Riverkeeper Report

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

Savannah Riverkeeper's most popular event returns on March 26, 6 p.m. The extremely popular Roast on the River is expected to sell out quickly. Tickets for the Augusta-based event are on sale now at savannahriverkeeper.org.

Altamaha Riverkeeper continues to push for responsible coal ash disposal, away from Georgia's waterways. “If Georgia Power can excavate the ash at Plant Bowen and put it into a lined facility, they can do it at Plant Scherer in Juliette and they can do it everywhere,” said Fletcher Sams, executive director of the Altamaha Riverkeeper. Details: altamahariverkeeper.org Camden County is proposing to build a facility on the banks of the Satilla River estuary to launch private commercial rockets into space. Launching rockets would require closing off public access to the Satilla River multiple times each year. Rocket failures could contaminate the marsh and coastal waterways with debris and other contaminants. There is an election on March 8. Vote YES to oppose the spaceport. For details visit www.satillariverkeeper.org/

Paddle the headwaters of the St. Marys River with St. Marys Riverkeeper and learn about the Okefenokee Swamp from a guest expert. From this point, we'll paddle up the Suwannee Canal and then explore portions of Mizell and Chesser Prairies with a lunch and restroom break halfway through at Cedar Hammock Canoe Shelter. All kayak skill levels are welcome; however, due to the length of the trip, it may be more appropriate for moderateadvanced paddlers. Details: stmarysriverkeeper.org

Milliken has promised to stop using PFAS, otherwise known as ‘forever chemicals’ in their facilities by December 2022. They are eradicating these chemicals from two product lines from facilities worldwide. This includes the Longleaf facility located in Screven County on the banks of the Ogeechee River. “We are pleased our work on this issue gained enough public attention to encourage a change in company practices,” said Damon Mullis, riverkeeper and executive director. Details: ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

Milliken facility aerial image. Photo provided by Ogeechee Riverkeeper