Tyne River Clean-Up Project
An ambitious scheme to clean up the River Tyne has been given approval. The River Clean-Up Project , led by the Port of tyne and managed by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council , has received £ 272,000 from SITA Environmental Trust and £ 20,000 from the UK Environment Agency to add to the ongoing contributions from the Port and four local councils.
For the past 15 years the Port and the four councils have equally funded the running of a debris collection vessel, the Eager Beaver , which operates along the river.
Over the years, Eager Beaver hasremoved some 6,000 tonnes of debris, ranging from polystyrene cups to entire automobiles.
The Port’s managing director Keith Wilson said, ‘The current vessel has served the river well but is nearing the end of its natural life.
We therefore took this opportunity to build upon the existing partnership and together developed a more dynamic and proactive solution to combat river debris.
This project will make significant environmental improvements along the river that will provide benefit for river users. The new vessel should be operational by the end of the year.’
In 2003 the Port submitted a bid to SITA Environmental Trust through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. The Board of SITA Environmental Trust has approved the £272,000 bid that will provide a new high profile debris collection vessel and a massive targeted awareness campaign. Vessel operation costs will continue to be met by the project partners but additional corporate sponsorship is being sought to ensure the longterm sustainability of the project.
The Port of Tyne was last month awarded the North East Business Award 2003 for environmental excellence, recognising the environmental efforts the Port has made to reduce and prevent pollution, maximise energy savings, minimise waste, and for the environmental emphasis during development projects.
MJ Information No: 19547
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