The plan establishes a total maximum daily load for phosphorus for the Maumee River Watershed.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved Ohio’s TMDL plan to reduce the amount of phosphorus flowing from the Maumee River into Lake Erie’s western basin. The plan establishes a total maximum daily load for phosphorus for the Maumee River Watershed, with the aim to protect water quality in the western basin and support important uses like drinking water and recreation.
“Ohio Farm Bureau has never believed that a TMDL is the right path for implementing timely, effective solutions for environmental challenges,” said Jack Irvin, vice president of public policy for Ohio Farm Bureau. “For decades, row crop farmers and livestock producers, their organizations and government agencies have collaborated to find more appropriate, practical solutions for clean water throughout Ohio. The results of those efforts, including the H2Ohio initiative and farmers’ participation in federal, state and private conservation programs, have been acknowledged by EPA through this TMDL, which should send a clear message that we are on the right track to ensuring a higher level of water quality for all Ohioans.”
From the onset of the development process, Ohio Farm Bureau has been heavily involved, providing comments as early drafts were released and throughout the public comment process.
Although the organization didn’t support a TMDL, the final plan also has drawn the ire of anti-agriculture groups.
“The fact that Ohio agriculture is making progress on the water quality front is simply difficult to comprehend for those who argue farmers aren’t doing anything to improve nutrient management,” Irvin said. “With their main argument being depleted, there is sure to be some pushback as the TMDL moves forward.”
As pledged by Regional Administrator Debra Shore, EPA will employ the following additional tools:
EPA’s decision and supporting documentation are available online.
ODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read More
The survey results establish a baseline of adoption for various farming practices in the Sandusky watershed.
Read More
The Greene County Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual Test Your Well Event was free to Greene County Farm Bureau members.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau 2024 priority issues focus on business climate, regulatory environment, preserving Ohio’s farming heritage, healthy rural communities, and grassroots advocacy.
Read More
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.
Read More
After decades of decline, how did the community pull together to push Grand Lake St. Marys in the right direction?
Read More
The plan establishes a total maximum daily load for phosphorus for the Maumee River Watershed.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
