The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a public comment period concerning its objection to Ohio's proposed wastewater discharge permit for Port Clinton. A public hearing is set for January 14, 2025, and the comment period will conclude on January 17, 2025.
The EPA raised objections in April 2024 regarding the reissuance of Port Clinton's wastewater discharge permit by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The primary concern is that the permit does not sufficiently limit phosphorus discharges to meet Lake Erie's water quality standards. Phosphorus is known to contribute to harmful algal blooms in the lake, which pose risks to both public health and aquatic life.
Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA has the authority to object to a state's proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Such an objection halts the permit process until a resolution is reached between agencies. Following the hearing and review of comments, "EPA will reaffirm, modify or withdraw its objection."
The request for a public hearing came from both the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Port Clinton city officials. The hearing will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on January 14 at Building 600 at Camp Perry Lodging & Conference Center in Port Clinton.
Written comments will be accepted by the EPA until 5 p.m. on January 17, 2025.
For those interested in submitting comments or reviewing related documents such as copies of the permit and EPA's objection letter, information can be found on their online docket via EPA’s website.
