Urgent Cleanup: Watershed Group Shocked by Garbage in Stream

UPDATE: A local watershed group is sounding the alarm after discovering an alarming volume of garbage in a stream behind the under-construction Hidden Valley subdivision in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Authorities confirm that the Charlottetown Area Watershed Association collected approximately six bags of trash from the area, raising urgent concerns over the environmental impact.

The shocking cleanup, which took place just days ago, revealed a mix of everyday waste and substantial construction debris clogging the waterway. Ajhma Dhakal, co-ordinator for the association, expressed deep disappointment: “It’s everywhere. Earlier this year, we cleaned up about 200 kilograms of garbage from all our watershed.” The prevalence of trash poses a direct threat to local wildlife and water quality.

Residents like Harley Harper, who lives adjacent to the Hidden Valley construction site, have noticed an increase in litter due to high winds. “On any windy day, you see Styrofoam, vinyl, and plastic wrappers flying down the street,” Harper reported. The P.E.I. Construction Association acknowledged the challenges of keeping construction materials secured in such conditions.

Heather Laiskonis, executive director of the P.E.I. Watershed Alliance, emphasized that while much of the littering is unintentional, it remains a pressing issue. “We don’t typically find people intentionally putting things in the stream. It really gets there just because we’re so wind battered,” she stated. Residents are urged to take personal responsibility for their waste to help mitigate the impact on waterways.

The Charlottetown Area Watershed Association plans to continue its cleanup efforts, but Dhakal believes community involvement is crucial: “If everyone would be responsible for their garbage, we will definitely see a lot less problem in our waterways.”

As the situation develops, the association calls on residents to reconsider their waste disposal habits, reminding everyone that “watersheds are where everything is connected.” The urgency to protect these vital ecosystems is clearer than ever.

With ongoing construction in the area, the responsibility falls on both contractors and residents to ensure that garbage does not become a persistent problem. As Laiskonis reflected on the pride Islanders take in their environment, she also acknowledged the need for continued vigilance against littering.

Communities are encouraged to participate in upcoming cleanup events and to remain mindful of how their actions can impact local ecosystems. The time to act is NOW; the health of P.E.I.’s waterways depends on it. Share this story to spread awareness about the urgent need for cleaner environments and responsible waste management.