City settles with Dog River group on trash problem

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Dog River Clearwater Revival Group sent a letter of intent to the city back in February. It never turned into a lawsuit because the city settled with the group.

“The city acknowledged the city is responsible for the litter pollution from its storm water system which was a first big step,” said the group's attorney, Rick Courtney.

Courtney said the city has agreed to install and maintain two litter traps near the Holcomb Avenue Bridge, where Eslava Creek flows into Dog river.  The second one will be located near Halls Mill Road and Azalea.

Courtney said as trash comes down the water way, it funnels into a cage. When it gets picked up, he said  the water drops out and the trash empties into a dumpster.

“They are agreeing to put in two of the trash control devices that we think are going to be a good short term solution. It will catch a high percentage of trash before it gets in the river,” Courtney said.

The city said the cost depends on the size. The smaller device could be about $30,000 and a larger would near $100,000.

The city said if approved through the city council, the devices will be installed within the next three months.