The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) christened two new Elastec trash boats on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. A contest to name the boats had been held and the winning names were “Skimmy Dipper” and “Skim Pickens.”
The boats will be used to collect trash and debris in Chicago area waterways from mid-April to mid-October and after significant storms throughout the year.
The MWRD controls 76 miles of navigable waterways, which are part of the inland waterway system connecting the Great Lakes with the Gulf Mexico. The new debris collection boats will provide a vital community service by improving water quality and the recreational experience for thousands of people canoeing, kayaking, boating, and enjoying the waterways.