Chapin residents have an opportunity this month to contribute to the cleanliness of Lake Murray and surrounding waterways through the annual Lake Sweep/River Sweep event. Organized by Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB), this initiative is part of South Carolina’s larger Beach Sweep/River Sweep effort.
Volunteers can participate in litter removal from one of 80 waterways across Lexington County and Richland County between August 29 and September 27. Additionally, a coordinated cleanup day is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, where participants can check in at one of three designated locations around Lake Murray. Registration for the Lake Sweep/River Sweep is due by Saturday, September 5, to ensure receipt of a t-shirt.
The statewide Beach Sweep/River Sweep is organized by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with The Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup. KMB coordinates the Midlands event with support from over 30 partners, including Dominion Energy, Lexington County Solid Waste Management, and PalmettoPride.
In previous years, the event has seen participation from as many as 450 volunteers annually, collectively removing over 15,000 pounds of litter from the area’s water bodies. Free litter pickup supplies, prizes, boat rides, and t-shirts will be provided to volunteers. For more information, to volunteer, or to sponsor a KMB program, individuals can visit kmbsc.org, email [email protected], or call (803) 733-1139.