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GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (JUNE 13, 2025) (CNBNews)— Photos taken on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, on North Stinson Avenue show piles of dirt left behind by the street sweeper as it traveled towards East Thompson Avenue. On that day, the sweeper deposited dirt in the middle of the street and along the curb, with an additional pile at the corner of East Thompson and North Stinson Avenue. A recurring question from CNBNews and local residents is: Why isn’t water being used to clean the streets and minimize the dust cloud that follows the sweeper as it operates in Riverview Heights and other areas of the city?

In our recent Cheers and Jeers column for May 2025, we raised a concern about the Gloucester City sweeper's failure to use water for dust control. This issue has persisted for years; the sweeper often leaves behind dirt and debris, making the streets appear worse after it passes.

One of the photos highlights dirt left by the street sweeper at the intersection of East Thompson Avenue and North Stinson Avenue on June 10, 2025. CNBNews has repeatedly pointed out this issue of the sweeper not spraying water during its operation.

Another photo shows what was left behind in the middle of the street as a result of the sweeper operator navigating around a car that was obstructing his path. As he drove over a manhole cover, dirt was left behind, illustrating a trail of debris as the sweeper traveled south.

According to Elgin, a company that has been manufacturing street sweepers for over 100 years, these vehicles typically utilize a combination of water, brooms, and vacuum systems to effectively remove debris from road surfaces. The cleaning process involves several steps. First, water is sprayed onto the road to loosen dirt, dust, and other particles. This water acts as a lubricant, making it easier for the brooms and vacuum systems to capture debris and control dust. The brooms, made from durable polypropylene or steel bristles, rotate rapidly to agitate the debris on the road surface. As side brooms sweep over the road, they dislodge dirt and push it toward the center of the sweeper. Some side brooms even extend beyond the vehicle's width, allowing them to clean the edges of the road.

**Importance of Street Sweepers**

Street sweepers are essential for maintaining clean and well-kept streets in our communities. They offer numerous benefits that contribute to a healthier environment, enhanced public safety, and improved aesthetics.

One of the primary advantages of clean streets is the reduction of pollution. Street sweepers efficiently remove debris, trash, and pollutants from road surfaces, preventing these contaminants from entering storm drains and harming our waterways. Mechanical sweepers excel at collecting large debris due to their capacity to store more materials in their hoppers. By keeping the streets clean, street sweepers help improve water quality and protect aquatic life.

 

 **JEER:** Does anyone else find it a bit puzzling that the Gloucester City street sweeper seems to be cleaning our streets without water? The next time it rolls through your neighborhood, take a moment to notice the dust it stirs up! A well-functioning street sweeper typically uses water to control dust and enhance efficiency, so it is worth asking—why isn't this happening with ours? It's important to note that our community has invested nearly $500,000 in a new sweeper, and we all want to see our city streets kept clean and healthy! 

The photo shows dirt left by the street sweeper at the intersection of  East Thompson Ave and North Stinson Ave. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. CNBNews has pointed out this problem with the sweeper not spraying water onto the street as it passed numerous times in the past.

The operator of the sweeper had to navigate around a car that was obstructing his path. When he drove over the manhole cover, a pile of dirt was left behind. The photo also depicts a trail of dirt left by the sweeper as it traveled south. 

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