GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — While dredging, capping and covering operations for the Fox River Cleanup Project wind down, officials are asking boaters to use caution near equipment.
“With dredging operations wrapping up, the amount of equipment on the river is much less than in previous years,” said Scott Stein, Fox River Cleanup Project spokesperson. “But we will still be operating the spreader barge for several weeks, so we want everyone to be cautious and be aware of the markers and buoys near the equipment that remains on the river.”
The buoys and markers include:
- Large Danger Pipeline or Pipeline Crossing signs that mark areas where work is taking place
- Lighted Orange & White buoys to alert watercraft to the areas where the pipeline may be floating near any of the project barges
- Orange Pipe Delineators that mark where the pipeline is sunk to the bottom of the river
- Lighted Green & Red buoys mark channels for safe passage
With Memorial Day weekend approaching, the U.S. Coast Guard reminds boaters to:
- Always carry an approved Personal Flotation Device for each person on board
- Travel at a safe speed
- Have a designated lookout to keep an eye out for other boaters, objects and swimmers
- Follow all buoys, markers and signs
- Do not mix boating with alcohol or drugs
- Be respectful of the rights of everyone on and near the water
The cleanup project began in 2009 with a goal of reducing the risk to human health and the environment by removing or capping PCBs in river sediment. It is expected to wrap up in June.
