S.D. Port Tenants Association to host Annual Operation Clean Sweep

The San Diego Port Tenants Association will host Operation Clean Sweep on Aug. 26; the 27th annual event partners port tenants with volunteers in an effort to remove debris and trash from San Diego Bay.

Last year’s cleanup event reportedly featured 1,314 volunteers, including civilians, military, Harbor Police divers, port tenants and port employees who removed 13.37 tons of debris.

That debris included sunken dinghies, tires, household appliances, shopping carts, bicycles and more. A mollusk-encrusted toilet was also retrieved and earned the diver who found it first place in the event’s “Most Unique Trash” contest.

The public is invited to participate and all volunteers will be treated to an after-party featuring a free barbecue, refreshments, entertainment, raffles and prizes. The after party is at Cesar Chavez Park from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m, 1449 Cesar Chavez Parkway, San Diego.

Volunteers will receive an Operation Clean Sweep t-shirt, gloves, trash bags and bottled water. Free doughnuts from Krispy Kreme will also be available at each check in site.

This year’s main clean-up sites are in Barrio Logan and Chollas Creek. The Chollas Creek site is geared toward adults as it involves heavier pieces of debris and the Barrio Logan site is family-friendly.

Registration locations:

• Chollas Creek (clean up begins at 7 a.m.)
  • Check in at Pacific Ship Repair and Fabrication, 1625 Rigel Street, San Diego, 92113

• Barrio Logan (clean up begins at 8 a.m.)
  • Check in at California Marine Cleaning, Inc., 2049 Main Street, San Diego, CA 92113

Registration for divers:

• America’s Cup Harbor (clean up begins at 7 a.m.)
  • Check in at Driscoll’s Wharf, 4918 North Harbor Drive, San Diego 92106

Operation Clean Sweep is sponsored by the San Diego Port Tenants Association, the Port of San Diego, Navy Region Southwest, Pacific Tugboat, United States Coast Guard, Edco Waste & Recycling Services, San Diego Gas & Electric and dozens of Port Tenant Businesses.