7 volunteers spent 2 hours removing 2229 pounds of asphalt and concrete off the Otter Rock North Marine Reserve beach (See pictures here).
A group of college students during the last SOLVE cleanup moved about two thirds of the entire haul from the water fall to the bottom of the state park path. The rest was removed from the water fall area and under the eroding cliffs at the Otter Crest Inn. The entire haul was then broken up into smaller pieces on the beach and carried up the trail to the truck for removal. The amount removed was 778 pounds of concrete, 1451 pounds of asphalt for a total of 2229 pounds.
Oregon Parks and Recreation has identified asphalt eroding from the cliff side that has been falling down beachside and within the marine gardens and marine reserve for over 2 years now. More than a recreational hazard, the eroding asphalt presents environmental and habitat concerns amongst our members to the newly protected area. To date, OPRD, Surfrider and Americorps volunteers have organized 3 events here removing a total of nearly 10,000lbs of asphalt. Fortunately, Road and Driveway Company has accepted the asphalt waste for recycling for free (thanks!). The concrete is disposed of by the state parks.
Beyond our ongoing cleanup efforts and stewardship efforts to address this problem, the Newport Chapter of Surfrider Foundation is interested in pursuing sensible solutions to help protect this special place and prevent further environmental hazards. This starts with more formally identifying the sources of the asphalt, investigating laws surrounding this debris, and approaching owners and informing them of the laws and consequences of not mitigating the issue.
