An expedited NPDES permit process for data centers could result in lower water quality in water resources. This would knowingly undermine the progress made by Ohio farmers.
Ohio EPA has recently proposed allowing data centers to obtain “general” National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for their stormwater/wastewater discharges. Currently, data centers must apply for an individual NPDES permit, which is detailed and unique to their operations.
Ohio agriculture, along with many other municipalities and industries, has spent more than a decade trying to implement specific practices such as H2Ohio to improve water quality in our state, and this proposed rule seems both inequitable and counter to the organization’s investments.
Typically, the goal of a general NPDES permit is to provide a streamlined permit application and approval process for sites that are generally consistent in their potential discharges and environmental impact, such as dry cleaners or recycling facilities.
Ohio EPA stated in the draft that if the permit process is expedited for data centers, it could result in lower water quality in water resources, but that it is necessary to keep pace with social and economic development. This would knowingly undermine the progress made by Ohio farmers.
Ohio EPA extended the public comment period on this rule, and it is important that Ohio farmers and Farm Bureau’s partners are heard on this issue. Ohio Farm Bureau has reached out to Ohio EPA and communicated concerns. We will continue advocating on behalf of our producers.
The public notice, associated fact sheet and draft general permit are available on the Ohio EPA website.
Jay Martin discusses his Pilot Watershed Project in the Western Lake Erie Basin. He is a professor of Ecological Engineering at The Ohio State University.
Read More
Chris Winslow from Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory discusses the status of Lake Erie, legacy phosphorus and other topics as well.
Read More
Aaron Wilson from Ohio State University and the Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center talks about short and long-term weather and climate trends and how the super El Niño will affect our region.
Read More
Jordan Howeischer, Ohio Farm Bureau director of water quality and research, provides some history on water quality in Ohio and what the industry has accomplished since the 2014 Toledo Water shutdown.
Read More
In response to an editorial published in Toledo Blade, Ohio Farm Bureau sent a letter sharing the decades-long commitment to conservation by Ohio farmers.
Read More
The report provides insight into measurable progress in conservation practices and Ohio farmers’ continued commitment to water quality.
Read More
The report provides a data-driven look at conservation practices across the Western Lake Erie Basin and emphasizes farmers are doing their part in water quality.
Read More
Jay Martin of Ohio State and Jordan Hoewischer join the podcast to break down the recent research and advocacy efforts helping drive that progress.
Read More
Ohio EPA has recently proposed allowing data centers to obtain ‘general’ National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for their stormwater/wastewater discharges.
Read More
The network was established in fall 2015 on farms in Hardin and Hancock counties. Nearly 200 different tours and events took place on the three farms totaling nearly 4,000 visitors in its 10-year span.
Read More
