Illinois-based nonprofit Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) has recovered an estimated 120,000 pounds of debris from the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers since dredging began on August 12.

Working with Pennsylvania nonprofit Three Rivers Waterkeeper, LL&W has deployed a deck barge, a tugboat, a John Deere excavator and several workboats to the waters surrounding downtown Pittsburgh. The cleanup effort has been ongoing for nearly a year. At the beginning, Three Rivers Waterkeeper used sonar equipment to predetermine the locations of the abandoned vehicles and vessels.

The cleanup fleet initially dealt with recyclable metal debris – things like cars and bikes – but will soon be pulling fiberglass boats, pieces of old docks and other non-recyclable debris from the water. The cleanup process could take another month, according to Callie Schaser, communications specialist for LL&W.

Schaser said LL&W has already removed more than 50 of the 100 or so cars and boats from the waters surrounding downtown. She said the cleanup efforts will improve water quality and make the rivers safer for recreational use.

“We want people to see the cleanup and know that we can do it together and that you can do your part by being mindful of your environment,” Schaser said. “People ride dinghies, they go there for recreation, they go fishing – knowing that you can fall off and not scrape your foot or hand on a rusty piece of metal after riding in a dinghy is definitely safer.”

Some of the debris has been underwater for decades and poses a serious threat to wildlife and water quality. Riverbed debris often includes car batteries and fuel tanks, which can leach lead and other toxins into river water.

“We talked in the crew about how many people live along this river and use it as a source of their enjoyment and as a source of community,” Schaser said.

LL&W has so far focused on the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, but plans to shift its efforts to the Ohio River in the coming weeks.