Creekside trash keeps city crews busy

May 15, 2025

By David Stone

Belton Journal

Belton’s creekside parks are typically immaculate, a testament to the city’s efforts to eliminate trash from its popular gathering spots, but after heavy rains, a deluge of debris often finds its way to Nolan Creek and its banks.

“It happens every time it floods and the creek rises several feet,” said James Grant, director of Belton’s Parks & Recreation Department. “An inch or two of rain in Killeen can raise the creek two or three feet here.”

“Trash and debris flows from upstream drainage ditches,” he said. “When the water recedes, it leaves piles on creek banks.”

Paul Romer, Belton’s director of communications, agreed.

“The trash can be found up and down Nolan Creek, but it is much more noticeable in areas where the grass is manicured,” Romer said. “It’s easier to spot when the grass is green and cut.”

Grant said the city has a process to clean up the creekside parks. A city staff member is assigned to each park, and it is their duty to

keep the banks clear of trash and other debris that accumulates.

“After a big rise in the creek level, it’s all hands on deck,” he said. “All park staff get involved in picking up trash and cutting brush.”

“We can’t get our equipment in the creek — you have to get a special permit to do that — but we can keep the banks clean,” Grant added. “It can be a constant struggle.”

“There’s not a lot we can do to remedy the situation. We just educate people to clean up after themselves. It’s important to keep curbside gutters clean — that helps.”

In addition to Nolan Creek, the city also keeps a mile stretch of the Leon River clear of trash and debris inside Heritage Park. But, officials said, that’s much easier to do.

“The Leon doesn’t often flood like Nolan Creek,” Grant said. “The water levels in the river are controlled by the spillway on Belton Dam. There isn’t as much trash and debris coming down the river.”