The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to the Clean Water Act, potentially undermining protections for significant water resources in Ohio. This proposal could impact over 265,000 acres of wetlands and around 50,000 miles of streams across the state.
Details of the Proposed Changes
The new regulation aims to limit federal protections to wetlands that hold surface water during the wet season and are directly connected to continuous bodies of water. Angela Blatt, senior agriculture policy manager at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, voiced concerns that these changes could expose essential wetlands and streams to pollution from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and urban development.
The proposed rule is a direct response to the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of Sackett v. EPA, which altered the legal definition of a “Water of the United States.” According to Jon Devine, director of freshwater ecosystems at the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), even a mild interpretation of the ruling significantly weakened wetland protections nationwide. He believes the current proposal extends beyond what the Supreme Court mandated.
Implications for Ohio’s Wetlands
The NRDC estimates that up to 96% of Ohio’s wetlands could potentially lose federal protections under this proposal. The organization has prepared a Geographic Information System (GIS) survey outlining various scenarios ranging from damaging to extremely damaging consequences, depending on how the Supreme Court ruling is interpreted.
Notable areas, particularly wetlands along the Cuyahoga River and its tributaries, would see their protections lifted with the new federal definition. Specifically, Tinkers Creek, the largest tributary of the Cuyahoga, would lose protections across substantial areas of its watershed, affecting numerous communities and local parks located within the region.
Local Reactions and Concerns
Erica Matheny, executive director of Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners, highlighted the importance of these wetlands by describing them as essential in preserving the health of regional ecosystems. She noted that without sufficient protections, vital resources such as Cuyahoga Valley National Park and other metro parks could be jeopardized.
Wetlands play a critical role in filtering toxins from water before it enters the rivers, lakes, and streams. The loss of these protective buffers could lead to higher pollution levels in the Cuyahoga River and its tributaries.
Public Participation and Next Steps
The EPA has opened a public comment period for citizens to express their concerns about the proposed rule. Comments can be submitted until January 5. Local leaders and environmental advocates urge residents to voice their opinions and support measures that safeguard Ohio’s wetlands and streams.
To summarize, Ohio may face significant losses in wetland and stream protections amid ongoing changes to the Clean Water Act. Experts encourage public engagement to prevent further environmental degradation in the region.
