City of Janesville addresses foul odor, asks residents not to venture into Rock River to remove exposed trash

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(Gazette photo) As the Monterey Dam is removed and water levels adjust, citizens may notice debris and refuse in the Rock River.  Unfortunately, litter and trash are sometimes carelessly disposed of in waterways.  The City of Janesville says Good Samaritans have been helping to clear trash and keep Janesville beautiful; however, city officials recommend using caution and refraining from venturing onto exposed sandbars to collect trash while water levels adjust and settle in an effort to keep the public safe.

Additionally, as water levels adjust, citizens may notice an odor near this area of the river.  The City was made aware of the possible odor per conversations with the project’s contractor in 2016 and 2017.  It is anticipated that any potential odor may last around two weeks.

The Rock River is an asset to the Janesville community.  To keep the river beautiful, there will be an organized river clean-up project later in the summer as part of a state-wide movement.  As the event draws nearer, the City of Janesville will offer more information about the clean-up event.  Event information will be made available via a press release and will be posted on the City’s website and social media.