BEBOT Expands to the North Shore in 2024
ECO-CLEAN Solution is thrilled to partner with NTCA (North Tahoe Community Alliance) to expand our BEBOT cleanup operations to the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, including Kings Beach, Moon Dunes Beach, and Commons Beach in Tahoe City.
BEBOT Demo cleaning at Kings Beach, July 2023. Image captured by Katy Jo Caringer of ECO-CLEAN Solutions
In the summer months, Tahoe’s beaches are its most popular attraction. It’s also where visitor impacts are concentrated, especially litter – thousands of pounds of it every year. Keeping the shoreline clean supports the Lake’s beauty and ecological health, and the thriving tourism economy that depends on it.
While volunteer-powered beach cleanup events are an integral part of combating litter on Tahoe’s beaches, it’s very difficult and time-consuming for people to find litter beneath the sand.
That’s where the BEBOT comes in. It specializes in removing litter that has been buried below the surface. This litter includes plastic trash that breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces of plastic over time, eventually becoming microplastics that can make their way into Tahoe’s waters.
BEBOT sifts debris out of beach sand at a depth of up to 4 inches. It is the only TRPA permitted beach-cleaning machine in Tahoe.
Once microplastics contaminate the Lake, they have the potential to decrease water quality and clarity, and they’re all but impossible to remove. The BEBOT can serve as the last line of defense against beach litter before it pollutes Lake Tahoe.
Our expanded deployment of BEBOT to the North Shore is proudly funded by TOT-TBID Dollars at Work through our partners at the North Tahoe Community Alliance.
We will be working with both public and private landowners to target the most impacted areas, such as Kings Beach, Moon Dunes, and Commons Beach. By keeping our shorelines pristine and beautiful, we can promote community vitality by taking care of our environment and supporting the economic well-being of North Lake Tahoe.
Examples of common beach litter items found and picked up by BEBOT in Lake Tahoe.
Through proven data collection and impactful results, our goal is to change the way local agencies, jurisdictions, resorts & private residences clean their beaches - adopting new technology and promoting sustainable tourism practices year-around.
The funding provided by the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work program is not just about short-term goals; it's a long-term commitment to making a difference on behalf of our residents, businesses and visitors. This means taking actionable steps that resonate deeply with the ethos of North Lake Tahoe - protecting our natural beauty while fostering a thriving local economy.
Find out more about our BEBOT expansion project and the projects supported by TOT-TBID Dollars at Work at www.northtahoecommunityalliance.com. Together, we are making a clear difference in North Lake Tahoe and creating a legacy of sustainability, prosperity, and natural beauty.
Thank you to our partners at NTCA for supporting our mission and providing funding through the TOT-TBID Dollars at Work Program!
About the North Tahoe Community Alliance:
The North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) collaborates with regional stakeholders to make the TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program support a vibrant, year-round economy that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors of North Lake Tahoe. The organization also ad- vocates for and funds local transportation and workforce housing solutions, visitor services, and promotes responsible and off-peak season travel with a focus on stewardship educa- tion. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and committees comprised of local busi- ness owners and their representatives, the NTCA is funded by a Tourism Business Improve- ment District (TBID) in contract with Placer County. Formerly known as the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, the organization was renamed the NTCA in 2023 to align with its new mission.
Learn more at www.northtahoecommunityalliance.com