Riverkeeper Report

Compiled by Meaghan Gerard Communications & Administrative Director Ogeechee Riverkeeper meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

Photo provided by St. Marys Riverkeeper

Celebrate St. Marys Riverkeeper’s 6th birthday on March 5 at Okefenokee Swamp Park in Waycross, Ga. This is a MEMBERS-ONLY, family-friendly event which includes a picnic style lunch, kids' activities, boat and train tours, raffle items, Riverkeeper merchandise, and a chat with St. Marys Riverkeeper about goals for 2022. Details at: www.stmarysriverkeeper.org/events/

Savannah Riverkeeper Savannah Riverkeeper is closely monitoring the chemical spill of ferrous chloride in Columbia County, on I-20 near mile marker 181. The chemical has leaked into Hawes Branch Creek and is known to be harmful to aquatic life. Georgia’s Department of Transportation has delivered dirt to the spill site and constructed a berm to contain the chemical spill. Follow updates and clean up efforts at: www.savannahriverkeeper.org

Clean water advocates and government officials say a metal processing facility must stop hazardous waste from escaping a site owned by TAV Holdings, near the ATL airport, and polluting nearby soil and a creek. “This is the most egregious site that I've seen that is not on a Superfund registry or state hazardous site registry,” says Fletcher Sams, executive director of the Altamaha Riverkeeper, referring to government lists of highly polluted properties. altamahariverkeeper.org/ The ORK has launched a new research fellowship to be filled each year. In 2022, the ORK Research Fellow is Brian Bush, a first-year graduate student at Georgia Southern University, pursuing a master’s degree in biology. The project aims to document riverine crayfish populations and distribution, with a focus on P. petersi, and provide education and outreach opportunities throughout the watershed. The fellowship is underwritten by investments secured from the 2011 fish kill settlement. www.ogeecheeriverkeeper. org/

Research Fellow Brian Bush. Photo provided by ORK

Do you live near the Satilla or its tributaries? The Satilla Riverkeeper needs volunteers to test water once a month. We rely on our volunteers to tell us if the Satilla is healthy. Sign up to attend water quality monitor training on February 18-20 at Okefenokee Swamp Park at www. satillariverkeeper.org/water-quality-training.html or contact Satilla Riverkeeper at waterquality@satillariverkeeper.org. www.satillariverkeeper.org/

Photo provided by Satilla Riverkeeper