Do you know of any locations that could benefit from your activity?
Do you know the community groups or other people in your community that could help you identify a site for your shoreline cleanup?
The New Brunswick Environmental Network can help you get in touch with groups in your community who can advise you; don’t hesitate to contact us for more information!
Once you decide where your activity will take place, you will have to find out who is the landowner (your municipality, etc.), contact said landowner and make sure you obtain the approval to conduct your cleanup. The shoreline might be owned by your municipality, the provincial government, a business, an individual or something similar.
Your shoreline cleanup will generate waste that you will need to manage during and after your activity. It is important to inform your solid waste commission about your event to make the necessary arrangements in order to eliminate the waste you will gather.
Use “Sharps” containers for the disposal of glass shards, hard plastic, and metal.
Watch where you step. Wet rocks and logs can be very slippery. Loose rocks can shift and move, causing you to fall.
Check river, lake, and wetland water levels before your cleanup day. Move your cleanup further away from the water’s edge if levels are too high.
If your cleanup is along an ocean shoreline, make sure you are aware of the local tide schedule.
If your cleanup is along a river shoreline, keep your participants a safe distance from the water. River currents can be much stronger and deeper than they appear.
If you encounter any waste you think may be hazardous or toxic, mark the area with flagging tape and contact local authorities immediately.
Do not remove chemical containers or large drums or barrels and be very cautious with them, as their contents may be dangerous.
Make note of any markings on the container that may help authorities identify the contents.
Never approach any animal, dead or alive!
If you encounter an alive entangled animal, please notify the Department of Energy and Resource Development at 506-453-3826. NEVER attempt to detangle an animal yourself.
If you find a dead marine mammal, please notify the Department of Energy and Resource Development at the number above. Aquatic mammals that appear to be stranded without entanglement should be left for 24 hours. After 24 hours, please notify.