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Debris booms tackle plastic pollution in Sri Lanka
Published on 24 Oct ‘24
Addressing Plastic Pollution in Sri Lanka: The Impact of Debris Booms on River Health
Tackling plastic pollution in Sri Lanka with debris booms

DEPLOYING DEBRIS BOOMS TO COMBAT PLASTIC WASTE

In an effort to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution in rivers, a large-scale debris boom was recently deployed in Sri Lanka’s Ja-Ela River. This initiative was spearheaded by the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), with support from Cefas‘ OCPP team. Originally planned for the Kelani River, the deployment site was shifted due to unseasonal rainfall. However, the objective remained the same, which is capturing large debris flowing downriver and collecting valuable data on plastic waste entering the ocean.

The debris boom, supplied by us, plays a crucial role in intercepting waste before it reaches the open ocean, preventing further harm to marine ecosystems. The boom not only serves as a physical barrier, but also acts as a monitoring tool. It provides insights into the composition and volume of litter traveling down the river. This data is essential for understanding the sources and trends of plastic pollution, which can inform targeted strategies to reduce its impact.

The Bolina Permanent Debris Boom: A reliable solution for pollution control

At the heart of this project is the Bolina Permanent Debris Boom, a high-performance solution designed to withstand challenging environmental conditions. The boom is engineered for long-term use in rivers, canals and coastal areas, providing an effective barrier to floating debris. Made from durable materials, the Bolina Permanent Debris Boom is built to resist UV exposure, abrasion and harsh weather. This ensures that it remains functional over extended periods.

The design of the boom allows for continuous water flow while capturing and retaining large debris, such as plastic bottles, tree branches and other waste materials. Its modular construction facilitates easy installation and maintenance, making it a versatile choice for different pollution control projects. By using the Bolina Permanent Debris Boom, this initiative not only tackles immediate waste management needs. It also supports long-term efforts to reduce plastic pollution and protect marine life.

WHY THE KELANI RIVER?

The Kelani River was initially chosen for its significant role in supplying 80% of Colombo’s water. With high levels of pollution threatening both the environment and public health, addressing plastic waste in the river is a priority for improving local livelihoods. Although the boom was placed in the Ja-Ela River, monitoring efforts continue to focus on the pollution levels in the Kelani River, which remains a critical source of water for the region.

The impact on environmental health and local communities

By intercepting debris before it reaches the ocean, the project contributes directly to improving water quality and reducing the environmental footprint of plastic pollution. The insights gained from analyzing the collected litter are expected to guide future actions for minimizing pollution and rehabilitating affected waterways. For local communities, a cleaner river means healthier ecosystems, improved fishing conditions and safer water resources, benefiting both the environment and people’s livelihoods.

A STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

This collaborative initiative marks a significant step in tackling plastic pollution in Sri Lanka’s rivers. By deploying advanced technologies like the Bolina Permanent Debris Boom, supported by strategic partnerships with organizations such as Cefas and NARA, the project sets an example for effective river pollution management. It demonstrates how combining innovative tools with scientific research can lead to meaningful and sustainable environmental improvements.

Moreover, this effort directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By fostering collaboration between local and international organizations, the project emphasizes the importance of collective action to achieve shared environmental objectives. Through partnerships, it leverages resources and expertise to combat plastic pollution, enhance river health and work towards a sustainable future.

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For more insights on the deployment of our Bolina Permanent Debris Boom, check out this article from Ceylon Today, which discusses NARA’s initiative to anchor a litter boom across the Kelani River. Read the full article here.

Additionally, you can read about the Ocean Country Partnership Programme’s efforts in Sri Lanka, which highlight the ongoing initiatives aimed at tackling marine pollution and supporting sustainable practices. Explore the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) blog here.

Get in touch to know more.

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