Environmentalists host tire cleanup

Date: 10/3/2014

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The recent low water level of the Connecticut River has revealed a nasty surprise: numerous discarded tires pepper the riverbed.

Todd Steglinski, trail crew coordinator for the Environmental Committee, discovered the tires and will lead a cleanup effort of the Tom Lagodich boat landing off Riverdale Road on Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. Mayor Edward Sullivan has authorized the Department of Public Works (DPW) to assist with the removal of the tires once retrieved from the water.
   
“The Environmental Committee is not an official ordinance-driven committee, but it is extremely active,” Sullivan said. “It’s great to see so many environmental advocates working for West Springfield.”
   
He added, “We didn’t realize there were so many there.” Sullivan said the DPW will take the tires to K&W Materials and Recycling LLC.
   
According to Diane Crowell, president of the Environmental Committee, the best way to access the cleanup location is to “go through the Pride Gas Station and drive down to the river bank.” She recommended volunteers wear sturdy boots or shoes that can get wet.
   
She said, “This is much needed environmentally, and we are equipped to do the cleanup with the DPW helping us. If you have a couple of hours on Saturday morning please come and help us. It is a big adventure and all help is welcome.”