NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – As part of their continued partnership, Watts donated the funds for the purchase of a jet ski to the Clean River Project to help provide the nonprofit with a more efficient way to survey the Merrimack River, monitor cleanup areas, and locate debris beneath the water’s surface.
The Clean River Project based in Methuen, Massachusetts works to protect the Merrimack River by removing illegally dumped materials, including tires, mattresses, hazardous objects and vehicles. According to Clean River Project President Rocky Morrison, the organization has operated for 23 years, typically removes approximately 100 tons of debris annually, and has recovered 87 vehicles from the river.
The new jet ski will allow the organization to travel quickly along shorelines, inspect its containment booms and reach shallow areas that are difficult to access with larger boats. Its smaller size will also enable a limited crew to transport and launch the equipment with one truck, helping the team survey larger sections of the river more efficiently.
“This jet ski will help us reach spots we can’t access with a big boat,” said Clean River Project President Rocky Morrison. “A small team can launch it, survey a large area of the waterway and get a better understanding of what needs to be addressed.”
The jet ski is equipped with side-scan sonar donated by Raymarine which will help Clean River Project examine the riverbed and pinpoint vehicles, tires, and other unusual objects that may require further investigation by its dive team.
“The support we receive from Watts makes a real difference,” said Morrison. “Their employees and continued partnership help us carry out our mission and make a positive change along the Merrimack River.”
“Water stewardship extends beyond the products we manufacture to the communities and ecosystems we serve,” said Kenneth Lepage, General Counsel, Chief Sustainability Officer & Secretary at Watts. “The Merrimack River is an important resource for our region, and we are honored to support Clean River Project’s efforts to protect and preserve it. This jet ski will help their team reach more areas of the river and continue their important work.”
In addition to cleanup work, Clean River Project provides educational opportunities that teach students about recycling, the river’s ecosystem and the importance of protecting a waterway that serves surrounding communities. The organization also conducts school outreach and brings students onto the river as part of its educational programming.
“We are grateful to everyone at Watts who have participated in cleanups and helped make this donation possible,” said Morrison. “The partnership means a great deal to me and my team.”
Learn more about the Clean River Project by visiting www.clean
riverproject.org. ♦
