Floating Debris

Floating debris includes any natural or manmade material that builds up on the surface of a waterway. It can interfere with ecosystems, block recreational use, and make navigation difficult. Common examples include plastic waste, invasive aquatic plants like sargassum and algae, and natural debris such as sticks and logs.

Beyond being unsightly, this debris harms water quality, endangers wildlife, and creates safety issues for boats and infrastructure. In many cities, debris-filled canals connect to the municipal water system, driving up treatment costs and increasing environmental risks.

Need a solution for debris polluting your water? One Clarion offers several solutions to help manage surface debris. Our marine-grade containment booms and permanent floating barriers are designed to help stop debris from spreading. Before choosing the right option, it's important to understand where the debris is coming from and how it moves through the water.

Nonpoint and Point Source Pollution

Floating trash and debris can enter waterways through either point or nonpoint sources. Point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable origin such as a factory, landfill, or construction site. These sources are often easier to monitor and control. Nonpoint source pollution is harder to trace because it comes from many locations, especially during rainstorms when runoff carries debris into storm drains and nearby water bodies.

What’s the difference between point and nonpoint source pollution?

Point source pollution starts from a specific place. Local governments often require businesses to manage their waste before it reaches the water supply. They may use inspections, permits, or fines to enforce cleanup efforts and help reduce surface debris.

Nonpoint source pollution is more unpredictable. It comes from roads, parking lots, and neighborhoods. Rain pushes trash and plastics into drains, which lead directly into lakes, rivers, and bays. Over time, this can seriously harm water quality and wildlife.

How do you stop trash from entering storm drains?

To reduce this kind of pollution, storm drain filters can block debris while letting clean water pass through. They fit above, inside, or below storm drains, depending on the site.

For open water, floating boom systems help capture trash before it spreads. These barriers work in lakes, canals, and marinas and can be installed short-term or permanently, based on your needs.

Temporary Floating Debris Control

When you need short-term control for floating debris, a standard containment boom offers a simple and effective option. It’s commonly used for smaller construction projects, seasonal plant buildup, or cleanup efforts after storms, floods, or wildfires. Once installed, the boom helps block debris from entering protected areas or holds it in place for easy collection.

Containment boom is easy to deploy, often by just a few workers. This makes it a cost-effective choice for cities, counties, or contractors who need fast results with limited crew size.

Which boom is right for your site?

Containment booms are available in different styles to match local water conditions. Calm water boom works well in lakes, ponds, and protected marinas where the water is mostly still. Moving water boom is better for rivers, channels, and areas with light current, such as near water treatment plants. Offshore boom is designed for open water environments with stronger tides or wave action, like coastlines and harbors.

Permanent Marine Debris Solutions

Some areas need more than just short-term debris control. In many coastal cities, aquatic plants like sargassum can drift into harbors and beaches during certain times of the year. To help reduce buildup along the shoreline, a permanent floating barrier can redirect debris away from sensitive areas. These barriers are installed based on local current patterns and are supported with marine accessories for anchoring and tension control.

One Clarion's Permanent Boom is designed to withstand situations that require the boom to stay in the water longer term. Components feature more robust materials and high impact hardware. Extra strength floats add higher buoyancy, and marine growth inhibitors prevent algae from coating the belts. Permanent boom lasts up to six times longer than standard containment boom, making it a long term, cost effective solution for municipalities.