanism adjusts with the tide and is easily affixed to a floating dock or waterfront location.
“Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County is grateful for the support from The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Long Island Sound Futures Fund as it ensures that our critical work to protect and enhance the environment continues,” CCE Executive Director Vanessa Lockel said in a written statement. “This funding enables our experts to work to restore the health of the Long Island Sound by removing floating debris that negatively impact our waters. We appreciate the shared commitment to our waters and the communities that enjoy this natural resource.”
