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.
Funding is now available from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Ohio to help Western Lake Erie Basin producers implement conservation practices on their land. Apply by Dec. 8 to be eligible for the first round of funding.
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After decades of decline, how did the community pull together to push Grand Lake St. Marys in the right direction?
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The plan establishes a total maximum daily load for phosphorus for the Maumee River Watershed.
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Gary Mescher and other farmers have not only learned, but implemented Nutrient Management Plan practices that now serve as models for how to manage agricultural runoff in the Western Lake Erie Basin.
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ODA and SWCD are hosting a series of informational meetings for farmers to learn about H2Ohio incentives, the Ohio Agriculture Conservation Initiative, best management practices and open enrollment.
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The comprehensive study found that water quality has improved tremendously over the years, with 86% of the state’s large rivers in good to excellent condition compared to just 18% in the 1980s.
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The TMDL would create a blueprint for officials to develop and implement programs and policies to improve the quality of water within the designated area.
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The 2023 algal bloom is expected to have a low severity index of 3, according to the final NOAA forecast.
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The report highlights how the improvement of nutrient management in Grand Lake St. Marys is promising for what can be accomplished in other areas of Ohio.
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This edition explores the challenges faced by Ohio agriculture due to changing weather patterns and climate.
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