Keeping The River Clean, One Catch Basin At A Time

Mayor James Ireton, Jr. announces that 14 more FLOGARD drain filter inserts have been installed. The filters are the second step in tackling the rubbish and sediment that ruins the health of the river. The first step in keeping the river clean lies with the citizens of Salisbury. If trash is disposed of properly, it never ends up in the river.

“The City is completing installation of FLOGARD units in key areas and are pleased that we will now have over 100 inlet guards installed. Due to our prompt payment practices, the City was able to receive a discount on the units and have applied that discount to order replacement filter media. The inlet guards and media were funded by Community Development Block Grants. The City will continue to budget for additional inlet guards and replacement media going forward,” said Amanda Pollack, Deputy Director of Public Works.

"I am proud of our commitment to the health of the Wicomico River. Our Salisbury Public Works employees, from engineers to river cleanup crews, work every day to reduce the amount of trash that makes it to the Wicomico. I thank long-time employee Howard Landon for always knowing when it's going to rain and when low tide is, for that is when the outfall pipes empty. We have made a commitment to our downtown through these efforts. Salisbury will continue its environmental activism every year by purchasing and installing even more inlet hoods," said Mayor Ireton.

The FLOGARD filters have been installed to filter out trash and sediment before they can get to the river. Since 2012, 110 inserts have been installed in 50 different locations. Some drains have 2 if not 3 grates and a separate insert is required for each grate due to the weight of the catchable debris and to allow for overflow discharge.