New Funding for Pontchartrain Conservancy to Tackle Aquatic Litter

NEW ORLEANS, La (press release) – The Pontchartrain Conservancy received funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program for a new initiative: the Comprehensive Aquatic Litter Plan for Orleans Parish (CALPOP).

The CALPOP project will install year-round and seasonal Litter Gitters and Litter Booms across New Orleans to prevent trash from reaching critical waterways, including Lake Pontchartrain and Bayou Bienvenue.

By intercepting aquatic litter before it reaches pump stations and waterways, CALPOP is expected to reduce flooding, improve water quality and protect habitats for fish and wildlife. The three-year project began in November 2025 and runs through October 2028.

These devices will be placed in major stormwater canals: St. Charles, Lower 9th and Monticello. Additionally, key seasonal hotspots like Canal Street, North Claiborne Avenue and Haynes Boulevard will be included.

The project will also compare litter collected during New Orleans’ regular school and work seasons to the litter collected during Mardi Gras.

“We’re honored to partner with NOAA & New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board (SWBNO) on a project that protects our communities and our waterways,” said Kristi Trail, executive director of Pontchartrain Conservancy.

“By capturing litter in these targeted areas, we can help reduce flooding risks while also ensuring that recyclable materials are diverted to better use,” said Randy Hayman, executive director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans

In partnership with the SWBNO, Healthy Community Services, Osprey Initiative, Grounds Krewe, local schools and others, CALPOP will engage residents in litter prevention, data collection and device maintenance.

The project will also support recycling efforts during major events like Mardi Gras.

For more information about PC, visit scienceforourcoast.org.