Ohio's Water Warriors: Preventing Pollution

Water pollution in Ohio is a pressing issue, with the health and well-being of 11 million people directly linked to the health of the water. The Ohio River, which supplies drinking water to millions, is one of the most polluted rivers in the country. With a history of industrial dumping, the river now faces the challenge of legacy pollution and new industries moving into the basin. To address these concerns, people in Ohio are advocating for stronger regulation and enforcement of existing laws, promoting the adoption of science-based water quality standards, and working to restore natural habitats that act as filters for water. Additionally, communities are implementing solutions to reduce stormwater runoff, a major source of pollution, and addressing the impact of natural gas production on groundwater contamination. The health of Ohio's water is crucial, as it sustains both people and nature, providing drinking water, supporting industry and recreation, and serving as a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife species.

How are people preventing water pollution in Ohio?

The Ohio River Foundation is working with partners to monitor and enforce regulations against polluters

The Ohio River is a source of drinking water for approximately 5 million Americans and supports recreation and fisheries for millions more. It is also one of the most polluted rivers in the U.S. and is considered endangered. The river's banks are highly populated and industrialized, and it has served as a dumping ground for cities and industries for generations.

The Ohio River Foundation (ORF) is dedicated to improving the water quality of the river and its tributaries. They work with partners to monitor and enforce regulations against polluters. This includes advocating for the adoption of new science-based water quality standards and other practices and codes to protect and improve water quality. ORF also promotes the use of natural solutions such as rain gardens, bioswales, convex parking lots, permeable pavers, and roof gardens to capture, treat, and reduce stormwater runoff.

In addition, ORF addresses the issue of groundwater contamination caused by the recent boom in natural gas production using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. They push for stronger regulation and enforcement of fracking activities, recognizing that local populations will be dealing with contamination for generations to come. ORF works with its partners to monitor state and federal enforcement of existing regulations and laws, ensuring that polluters are held accountable and that new and old polluters follow the law.

Furthermore, ORF is concerned about the impact of "forever" chemicals, which are highly persistent and may be bio-accumulating in human bodies with unknown effects. They advocate for tight control or elimination of these substances, especially in drinking water sources. ORF also collaborates with other organizations, such as the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC), to maintain pollution control standards and ensure uniform implementation along the length of the river.

The work of ORF and its partners is crucial in protecting the health and wellbeing of millions of people and safeguarding the natural environment that depends on clean water. Their efforts to monitor and enforce regulations against polluters are making a significant difference in improving water quality in Ohio.

The Environmental Law & Policy Center is fighting to make sure polluters follow the law and pay for clean-up

The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is dedicated to solving environmental challenges and protecting public health across the Midwest. The organization has a deep understanding of the region's people, politics, pollution, and public interest opportunities.

ELPC is fighting to ensure that polluters, both new and old, follow the law and pay for clean-up efforts. This is especially important in the Ohio River Valley, where communities are struggling with water pollution and other public health challenges due to years of fossil fuel extraction. The Ohio River, which supplies drinking water to millions of people, is one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. It has served as a dumping ground for local cities and industries for generations, and the toxins they dumped, such as mercury, still impact fish and other wildlife.

ELPC is part of the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) Watershed Organizations Advisory Committee, which has successfully worked to keep pollution control standards in place and set baseline water quality for the entire river. Moving forward, ELPC will ensure these standards are uniformly implemented to protect clean water along the river's length. ELPC also advocates for more nutrient pollution tracking in the Ohio River to reduce harmful runoff from urban and rural sources, including toxic algae blooms fed by high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.

In addition to their work on the Ohio River, ELPC has negotiated an $8.6 million consent decree to shut down the Edwards coal plant and ensure cleaner air and new job opportunities for the Peoria community. ELPC combines effective public interest litigation with strategic policy advocacy, sound science, and economic analysis to produce strong results for the environment. The organization works across states and disciplines, with a team of public interest attorneys, policy experts, research analysts, and communications specialists dedicated to improving the Midwestern environment and economy.

Communities are working to reduce stormwater runoff through agreements with the U.S. EPA

The Ohio River is a vital source of drinking water for millions of people, but it is also one of the most polluted rivers in the country. Communities are working tirelessly to address this issue, particularly in reducing stormwater runoff, a significant contributor to water pollution.

These communities are collaborating with the U.S. EPA to tackle the problem. While progress has been slow and costly, a range of strategies are being implemented. For instance, the use of permeable surfaces in parking lots helps to mitigate stormwater runoff by allowing rainwater to infiltrate and reduce the volume of water combining with sewage. This simple yet effective method prevents direct overflow into basements, rivers, and creeks.

Another strategy is the increased utilization of "gray water" systems, which collect and repurpose used water from activities like washing machines, sinks, and showers for tasks such as toilet flushing, irrigation, or industrial processes. This not only reduces stormwater runoff but also promotes water conservation.

Rain barrels or cisterns are also being employed to collect stormwater for gardening purposes. This simple technique helps divert rainwater from the sewage system, reducing the risk of overflow. Additionally, rain gardens, bioswales, and roof gardens are being utilized to capture, treat, and reduce runoff, further minimizing the impact on the environment.

The efforts of these communities, in partnership with the U.S. EPA, are crucial in combating water pollution in Ohio. By implementing a range of strategies, they are making strides toward reducing stormwater runoff and improving the overall health of the Ohio River and its surrounding ecosystems.

The Nature Conservancy is working to restore clean water and protect natural areas

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has been working in Ohio for over 60 years to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. TNC's Ohio Stream and Wetland In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program (OMP) restores and protects streams and wetlands for future generations.

One of the ways TNC is helping to restore clean water is by identifying ideal sites for wetland restoration and recovering their critical functions for people and nature. For example, the Sandhill Crane Wetlands project restored 280 acres of marginal farmland to native wet prairie habitat in the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio. This project helps improve water quality by filtering nutrients from the water before it enters Lake Erie, reducing the severity and impact of harmful algal blooms.

TNC is also working to protect Snow Lake in the northern part of the state and expand its Edge of Appalachia Preserve in southern Ohio. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that wildlife, such as threatened bird species and endangered snakes, can thrive for generations to come.

Additionally, TNC has advocated strongly for nature-based solutions to improve water quality. The H2Ohio Water Fund, established with the help of TNC, will provide $172 million for water quality improvement projects, including $46 million in the first year for creating and restoring wetlands and floodplains. These initiatives mark a turning point in addressing algal blooms, which have been an ongoing issue in Ohio, with the city of Toledo issuing a "Do Not Drink" advisory for residents in 2014 due to algae-clogged waters.

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission was founded to establish multi-state environmental standards

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, or ORSANCO, was founded to establish multi-state environmental standards and improve water quality in the Ohio River and its tributaries. The river, which flows through Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio, is a source of drinking water for millions of people and supports an array of wildlife. However, it is also one of the most endangered rivers in the country due to various pollutants.

One of the main challenges facing the Ohio River is industrial pollution. The river basin has a long history of industrial activity, including coal, petroleum, and steel production, which has left a legacy of toxic contaminants such as mercury in the water. In addition, new industries moving into the area have been granted permits to release chemicals into the river, which environmental groups argue are not adequately enforced. Hundreds of companies continue to discharge pollutants, and the potential cumulative impact of different chemical discharges on human health and the environment is not well understood.

To address these issues, ORSANCO works with partners to monitor state and federal enforcement of regulations and laws against polluters. They also promote the adoption of science-based water quality standards and best practices to protect and enhance water quality. This includes advocating for tighter controls on persistent "forever" chemicals that may be bioaccumulating in the environment and posing risks to human health.

In addition to regulatory efforts, ORSANCO and other organizations are implementing natural infrastructure projects to improve water quality. For example, the restoration of Sandhill Crane Wetlands in Northwest Ohio has converted 280 acres of marginal farmland into native wet prairie habitat. Wetlands act as natural filters, trapping excess nutrients and sediments before they enter headwater streams and, ultimately, Lake Erie. This helps to reduce the severity and impact of harmful algal blooms, which are fueled by fertilizers and sediments washed downstream during heavy rainstorms.

By combining regulatory enforcement with natural solutions, ORSANCO is working to establish consistent environmental standards and protect the health of the Ohio River and its surrounding ecosystems, ensuring clean water for the millions of people who depend on it.

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