B.R.A.T., Hypertherm volunteers collect more than a ton of trash from Connecticut, Black rivers

Black River Action Team, the volunteer-based river group located in Windsor County, hosted a crew of 22 Hypertherm associates on July 17, roaming the bed and banks of the Black  and  Connecticut rivers in search of “treasure.”

Over the course of five hours, the group collected roughly 2,075 pounds of trash from about 10 miles of river. The haul included 59 tires, nearly 200 beverage containers, 3 bicycles, 2 scooters, spent fireworks, 2 Price Chopper shopping carts, a walker, a mattress, 68 cigarette butts, hats, socks, shoes, plastic jugs, food wrappers, a traffic cone, a “No Parking” sign, fishing line and gear and much more.

This event was one of several conducted by B.R.A.T. as part of the annual Source to Sea Cleanup of the Connecticut River Conservancy.

Deep appreciation goes out to Casey Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Springfield and Springfield Cadillac/GMC. Each dealership stepped up to take on a portion of the trash haul by sending a vehicle to be filled and will dispose of the junk.

Would your company or community organization like to head up a pirate-themed crew next year? Contact B.R.A.T. Director Kelly Stettner at blackrivercleanup@gmail.com or call 802-591-0101. Click here to learn more. Sign up before next July; free pirate swag is available for all who participate.