Authorities plan sweep of river camps this weekend

Friday, Jan. 29, 1999 | 12:43 p.m.

"Our concern is the health and environmental threat posed by users of the river," said Jim Begbie, acting Washoe District Health Officer.

Authorities launched an aggressive effort last year to clear the Truckee River of homeless camps in a campaign called "Take Back the River."

More than 30 small shantytowns were dismantled and tons of trash and debris removed from the river's banks.

Since then, Reno and Sparks police have joined Washoe County sheriff's deputies in stepping up patrols along the river.

"Health Department staff participated in last year's cleanup, which from a health and environmental perspective was a major success," Begbie said.

"Staff have found used needles, razor blades along with other solid and hazardous wastes," he said.

Because of the ongoing campaign, he said authorities expect there to be less cleanup during Saturday's event.

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