Ohio River Pollution: A Troubling Overview

The Ohio River is one of the most polluted rivers in the United States, with a history of industrial fallout, chemical pollution, and acid mine drainage. In 2020, power plants and industrial facilities released more toxic pollution into the Ohio River Basin than any other watershed in the country, threatening the drinking water source of over 5 million people. The river's banks are highly populated and industrialized, and it has been a dumping ground for cities and industries for generations. Climate change, outdated water management, nutrient runoff, and invasive species further exacerbate the problem. While there have been efforts to clean up the river and hold polluters accountable, it continues to be endangered, highlighting the need for stronger regulation and enforcement and investment in restoration.

Industrial pollution

The Ohio River is a source of drinking water for over 5 million people. However, it is also one of the most polluted rivers in the United States, with industrial pollution being a major contributor.

In 2020, industrial facilities released at least 193.6 million pounds of toxic pollution into US waterways, with the Ohio River Basin accounting for more than one-fifth of the total. Power plants and other industrial facilities, including coal-fired power plants, steel and aluminium manufacturers, and petrochemical plants were responsible for nearly 41 million pounds of toxic pollution released into the Ohio River Basin that year.

The Ohio River has a long history of industrial pollution. Pittsburgh's coal, petroleum, and steel industries have left a legacy of toxins, including mercury and PCBs, which can cause neurological and reproductive issues in fish, and lead to health issues in people and animals that consume them.

Today, new industries have moved into the Ohio River Basin and have permits to release a certain level of pollution into waterways. However, environmental groups are concerned that these permit limits are being exceeded. In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considered the Ohio River Basin one of the most toxic watersheds in the country, receiving the highest burden of toxic discharges.

The EPA's Toxics Release Inventory catalogues pollution released into waterways from industrial facilities. While the EPA has started requiring industrial facilities to test for "forever chemicals", there are concerns that the true extent of these releases is underreported, as the EPA only required reporting on 172 chemicals out of a class of more than 12,000. These ""forever chemicals", commonly found in waterproof coatings and non-stick pans, have been detected in unsafe levels in at least 38 drinking water systems in Kentucky.

The Ohio River Foundation (ORF) works to monitor state and federal enforcement of regulations and laws against polluters, as well as promote the adoption of new science-based water quality standards. They also aim to shed light on persistent "chemicals of concern" that are being allowed into drinking water sources.

Invasive species

The Ohio River is one of the most polluted rivers in the United States, with a long history of industrial pollution. The river's watershed is affected by environmental pollution from heavy industrialization, including mining, resource extraction for energy development, chemical production, and durable goods manufacturing. This has resulted in the discharge of toxic chemicals, including legacy pollutants such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxins, as well as emerging contaminants like PFAS and Gen-X chemicals.

In addition to chemical pollution, the Ohio River also faces the issue of invasive species, which have been introduced through increased globalization and intercontinental commerce. Invasive species in the Ohio River watershed include non-native insects, aquatic animals, birds, mammals, and plants, all of which negatively impact the region's environment. One of the most notable aquatic invasive species is the zebra mussel, which was transported from Europe and has disrupted food webs while contributing to the extinction of native mussels. Other invasive plants, such as honeysuckle, have aggressive growth habits and produce toxins that impact the survival of native plants and animals.

The Ohio River Foundation (ORF) is actively working to remove invasive species and restore aquatic and non-aquatic habitats. They prioritize removing non-native species and planting native species that have co-evolved with the local flora and fauna. Native plants act as buffers for waterways, reducing erosion and absorbing harmful pollutants. By restoring native habitats, the ORF aims to protect the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Ohio River Basin.

The presence of invasive species in the Ohio River is a significant concern, and efforts are being made to address this issue through habitat restoration and the removal of non-native species. By prioritizing the health of the river and its surrounding ecosystems, organizations like the ORF are working towards ensuring the endurance of the Ohio River's cultural, historical, and ecological significance.

Climate change

The Ohio River is one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. In 2020, industries dumped more toxic pollution into the Ohio River than any other US watershed. Power plants and industrial facilities released at least 193.6 million pounds of toxic pollution into the river, including chemicals known to cause cancer and reproductive and developmental issues. The river has a history of industrial pollution, with toxins such as mercury and PCBs released by coal, petroleum, and steel industries lingering in the water and causing health issues for fish and people who consume them.

The Ohio River Basin Alliance (ORBA) is developing a plan to restore the basin and address urgent threats, including toxic pollution, sewage contamination, runoff, and flooding. ORBA is a coalition of more than 300 groups spanning government, industry, universities, and nonprofits. They have a wealth of data from public health and environmental regulatory agencies, planners, academics, and community listening sessions to inform their plan.

The nonprofit American Rivers listed the Ohio River as the second-most endangered river in the nation in 2023, citing the watershed's history of mining and industrialization, chemical pollution, acid mine drainage, and other threats. They called on Congress to act and provide federal designation and investment to protect this vital river and watershed.

The Ohio River Basin is home to 30 million people and a surprising abundance of biodiversity. Despite its challenges, the river remains rich in plant and animal diversity and holds significant cultural and historical value. Advocates are working to restore the ecosystem, boost the economy, and confront environmental injustices. There is a need for federal investment to protect public health and safeguard the drinking water of the communities along the river.

Nutrient runoff

The Ohio River is a source of drinking water for more than 5 million people. However, it is also one of the most polluted rivers in the United States, receiving toxic pollution from industrial facilities, agricultural runoff, and untreated wastewater.

Agricultural practices, such as the use of fertilizers and manure, contribute to nutrient runoff into the Ohio River. While some farmers have implemented measures to reduce runoff, such as creating buffer zones around streams, the impact of nutrient pollution on the river remains a concern.

In addition to agricultural sources, urban areas also contribute to nutrient runoff. Stormwater runoff from paved surfaces, such as roofs, parking lots, and sidewalks, can carry nutrients and pollutants directly into rivers and creeks. Combined sewer systems in older cities can also contribute to nutrient runoff, as they are designed to convey stormwater and raw sewage to treatment plants, leading to overflow during heavy rains.

The cumulative impact of nutrient runoff and other chemical discharges on human health, terrestrial animals, and aquatic life is not yet fully understood. However, there is growing recognition of the need to address nutrient pollution in the Ohio River to protect the health and well-being of the communities and ecosystems that depend on it.

Sewage contamination

The Ohio River is a source of drinking water for more than 5 million people. However, it is also one of the most polluted rivers in the United States. The river's banks are highly populated and industrialized, and it has been used as a dumping ground for cities and industries for generations. This has led to the river being contaminated with various pollutants, including toxic chemicals, heavy metals like mercury, and sewage.

In addition to the sewage overflow, there is also a concern of untreated sewage being released into the river due to aging and underfunded infrastructure. In Martin County, Kentucky, for example, broken pipes have resulted in significant water loss, with an estimated 70% of drinking water being lost. This has allowed contaminants to leach into the water system, endangering the health of those who rely on the river for drinking water and recreational activities.

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) was established in 1948 to address the pollution issues in the river and set baseline water quality standards. While there has been some progress in cleaning up the river, there is still much work to be done to ensure safe and clean water for the millions of people who depend on it.

Environmental organizations, such as Three Rivers Waterkeeper, are advocating for stronger regulation and enforcement to hold polluting industries accountable and protect this precious water resource for future generations.

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