One of the ongoing concerns after last Tuesday’s Baltimore Key Bridge collapse is what’s floating in the water, including debris from the bridge and the cargo ship that struck it. Within a day of the collapse, large chunks of wood and metal debris from the Key Bridge piers floated down the Patapsco River to the Riviera Beach community, on the Southwest shore of the river in Anne Arundel County. “It was unbelievable that it made it here that fast,” Riviera Beach resident Jeffrey Brewis told Baltimore-based WJZ-TV.

Neighbor Cathy Telfer wasn’t sure if the debris had chemicals or contaminants on it: “So, we’re just leaving it there, and letting the authorities take care of it,” she said. Authorities say if you see debris floating or washed ashore in local waterways, and suspect it’s related to the bridge collapse, don’t touch it, and call the Debris Reporting Hotline, at 410-205-6625. The hotline is incorporated into the Key Bridge Response 2024 website, as part of the Joint Unified Command, which includes local, state and federal agencies. Experts say the debris from the collapse and cleanup may continue to be washed up, which could affect local communities along local waterways. “It’s going to be an issue with swimming, we do have a beach over here,” said Brewis. “It’s gonna be an issue with boating.” In a post on X, the Baltimore County Fire Department urged people to call the Debris Reporting Hotline. “For safety reasons, please avoid touching materials you suspect might be part of the wreckage.”

Notice debris washing up on shore or in the waterway and suspect it may be related to the #KeyBridge? Don’t hesitate to contact 410-205-6625 the #debris reporting hotline. For safety reasons, please avoid touching materials you suspect might be part of the wreckage. pic.twitter.com/Zs34DbTbp5

— Baltimore County Fire Department (@BaltCoFire) April 3, 2024