Black River Area of Concern

Background | Use Impairments RAP Status | Schedule | Progress and Achievements | Outlook Research | Publications Community Involvement | Partners | Contacts

What is an AOC and a RAP?

Background

Contaminant loadings from point sources (factories, waste water treatment plants, etc.) have been significantly reduced over the past several years. The Black River, like many major rivers across the country, is being threatened by major impacts throughout the entire watershed, not just in the industrialized areas. These impacts are caused by the way the landscape is used for urban, suburban and rural activities. Land disturbances associated with high residential growth rate and intensive agricultural practices are a particular problem. The sub-basins in the upper Black River watershed have seen more than 20% of their land eroding at a rate of 5 tons/acre/year or more. Over 17,000 acres are eroding at "excessive" levels in these areas with cropland accounting for 82% of this number.

A buffer strip of natural vegetation (a riparian corridor of trees, shrubs, and grasses) along the river and stream banks protects against the eroded material from washing quickly into the river. Unfortunately, in many areas of the Black River and its tributary systems, there has been considerable disruption of the natural riparian corridor. Without the corridor in place, significant amounts of nonpoint source pollution (runoff) enter into the Black River and its tributaries. Chemical pollutants cannot be naturally filtered out by the buffering corridor. Unchecked loadings of sediment from the disturbed land cover the stream bottoms and eliminate fish and macroinvertebrate habitat sites which can severely reduce their diversity and numbers. The suspended material can irritate and clog the gills of many fish species. The highly turbid waters may even "shade out" the light needed for aquatic plants and algae resulting in the low dissolved oxygen concentrations found in the mainstem. In addition, as the stream bottoms are filled in, the streams run shallower and wider and cause both increased stream bank erosion and flooding problems.

In response to problematic land use practices and the associated nonpoint source pollution that is threatening the river system, the Black River Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Coordinating Committee and its community partners have been working hard on finding solutions. In 1996, they passed a resolution that is a unique community based public-private initiative, aimed to combat these nonpoint source impacts through the restoration, enhancement and protection of the Black River riparian corridor. The main focus deals with assisting the private landowners who own 95% of the land along the Black River in the management of their resource. In addition, one project has the Black River RAP looking literally "from heaven to earth" to combat the nonpoint source problem. This project, called the Upper Black River Watershed Project, combines:

1. 1) Regular sampling of the waters in the upper watershed so failing and failed septic systems can be identified and located AND
2. 2) State of the art space technology to assist farmers with precision farming techniques. Here, satellites are used to accurately "map" the farm field and its crop cover for precise applications of fertilizers. This will save money and save the river system from the loadings of excess fertilizer.

All these efforts are in line with the Strategic Long Range Plan developed by the Black River RAP Coordinating Committee in 1997. This Long Range Plan, Stage 2 of the RAP Process, is intended to guide the RAP process far into the future. The initiatives covered in the Strategic Long Range Plan include the development of land conservation tools, water quality and habitat enhancement initiatives, storm water management efforts targeting pre- and post-constuction activities, sewer management initiatives addressing failed and failing septic systems, innovative county and regional planning measures using an ecologically sound watershed approach , education and community awareness programs.

Properly managing urban, suburban and rural land use practices along the Black River and the enhancement and protection of the riparian corridor will improve the quality and productivity of this valuable natural resource.

Beneficial Use Impairments

As evidenced by existing trends in the AOC, land use activities directly or indirectly relate to nonpoint source pollution that continue to affect the river system. Examples include:

• According to the 1995 U.S. Census Bureau, Lorain and Medina Counties ranked ninth and seventh, respectively, in the State of Ohio for population change increases. Populations increased by more than 10,000 in Lorain County and more than 13,000 in Medina County.
• Rehabilitation of sewer systems in some older Lorain County cities is needed to reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration of storm water into local wastewater treatment plants, which in turn reduces the amount of flow directly into the Black River and its tributaries.
• A recent study by NOACA showed many of the home sewage and semipublic sewage disposal systems are not working properly. Typically, the soils within the watershed are not ideal for septic tanks and leach fields. In addition, the home sewage disposal systems were installed at a time when water was supplied by home wells. Over the years, the use of modern household appliances and the connection to municipal water systems with their seemingly "endless" supplies have increased home water usage. The increased water usage can readily overburden the home sewage disposal systems and allow pathogens to enter directly into the Black River watershed. Finally, a lack of proper system operation and maintenance have led to the higher rates of failure. The Lorain County General Health District is attempting to develop a countywide inspection and maintenance program.
• Farmland in the watershed has disappeared at the rate of 1,000 acres per year, due to the effects of residential and commercial development pressures. In 1995, Lorain County had 141,000 acres of farmland, 12% fewer than 20 years earlier.
• Although drinking water throughout the basin meets federal standards for consumption, there are potential concerns about the future of the water supplies of Oberlin and Wellington, with a need to avoid excessive sediment concentrations during periods of water withdrawal.

These land use activities cause significant amounts of contaminated runoff (pathogens, sediment, heavy metals, oil and grease, phosphorus, nitrogen and pesticides) to enter into the Black River and its tributaries in the form of urban storm water runoff, construction site soil runoff, river bank soil erosion, agricultural soil runoff, combined/storm sewer overflow and home septic system releases. Therefore the current beneficial use impairments in the Black River AOC are now attributed primarily to these nonpoint (runoff) sources of pollution. As a result, the following beneficial use impairments have collectively been confirmed and associated with these land use impacts:

Restrictions on Fish & Wildlife Consumption:
A fish consumption advisory was issued for the lower 5 miles of the river in 1983 due to the high incidence of liver and lip cancers found in fish, particularly brown bullhead. It was determined that the tumors were associated with high concentrations of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in river sediments. The advisory warned against eating any fish species from that part of the river. Following removal of the most highly contaminated sediments in 1990, the incidence of tumors has decreased dramatically. In 1997, the fish consumption advisory was revised to restrict consumption of brown bullhead (one meal per week), freshwater drum and carp (one meal per month). The most recent studies of the bullhead fishery in the Black River has shown dramatic improvements. It is hoped this trend continues allowing for a lifting of the advisories.

Also, based on the 1993 document, "Protocol for a Uniform Great Lakes Sport Fish Consumption Advisory", the contaminant of concern is now PCB. The "Protocol" adopted a more stringent PCB guideline than the previously used FDA guideline, causing PCB concentrations in fish to now be considered at levels of concern.

The RAP has indicated that waterfowl may become contaminated while feeding in areas of concentrated toxins. Specific concern is for waterfowl, which consume zebra mussels which grow in the mainstem and near shore areas. Bird tissue sampling is needed to clarify existing conditions.

GLIN: Fish Consumption Advisories; Wildlife;
Toxic Contaminants

Tainting of Fish and Wildlife Flavor:
The RAP has evaluated this category as “UNKNOWN” rather than “IMPAIRED” due to lack of information.

GLIN: Fish; Wildlife

Degradation of Fish & Wildlife Populations:
Evaluation is based on Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) and the Modified Index of Well-Being (Miwb) for the fish communities. In the Ohio EPA intensive survey of the Black River, 18 fish species historically present were not found. It appeared that high turbidity and sedimentation were the cause of the disappearance of these primarily clear water/pollution-sensitive fish.

In contrast, according to the aforementioned indices, fish communities in the free-flowing portion of the mainstem improved in 1996 relative to 1992. This is a considrable improvement when compared to data from 1982 and 1977. A general absence of intolerant species is considered to be a point source pollution legacy and a symbol of continued watershed habitat impairment. While some improvement has been noticed for fish communities throughout the watershed, high turbidity and sedimentation (habitat impairment) appear to be the major cause of the impaired fish populations in the AOC.

In another encouraging contrast, one section of the East Fork of the East Branch of the Black River met criteria for Exceptional Warmwater Habitat Status. Habitat enhancement and protection must be directed to this area to protect some of the higher quality stream segments.

The RAP has evaluated the degradation of wildlife populations category as "UNKNOWN" rather than "IMPAIRED" due to lack of information. Information from Republic Technologies International indicates the number of active Great Blue Heron nesting sites in the Black River watershed, particularly in the vicinity of their industrial facility, have increased by a factor of six since 1993.

GLIN: Fish; Wildlife

Fish Tumors or Other Deformities:
Based upon sampling data from 1982, 1987 and 1992 the Black River mainstem and near shore area indicate a history of fish tumor and other deformities. Studies conducted by Dr. Paul Baumann of Ohio State University and Ohio Sea Grant beginning in the early 1980s established a link between high PAHs in the sediment of the Black River mainstem and liver cancers in bullhead. PAHs, not readily soluble in water, collect in the bottom sediments. The bullhead is particularly susceptible because they feed off the river's bottom where the contaminants collect. Further research documented a decline in PAHs in sediment and subsequent decline in fish tumors coincident with the closure of the USS/KOBE coking facility on the river. Liver tumor frequency was last studied at two through four years post-dredging (1992, 1993, 1994), revealing a very high cancer prevalence in 1992 and 1993 with a sharp decline in 1994 centered in the youngest age group studied (age three). The 1992 and 1993 numbers represented a large increase in tumor prevalence over the 1987 survey, which was four years after the coke plant closure but prior to dredging. In 1994 the incidence of tumors decreased due to the removal of contaminated sediment. In the most recent study conducted in 1997, the incidence of tumors has further declined. (For more information, please contact Dr. Paul Baumann, BRD-USGS Research Station at OSU: phone: (614) 292-7432; fax: (614) 292-7432; E-mail: baumann.1@OSU.edu)

GLIN: Fish; Toxic Contaminants

Bird or Animal Deformities or Reproductive Problems:
It is unknown if this beneficial use is impaired. Research is needed before an evaluation can be made.

GLIN: Birds

Degradation of Benthos:
Evaluation is based on Ohio EPA’s Invertebrate Community Index (ICI) for the benthos communities. High turbidity and sedimentation appear to be the major cause of the impaired benthos populations in the AOC.

Restrictions on Dredging Activities:
The contaminated sediments dredged in the vicinity of the closed USS/KOBE coking facility were dredged and placed into a confined hazardous waste landfill on USS/KOBE property. Sediments were heavily polluted with the metals zinc, cadmium, iron, lead, chromium and arsenic in the mainstem and a PAH (benzo (b) flouranthene), and heavy metals arsenic and iron in the harbor area.

Sediments are routinely sampled, analyzed, and dredged from the ship channel and are disposed of in an Army Corps of Engineers Confined Disposal Facility located adjacent to the East Breakwater Shorearm of Lorain Harbor. Currently, The Corps dredges about every two years, pulling approximately 160,000 cubic yards of sediment from the harbor and ship channel.

GLIN: Dredging

Eutrophication or Undesirable Algae:
Increased nutrient loadings remain a problem in many areas of the watershed. The excess nutrients come from sewage treatment facilities, over-fertilization of lawns, from areas with failed, failing, and direct discharge home sewage systems and from agricultural runoff.

Restrictions on Drinking Water Consumption, or Taste & Odor:
There are no public water supply intakes in the mainstem of the Black River. However, there are two communities that obtain their water from the Upper Black River Watershed. These communities may potentially be seasonally impaired due to excessive sediment during periods of withdrawal.

GLIN: Water Quality

Beach Closings:
Two public swimming beaches are located near the AOC. High bacteria levels after storm events make this a periodic impairment. Swimming is not advised for a period of one to two days following a rainstorm, or when bacteria levels are high enough to warrant posting of the beach. Public access to the lower mainstem of the river, although fairly limited due to its industrial and urban nature, is impaired due to a contact advisory.

GLIN: Beaches; Recreation

Degradation of Aesthetics:
Despite limited qualitative data, methodology limitations and lack of common standards, aesthetics are considered impaired throughout the AOC. Streambank erosion of the waterways with natural debris, trash, detergents, solids and odor from failing septic systems contributes to degradation of aesthetics. In addition, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and improper dumping are increasingly found throughout the AOC.

Increased nutrient loadings remain a problem in many areas of the watershed. The excess nutrients come from sewage treatment facilities, over-fertilization of lawns, from areas with failed, failing, and direct discharge home sewage systems and from agricultural runoff.

Degradation of Phytoplankton & Zooplankton Populations:
The RAP has evaluated this category as “UNKNOWN” rather than “IMPAIRED” due to lack of information.

Added Cost to Agriculture & Industry:
The RAP has determined that a low potential exists for impairment, based upon Water Quality Standards for agricultural water use and industrial water use. These standards are based on the assessment of the frequency and duration of the presence of adequate flow volumes to meet withdrawal needs.

GLIN: Economy

Loss of Fish & Wildlife Habitat:
Low to moderate Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) scores result from channel modifications due to bank protection work and increased or diverted runoff. As has been repeatedly stated, in-stream sedimentation is problematic throughout the basin as evidenced by degraded fish communities. Wetland, riparian and upland habitats have been affected or eradicated by land use alterations.

Channelization, deepening and widening of the lower three miles of the river for commercial navigation replaced the natural river/shoreline habitat with steel and concrete bulkheads, leaving only a narrow strip of shallow water habitat. Upstream habitat is affected by numerous low level dams and elevated sedimentation rates.

GLIN: Habitat; Wildlife

RAP Status

Preparation of the RAP reports and plans are done by the BRCC noted above, with assistance from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), which provides secretariat and planning support to the RAP. The Ohio EPA also provides planning support to the RAP. The RAP chair resides with the Lorain County General Health District. Technical and implementation work is conducted through various work groups established around specific issue areas.

Schedule

Meetings:

• The main organization associated with the Black River RAP is called the Black River RAP Coordinating Committee (BRCC). Its meetings are held in January, March, May, July, September and November, usually on the second Monday of the month. All meetings are open to the public.
• Various work group meetings are held on an as-needed basis. All meetings are open to the public.

RAP Milestones:

• The Black River RAP develops a priorities list for 2001 and expands upon their Long Range Plans for remedial action.
• The Lorain County Community Development Department received an Ohio Small Cities Community Development Black Grant to create a Farmland Retention Report.
• The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency adopts the Clean Water 2000 Plan, part of the regional water quality management plan.
• The Black River Remedial Action Plan completes ten years of action within the watershed.

1999

• The Lorain County Soil and Water Conservation District established a Technical Advisory Committee to discuss and plan educational opportunities, community outreach and identification of possible demonstration projects in the Black River watershed.
• The Lorain County commissioners received a grant from the Great Lakes Commission to start up a county urban sediment control program.
• The Ohio EPA publishes the "Biological and Water Quality Study of the Black River Basin." This report shows some improvements but notes a decided problem with dissolved oxygen concentrations in the mainstem, particularly in the sections dredged for navigation. The four major NPDES dischargers to the lower Black River join efforts to develop a Lower Black River Water Quality Study. This study will develop a computer model of the lower river to determine the causes of the depletion in concentrations of dissolved oxygen

1998

• The Black River RAP and the International Joint Commission co-sponsored a public symposium in Lorain entitled "Protecting What's Been Gained in the Black River."
• The Black River RAP received a RAP Achievement Award from the International Joint Commission.
• The Black River RAP was awarded a Merit of Honorable Mention in the Natural Resource Category at the Northern Ohio Live Awards of Achievement Reception.

1997

• Adoption of the Black River RAP Long Range Plan (Stage Two).
• The Upper Black River Watershed Project is given federal 319 Program support for the years 1998-2000.
• The Model Township Comprehensive Plan: A Lorain County Township Adaptation Project is funded by the Ohio Lake Erie Protection Fund.
• Official Launch of the Black River Stream Team projects.
• The Ohio EPA conducts its intensive water quality study of the Black River.

1996

• Adoption of the Black River RAP Riparian Corridor Resolution.
• Conducted “Stage Two” Black River RAP Retreat at Lorain County Metro Parks Carlisle Facility. Facilitated by The Ohio State University’s Department of Public Policy.
• The Great Lakes Watershed Initiative Project is launched in the Black River Watershed with The Conservation Fund, the Ohio EPA and the Black River RAP.
• Launched the Black River Watershed Education Project, sponsored by Oberlin College and Seventh Generation.

1994

• Completion of the Black River RAP Stage One Report.

1992

• Conducted “Stage One” Black River RAP Retreat at Oberlin College.
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Progress and Achievements

• The Black River RAP Study Team was reconvened to assess any observable changes in the beneficial use impairments of the Black River. The Team had much difficulty in addressing the beneficial uses and impairments to them. Current thought is that RAPs and AOCs began during a time of greater impacts from point sources. Point source impacts have been lessened considerably in the past several years and controlling them were more easily accomplished by regulatory means. Impacts from non-point source pollution, traditionally seen by the public as less severe, are also more difficult to identify and then remediate. The Study Team decided to adjourn and wait for the results of the Lower Black River Water Quality Model and the TMDL study to be conducted by the Ohio EPA in 2001. In the meantime, the RAP will attempt to increase the educational activities to gain public support for remedial measures to non-point source impacts once they can be fully identified.

• An Urban Sediment Control Specialist was hired for Lorain County utilizing funds from a Great Lakes Commission grant to the County Commissioners. The specialist, working out of the Lorain Soil and Water Conservation District office, will develop a program to help reduce environmental damages caused by urban development.

  

• A Lower Black River Water Quality Model is being developed. The dredged shipping channel has been consistently plagued by severely lowdissolved oxygen concentrations. In the 1999 OhioEPA study, Biological and Water Quality Study of the Black River Basin, it was noted that the principal water quality problem with the Black River main stem is a reduction in dissolved oxygen in the shipping channel. Recognizing this depletion as a major factor in the poor habitat conditions noted in the lake-influenced reach of the main stem, an initiative to perform a study of the main stem was started by four RAP members. A very extensive sampling regime commenced in January 2001, with OhioEPA's assistance. The initiative also includes assistance from USGS and USEPA. The study will produce a "mini-TMDL" of the Black River main stem, where the causes of the oxygen depletion are determined. Using the model, the proper, or most effective remedial effort can be identified.

• A Ditch Habitat Study received funding by the USEPA. This study consists of demonstration projects that evaluate the biological and habitat impacts from varied levels of ditch cleaning. Before and after monitoring of water quality and habitat (by QHEI) will hopefully show that ditch cleaning can facilitate necessary flows, but also respects and preserves habitat. The study is administered by the Lorain SWCD.

• The Lorain Port Authority developed a Master Plan for the Grove Site, which is a brownfield development along the Black River mainstem. The Port Authority has included many of the recommendations of the Black River RAP Coordinating Committee including:
  1) Decreasing the amount of shoreline to be hard-armored (sheet piled),
  2) The protection of the majority of the natural shoreline of this section of the Black River main stem, and
  3) The establishment of additional shoreline habitat by the creation of a manmade aquatic habitat shelf in the river.

  (If sufficient funding is available, the Grove Site streambank restoration may be expanded to more of the Black River mainstem. There have been discussions with the City and Port Authority to include the purchase of additional property along the Black River mainIn response to the connection between problematic land use practices and the nonpoint source pollution associated with those practices, the Black River Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Coordinating Committee and its community partners passed a resolution on January 8, 1996. This resolution is a unique community based public-private initiative. It aims to combat non-point source impacts through the restoration, enhancement and protection of the Black River riparian corridor and its associated natural resources. An aggressive and comprehensive implementation plan, called the 1997 Black River RAP Long Range Plan has been developed to guide the Black River RAP process far into the future. The following projects support the Black River RAP, its 1996 Riparian Corridor Resolution or its 1997 Long Range Plan.stem where similar enhancement and protection efforts could be planned.)

• The Upper Black River Watershed Project, funded by the section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Program, is nearing completion. This project consists of two components:
  1) Addressing non-point source impacts throughout the watershed by way of the utilization of precision farming techniques. This program will demonstrate practices that lessen the impact of agricultural non-point source pollution.
  2) Identification of areas with failed and failing home sewage disposal systems (HSDS). This program will allow the county health departments to develop and implement a HSDS maintenance and inspection program. Part of this program is to include a public outreach and education portion that explains the links between improperly maintained HSDS's and nonpoint source pollution.

• The Village of Lodi applied for funds from the new Ohio EPA-DEFA Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program. This project, if funded, will add monetary resources to a streambank remediation plan that began in 1999 as a Supplemental Enforcement Project. Approximately $2-2.5 million will be added by the WRRSP to enhance, restore, and protect wetlands, eroding stream banks, aquatic and buffer habitats, and riparian corridors along the East and West Forks of the Black River. A new wetland will be constructed to receive the effluent of the upgraded Lodi wastewater treatment plant.

• The Lorain Port Authority began discussions with the Black River RAP Coordinating Committee in dealing with the problem of the Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) located at the river's mouth. The CDF, which receives the spoils from the dredging of the ship channel, is nearing capacity. Alternative solutions to the disposal of the spoils at this site need to be identified.

• The Black River RAP Coordinating Committee developed a Remediation Site Identification Subcommittee. The Subcommittee will assess identified sites, and if remedial action is needed, the Coordinating Committee will attempt to locate funds and/or the human power to get the remediation efforts accomplished.

In response to the connection between problematic land use practices and the nonpoint source pollution associated with those practices, the Black River Remedial Action Plan (RAP) Coordinating Committee and its community partners passed a resolution on January 8, 1996. This resolution is a unique community based public-private initiative. It aims to combat non-point source impacts through the restoration, enhancement and protection of the Black River riparian corridor and its associated natural resources. An aggressive and comprehensive implementation plan, called the 1997 Black River RAP Long Range Plan has been developed to guide the Black River RAP process far into the future. The following projects support the Black River RAP, its 1996 Riparian Corridor Resolution or its 1997 Long Range Plan.

The Upper Black River Watershed Project:
A federal grant of $300,000 through the Ohio 319 Program, matched by $294,055 in local/state in-kind and monetary contributions for a combined total of $594,055 was received for this project. The project involves the Lorain Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), Lorain County General Health District, Medina County Health Department, Seventh Generation (sponsor/fiscal agent), Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio EPA. Project Summary Highlights: The Lorain SWCD will be providing $140,000 in cost-share monies for farmers in Lorain County to implement a nutrient management program using precision farming techniques (uses state-of-the-art satellite technology). They have also received $40,000 from ODNR to establish gully erosion practices in agriculture crop areas along the Upper West Branch of the Black River in Lorain County. The Lorain County General Health District and the Medina County Health Department have collectively received $75,000 to implement an in-depth investigation/survey and sampling of known and suspected "on-site septic and aeration disposal systems" in Lorain and Medina County portions of the Black River watershed. This survey will be supported by a GIS database. The survey and sampling data collected will support the implementation of maintenance and inspection programs for the Lorain and Medina County portions of the Black River watershed. Seventh Generation has received approximately $60,000 to assist the health departments in their bacterial sampling of on-site septic and aeration disposal system failures in Lorain and Medina County portions of the Black River watershed. Seventh Generation will also provide fiscal/administrative oversight of the grant.

The Model Township Comprehensive Plan: A Lorain County Township Adaptation:
$71,110 in state Lake Erie Protection Fund (LEFP) monies matched by $70,000 in local/state/federal in-kind contributions for a combined total of $141,110 have been received for this project. Project Partners include the Lorain County Commissioners, the Lorain County Community Development Department and the Ohio EPA. A consultant has been hired to help Carlisle Township (a rural/suburban mix township that includes both branches of the Black River in Lorain County, Ohio) develop a comprehensive Township Plan that incorporates natural resource and open space protection, flood control and non-point source pollution abatement measures. GIS support staff will be hired to develop a Carlisle Township land use database that will compliment zoning changes to the Township Plan. Carlisle Township will have access to a volunteer team of natural resource and conservation experts for forming their Township Plan. Also, a consultant will be hired to assist Lorain County in developing a Community Guide on how to develop Township Comprehensive Land Use Plans using the Carlisle Township Plan as the model.

Northeast Ohio Water Quality Management Plan:
In 1975, the Governor of the State of Ohio designated the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) as the Water Quality Management Agency under Section 208 of the Clean Water Act. NOACA continues to serve in this capacity on behalf of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. The Northeast Ohio Four County Planning and Development Organization (NEFCO) serves the same role in Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne Counties. Together, NOACA and NEFCO are undertaking a major update of the regions Water Quality Management Plans, which were originally developed in the late '70's. A 208 Water Quality Planning Task Force has been formed to assist in this undertaking. The Task Force includes representatives of municipalities, counties, sanitary sewer agencies, boards of health, planning commissions, county park districts, soil and water conservation districts and watershed advisory bodies from each of the counties in the Northeast Ohio 208 planning area. They are charged with updating the Northeast Ohio 208 Water Quality Management Plan to guide future land use and watershed management decisions in the region. For more information, please contact John Beeker, an Environmental Planner for NOACA (216-241-2414 ext 250)) or Claude Custer, a Water Quality Planner for NEFCO (330-836-5731).

Lorain County Metro Parks Wetland Restoration Projects: Carlisle Woods Project and the North Ridgeville Sandy Ridge Project
Carlisle Woods Project: The Lorain County Metro Parks in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) put about 150 acres of the parks' Carlisle Reservation in the USDA's Wetland Reserve Program. Through an agreement, the USDA paid about $107,000 for an easement to do restoration projects, and Metro Parks officials agreed to manage the land according to regulations in the program. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Program in Elyria worked locally with the Metro Parks on the project.

North Ridgeville Sandy Ridge Project: Lorain County Metro Parks and the Lorain Building: Industries Association have completed work on a 130-acre wetlands park within the municipal limits of the City of North Ridgeville. The park features a picnic-playground area and water-covered acreage with an elaborate series of floating walkways and habitats to give visitors a close-up look at vegetation and animals that live in a wetland setting. Development of the park was a part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' national mitigation program designed to preserve and create wetland areas.

Constructed Wetland Sewage Treatment:
A remarkable experiment in wetland-based sewage treatment is taking place in the Black River AOC. In early 1993, the Lorain County General Health District recognized the need for an alternative to the conventional septic system for private homes. Alternative systems need to be able to handle the cold temperatures common during northeastern Ohio winters. So the Health District in 1993 initiated an experimental project using constructed wetlands to treat sewage affluent from single-family homes. Constructed wetlands are engineered ecosystems designed to clean polluted water by filtering it through a network of bacteria and anything from algae and plants to snails and fish. By 1994, twelve systems were installed at individual residential homes. The homeowners voluntarily agreed to test and pay for the wetland systems. For more information on the design of these systems or their progress, contact James Boddy, Director of Environmental Health, Lorain County General Health District, at (440) 284-3224.

Outlook

Properly managing urban, suburban and rural land use practices along the Black River through protection of the riparian corridor will improve the quality and productivity of this valuable natural resource. One area that will benefit from riparian protection once non-point source pollution is controlled is the lower 6-8 miles of the Black River (known as the lacustuary area or the Lake Erie influenced stretch). Within the Black River lacustuary area, the effects of point source pollution have been minimized to the level that the overall water quality and fish communities are on the verge of recovery. This is due to the closing of the USS/Kobe coke facility in the early 1990's and the upgrading of the Elyria Waste Water Treatment Plant. As a result, the overall water quality of this area (which includes the aquatic habitat) is nearing environmental recovery. If the local communities along the Black River continue to reduce the non-point source pollution nutrient loadings entering the lacustuary by protecting upstream riparian corridors, and do not encroach on the lacusturay's physical structure, algal abundance (feeding upon the nutrients) will decline, the re-establishment of aquatic vegetation will occur, and high quality fish communities with abundant sport fish species and rare and endangered species will return. In addition, to the benefit of the sports fishing industry and endangered fish species, this area of the Black River could be known as a unique high quality environment and attract visitors and recreationalists from throughout the Lake Erie area.

The Black River RAP and its community partners have been making a difference. Through the support of the Riparian Corridor Resolution and the Communications/Education Programs, the Black River RAP and its community partners have fostered a new and heightened awareness to protect this area.

Research

• A Remedial Site Identification Sub-Committee is set up by the Black River RAP in 2000. This sub-committee will inventory and prioritize river sites for potential remedial action and develop the funding opportunities and manpower resources need.
• As an outcome of the 1994 Stage One Report, which identified home sewage disposal systems as a major contributing source of bacteria in the watershed, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency received a grant in 1999 from the Lake Erie Protection Fund to conduct a study of home septic systems and semi-public sewage disposal systems in a seven county area.
• In 1999, Dr. Paul Baumann of Ohio State University and the USGS Field Service Station releases a report entitled, "Health of the Bullhead in an Urban Fishery After Remedial Dredging." The report shows the Black River population of Brown Bullhead catfish is living longer and with less evidence of tumors and cancers than observed in previous studies. Previous studies documented the effects of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) polluted river sediments. These polluted sediments were a legacy of steel mill coking operations on the Black River. The 1999 report shows the recovery of the fish after the polluted sediments were dredged.
• The City of Lorain conducted extensive sampling around Lakeview Park and Century Park from 1994 -1997.
• The Ohio EPA Biological Water Quality Study of the Black River (with selected tributaries) and Beaver Creek, 1994 and 1997.
• Ohio EPA completed fish tissue surveys in 1992, 1994 and 1997.
• Dr Paul Baumann of the National Biological Survey and the Ohio State University received funding to carry out fish tumor analyses in the Black River in 1992, 1993 and 1994. This data builds on that collected in 1982 and 1987.
• The Friends of the Black River undertook sampling throughout the watershed in 1993 with the assistance of a grant from the Black River Research Fund.
• Mr. Craig Limpach undertook a limited survey of birds and small mammal populations along the Black River in 1992 with funding assistance form the Black River RAP Research Fund.
• Ohio EPA conducted a short survey of fecal coliform levels in 1992.
• The Findlay Lake Study identified the need to upgrade the package plants that discharge to the Lake.
• The Lorain County General Health District is monitoring the performance of ten constructed wetland sewage treatment systems in an attempt to assess the use of these systems to provide a cost-effective alternative for safe treatment of residential and commercial sewage.
• The Black River Study Group at Oberlin College had been funded to provide hunter/fisher opinion surveys in 1993 and 1994.
• USS/KOBE has been providing annual updates on Blue Heron rookery populations in the vicinity of its facility along the Black River mainstem.
• John Carrol University researchers assessed algae at four Lake Erie estuaries, including the Black River.
• Dr. Susan Fisher of The Ohio State University, along with the assistance of Dr. John Estenek of the Ohio EPA, is undergoing an assessment of toxicity in several watersheds including the Black River involving turtles. Additional data needs will be developed following the completion of this work.

Publications

• Black River Remedial Action Plan: 2000 Activity Summary
• 2000 Bathing Beach Summary: Produced by the City of Lorain Health Department, it shows many of the swimming advisories at near shore beaches are linked to storm events and associated contaminated runoff.
• 1999: A guidebook, Streambank Guide for Homeowners, is developed by the Lorain County Soil and Water Conservation District through a grant from the Great Lakes Commission. The guidebook is intended to help homeowners learn more about protecting stream banks from erosion utilizing bioengineering techniques.
• 1999 Annual Update of the Black River Remedial Action Plan: Produced for the Black River RAP by NOACA. It identifies the progress made by partners in the Black River watershed during 1999 to protect and to improve water quality.
• Canesadooharie: A newsletter of the Black River RAP initiated by Seventh Generation as part of education grants from the Ohio EPA and NOACA.
• A series of pamphlets were prepared and distributed by the Lorain County Community Development Department. Many of these pamphlets deal with development issues in and around the Black River watershed. These timely pieces were designed to help inform the public and elected officials in the area of proper land management, especially in response to the increasing development pressures in the eastern townships as Greater Cleveland expands westward. They include:
   • NPDES Storm Water Phase II Regulations
   • Major Subdivision Review Procedures
   • Minor Subdivisions in Lorain County
   • Developing Land in Lorain County
   • Developing Land in the 100-Year Floodplain
  
• Explorations of a Watershed - The Natural History of the Black River: A wonderful compilation of subjects pertaining to the various stages and ages of the Black River. It was compiled by Brad Masi and published as part of the Watershed Education Partnership Project between Oberlin College and Seventh Generation. Some of the subject matter was written by RAP members Cheryl Wolfe and Ted Conlin and gleaned through interviews of RAP members Karl Schneider and Tom Holmes.
• The International Joint Commission released a report based on the document "Protecting What Has Been Gained In The Black River." The 1999 report can be accessed on the web at: www.ijc.org/boards/wqb/black/cover.html.
• 1999 - The Ohio EPA's report on the water quality study conducted in 1997 available on the Agency's Division of Surface Water's web page: www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/rap/blackdocs.html
• 1998 - Four Fact Sheets, called "Black River RAP Sheets" developed by Seventh Generation, a member of the Black River Coordinating Committee.
• 1997 - Black River RAP Long Range Plan: The Black River RAP has developed a Strategic Long Range Plan, which provides an on-going focus for RAP activities. The Plan forms the core of the RAP Stage Two Report called for by the agreement with the International Joint Commission, which initiated the RAP process throughout the Great Lakes. The Strategic Long Range Plan identifies the goals and objectives of the RAP. It includes an Annual Work Plan that guides the RAP and assists in the attainment of the stated objectives.
• 1996 - Black River RAP Riparian Corridor Resolution: Passed in January 1996, the Black River RAP and its associated partners through this unique public-private initiative will seek out cooperative and voluntary arrangements, develop programs to increase awareness and seek funding to support Black River restoration, enhancement and protection, including implementation of best management practices.
• 1995, 1996, 1997, & 1998 - Black River RAP Annual Report: Highlights yearly activities and accomplishments.
• 1994 Black River RAP Stage One Report:This report focuses on the pollution problems and use impairments that affect the Black River AOC. The report references related research information and makes suggestions for Stage Two Implementation activities.

Community Involvement

• GLOBE - Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment sponsorship through NASA, NSF, and NOAA
• WET - Watershed Education for Teachers
• Watershed Education Partnership Project - Oberlin College/Seventh Generation watershed course
• The Adopt-A-Watershed program conducted a four-day Environmental Leadership Institute for local educators in June 2000.

• Mother Earth Sings - A Seventh Generation springtime environmental fair in Cascade Park, usually attended by several hundred children and their families.
• The Environmental Science Fair - An environmental day camp for gifted students of Lorain County.

The Black River RAP is looking for enthusiastic individuals and organizations with a desire to help improve the quality of the Black River as well as the life associated with it. The Black River is "Your River" and you can make it part of "Your Responsiblility" to help clean it up. The RAP relies on public involvement and education as a long-term solution to many of the remaining problems in the river. Your involvement and input are extremely important to the RAP process and its success. If you are interested in finding out more about a specific action group or program within the RAP, make a connection with those listed in the "Contacts" section below.

Donations are also welcome. Donations from business, industry, and local citizens, the time and resources of local, state, and federal agencies as well as the time given by many dedicated volunteers are what makes the Black River RAP a success. If you or your organization are interested, please contact Ted Conlin. He can be reached by email (click on hyperlink) or phone at (330) 963-1131.

RAP partners come in many shapes and sizes but none are more important than our volunteers. Volunteers are the key to successful remediation of many of the problems that affect the Black River. The Black River RAP is continually seeking involvement for ongoing projects and special events some of which are highlighted on this web page. If you or someone you know would like to become involved with the activities of the Black River RAP, please notify the contacts listed at the bottom of the web page. The following are highlights on how volunteers continue to advance the cause:

Black River Watershed Volunteer Monitoring:
Seventh Generation, a non-profit environmental organization in Lorain County, Ohio, has a four-step volunteer monitoring program established in conjunction with the Ohio EPA to assess the health of the Black River system. The Program, called CARE (Coordinated Assessment of River Environments) allows volunteers to choose which steps they would like to be involved with. Seventh Generation provides the necessary training and equipment. The steps include (1) Site Assessment; (2) Macro-invertebrate sampling; (3) Chemical Monitoring; and (4) Bacteria Testing.

Seventh Generation, through the support of the Black River RAP, in 1996 piloted a project to engage middle and high school students in watershed monitoring. The goal of the project is to use the RAP's need for information about non-point source pollution to build credibility with the school community, to transfer watershed information to science teachers and to develop school contacts for RAP partners. Schools participate in fieldwork to measure rain runoff and river pollution.

Black River Stream Team:
The Black River Stream Team is a voluntary group of local and state partners who strive to find free resources and expertise for landowners along the Black River who need assistance in repairing an eroded stream bank, removing a log jam obstruction or enhancing wildlife habitat. The Black River Stream Team is dedicated to increasing awareness and support of farmers, contractors, business owners, residents, government officials and others in the implementation of Black River stream riparian corridor restoration, enhancement and protection through the use of voluntary best management practices. Such practices mainly use 'natural materials' and well-established practical bio-engineering methods.

Presentations, Lectures and Displays:
The Black River RAP and its partners are often asked to give presentations to a wide array of organizations from school groups to public officials. Different members of the Black River RAP speak at such occasions, depending on the audience. The Black River RAP also regularly puts up displays at workshops, conferences and other special events to educate participants on the purpose of the RAP and outline the many activities of its partners.

Partners

The following are organizations associated with the Black River RAP Coordinating Committee:

• City of Elyria
• City of Lorain
• Lorain County Chamber of Commerce
• Lorain County Commissioners
• Lorain County Farm Bureau
• Lorain County General Health District
• Lorain County Metro Parks
• Lorain County Municipalities
• Lorain County Port Authority
• Lorain County Township
• Lorain Soil & Water Conservation District
• Lorain County Engineer
• Medina Soil & Water Conservation District
• Medina County Commission
• Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
• Ohio State University Sea Grant
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Building Industries Association of Lorain County
• LTV Steel
• Republic Technologies International
• Various Community Representatives

Contacts

Ken Pearce, Chair
Lorain County General Health District
9880 South Murray Ridge Road
Elyria, Ohio 44035
(440) 244-2209

Pamela L. Davis, RAP Secretary
Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency
668 Euclid Avenue
4th Floor, Atrium Office Plaza
Cleveland, Ohio 44114-3000
(216) 241-2414 ext. 250
pam.davis@mpo.noaca.org
Web page: www.noaca.org

Ted Conlin, Black River RAP Coordinator
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Northeast District Office
2110 East Aurora Road
Twinsburg, Ohio 44087
(330) 963-1131
ted.conlin@epa.state.oh.us
Web page: www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/rap/blk_home.html

Compiled: July 9, 2001
by John Hummer, jhummer@glc.org

Created: November 21, 1997
Revised: June 23, 2000
Maintained by Pranas Pranckevicius
URL: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/blackriver.html