Ohio Farm Bureau has been heavily involved with Ohio EPA throughout the development of this TMDL, providing comments as early drafts were released.
Ohio EPA has released its proposal for a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for the Maumee River Watershed. The purpose of the TMDL is to formulate a plan for officials to develop and implement programs and policies to improve the quality of water within the designated area. The document recognized the efforts already underway in Ohio, including H2Ohio and conservation programs funded through the farm bill.
“Although Ohio agriculture doesn’t need a TMDL to move the needle on water quality, this proposal acknowledges that the focus being put on nutrient management by Ohio farmers is a major component to reach the goal of a healthier Maumee River,” said Jack Irvin, vice president of public policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “Equally as important, it points out that the success of this TMDL demands that all sources of pollution do their part to reach the desired targets for clean water.”
Ohio Farm Bureau has been heavily involved with Ohio EPA throughout the development of this TMDL, providing comments as early drafts were released. That work continues as the organization’s public policy department combs through the over 330 page report and will provide additional comments if necessary.
The implementation of the Maumee River Watershed TMDL is still months away, as Ohio EPA finalizes its version of the proposal. It will then be reviewed by the US EPA before being considered for approval.
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