Binational Partnership Employs Innovative Technology to Keep Trash Out of the Rio Grande
LAREDO, Texas – In a collaborative effort to protect the Rio Grande from pollution, the City of Laredo has joined forces with neighboring Nuevo Laredo, along with corporate partners Arca Continental, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, and environmental organization the Osprey Initiative. The partnership focuses on deploying cutting-edge litter-capturing technology along critical waterways on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
On Wednesday morning, city officials announced the installation of two litter collection booms along Zacate Creek in Laredo. These specialized devices are designed to float on the water’s surface and capture litter within the top foot of the water column before it can flow downstream into the Rio Grande.
Yael Girard, senior product manager for the Osprey Initiative, explained the function and benefit of the technology: “It sits in the water and collects litter that floats within the top foot of the water. Anywhere that has rivers, streams, even lakes with stormwater outfalls, these kinds of devices can really help collect the litter in one area and make it much easier to remove. We know that Zacate Creek is an urban waterway here in Laredo and has historically had quite a bit of litter moving through it. So the boom has been selected in these locations to collect that material, to keep it from moving further downstream and eventually going into the Rio Grande.”
This binational approach recognizes that protecting the river’s health requires cooperation across borders. Partners on the Mexican side are implementing similar measures in Nuevo Laredo, making this a coordinated effort to improve water quality and reduce environmental hazards.
The technology has already demonstrated significant impact. According to a press release, the litter booms have prevented more than 5,000 pounds of waste from entering the Rio Grande, helping preserve the river’s ecosystem and improve community health.
Local officials and environmental advocates expressed optimism that the initiative will lead to cleaner waterways and serve as a model for cross-border environmental stewardship. With continued monitoring and maintenance, the partnership aims to expand the use of these litter collection devices in additional locations.
Residents interested in supporting the initiative or learning more about local environmental efforts are encouraged to stay tuned to KGNS for ongoing updates.
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