Initiative funded by NOAA in partnership with Pontchartrain Conservancy, SWBNO and Osprey Initiative
NEW ORLEANS – Today, Pontchartrain Conservancy, in partnership with New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board (SWBNO) and Osprey Initiative and with support from a 2025 award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, installed four Litter Booms across the city to prevent trash from reaching critical waterways.
Litter Booms capture floating trash on a canal’s surface, making it easier to collect and remove and preventing it from traveling downstream.
This initiative is part of the Comprehensive Aquatic Litter Plan for Orleans Parish (CALPOP). CALPOP is installing year-round Litter Booms and seasonal storm drain debris interceptors across New Orleans to prevent trash from reaching waterways, including Lake Pontchartrain and Bayou Bienvenue. These booms have been installed in three major stormwater canals: St. Charles, Lower 9th and Monticello canals.
“We’re honored to help steward an initiative that is a much-needed response to the growing problem of litter that worsens flooding and pollutes our waterways here in New Orleans,” said Kristi Trail, Executive Director of Pontchartrain Conservancy. “New Orleans is a city shaped by water, making the protection of our waterways essential to the health and resilience of our communities. We are grateful for partners who share this commitment and are proud to work together toward cleaner waterways and a stronger future for our region.”
During seasonal peak times of public activities like Mardi Gras, storm drain interceptors, in addition to the year-round Litter Booms, will be installed in seasonal hotspots like Canal Street, North Claiborne Avenue and Haynes Boulevard. The initiative will collect and analyze data to help assess the impact of seasonal activities like Mardi Gras on litter in waterways which will inform recommendations for future litter plans.
In partnership with the SWBNO, Healthy Community Services, Osprey Initiative, Grounds Krewe, local schools and others, CALPOP will engage residents in litter prevention, data collection and device maintenance. The project will also support recycling efforts during major seasonal events.
By intercepting aquatic litter before it reaches pump stations and waterways, CALPOP is expected to reduce flooding, improve water quality and protect habitats for fish and wildlife.
For more information about Pontchartrain Conservancy, visit scienceforourcoast.org.
About Pontchartrain Conservancy:
Pontchartrain Conservancy is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to an environmentally sustainable, prosperous and resilient region. Our mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy. Pontchartrain Conservancy consists of a board of directors representing Lake Pontchartrain Basin parishes and regulatory agencies. For more information or to get involved, visit www.scienceforourcoast.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @PontchartrainConservancy and Twitter at @OurBasin.