Improvements in water quality were achieved in the Ohio River watershed due primarily to the passage and enforcement of the Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1972.
However, threats continue from stormwater runoff, agricultural runoff, mercury deposition from coal-fired plants, and millions of gallons of untreated sewage that flow into the river each year from sewer overflows.
Furthermore, Over the last two years, evidence indicates that government pollution prevention and enforcement programs are not working well. Reports by USEPA, Environment America Research & Policy Center, and The New York Times indicate that:
- In 2013, polluters dumped 23 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the Ohio River making it the most toxic river in the country
- Violations of the Clean Water Act are going unprosecuted
- 49% of lakes and reservoirs are contaminated above EPA safe levels
Amazingly, in some cases this is permitted pollution; however, the number of permit violations appears to be growing. Unfortunately, the political will to enforce water pollution laws is not as strong as it needs to be.
So, under the auspices of the Protect Our Water campaign ORF conducts independent investigations to identify polluters threatening our waterways and drinking water supplies, and force compliance with the law. DONATE NOW. SUPPORT THE PROTECT OUR WATER PROGRAM.
