Politics & Government

Ahoy Boaters! Little Silver Warns There's Still Storm Debris in the River

The DEP is working to remove debris blown into the river by Sandy.

As the area begins to thaw out from the long, cold winter, Little Silver officials are warning boaters heading back onto the Shrewsbury River that that debris leftover from Sandy might cause a bumpy -- and dangerous -- ride.

"Boaters should be very alert and travel at low speeds in shallow areas," says  Timothy Riecker, an emergency management specialist with Dewberry Engineers Inc., one of the contractors handling waterway debris removal. "As a general rule, boaters should stay in DOT Navigation Channels and deeper waters as much as possible.  Even in those areas, tides may carry floating debris in, so being alert is very important."

According to Little Silver Mayor Robert C. Neff, Jr., NJDOT channels in our area will be assessed by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and its contractors in early May. Removal is tentatively scheduled for mid-May through the end of that month.

Find out what's happening in Little Silver-Oceanportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

That timetable could change, says Neff, based on weather or the amount of debris discovered in the river, "so continued vigilance is recommended."

Those concerned about debris can keep an eye on the DEP's website, which will post regular scheduling updates, says Neff. Anyone who spots floating or submerged debris should call 877-WARN-DEP to report it.

Find out what's happening in Little Silver-Oceanportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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