Ohio's Troubled Waters 

New report shows Ohio’s water is the most polluted in the nation

On Oct. 11, Environment Ohio’s Amy Gomberg released “Troubled Waters,” a report that ranked Ohio as one of the states most plagued by industrial water pollution. In fact, the report found that more than 74 percent of Ohio’s major facilities exceeded the allowable pollution limits established in their Clean Water Act permits in 2005.

“Ohioans deserve clean waterways that are safe for drinking and recreation,” said Amy Gomberg, environmental advocate with Environment Ohio. “Today, we are calling on Ohio’s leaders to uphold the Clean Water Act by cracking down on companies whose water pollution has exceeded their permits and by ensuring that Ohioans have the information they need to protect their health and the health of their families.”  

Using the Freedom of Information Act, Environment Ohio obtained data on facilities’ compliance with the Clean Water Act between Jan. 1, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2005. (See sidebar for data.)

“By design, the Clean Water Act and the permitting process are in place to protect public and ecological health,” stated Tim Buckley, chair of Environmental Health Sciences at Ohio State University. “The violations documented in this report are an affront to public health.”

State action

The Ohio House of Representatives is considering House Bill 235, which would require sewage facilities to report all sewage overflow events to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the public.

“As an avid fisherman who frequents many of Ohio’s waterways, it’s extremely concerning to me that I have fished in and consumed fish from waterways that are regularly polluted with untreated waste,” said Brandon Smith, the vice president of the Ohio Game Fishing Organization.

Environment Ohio commended Rep.Scott Oelslager (North Canton), and 19 other state legislators for sponsoring HB 235, and urged the House of Representatives to enact the legislation this session.

Federal action

Over the last six years, the Bush administration has proposed or enacted numerous policies that weaken the Clean Water Act. Congress is currently considering the Clean Water Restoration Act, legislation to ensure all U.S. waterways are protected by the Clean Water Act. Environment Ohio’s staff are calling on all members of Ohio’s congressional delegation to support this important legislation.

So far, Ohio Reps. Marcy Kaptur, Dennis Kucinich, Timothy Ryan and Betty Sutton have joined 167 others in co-sponsoring the bill.